Dust of Snow
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
ROBERT FROST
Glossary:
hemlock: A poisonous plant (tree) with small white flowers
rued: held in regret
About the Author
Robert Lee Frost
Robert Lee Frost was a renowned American poet, celebrated for his depiction of rural life in America in the early 20th century. His poetry beautifully captures the simplicity of nature and the complexities of human life. Frost’s works are known for their realistic imagery, deep philosophical themes, and mastery of everyday language.
He won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry four times, making him one of the most honored poets in American literary history. Some of his most famous poems include "The Road Not Taken," "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," and "Mending Wall."
Frost’s poetry often explored themes of nature, choices, isolation, and the human struggle, making him a beloved figure in both American and global literature.
In this poem, Frost talks about how spending time outdoors affected him and helped change his state of mind.
Robert Frost’s poem Dust of Snow is a short yet profound reflection on how small, unexpected moments in nature can uplift one’s mood. Let’s analyze it line by line:
The way a crow
This line introduces the subject—a crow, a bird often associated with mystery, bad omens, or death in literature. However, Frost does not present it negatively but as a part of nature’s everyday occurrences.
Shook down on me
The crow, either landing on or taking off from a branch, causes something to fall on the speaker. This action is unintentional and spontaneous.
The dust of snow
This refers to light snowflakes or a fine layer of snow that falls from the tree. The phrase "dust of snow" suggests that it is a small, delicate, and almost insignificant event.
From a hemlock tree
A hemlock tree is often associated with poison and sadness, as hemlock is a toxic plant. The tree’s presence in the poem might symbolize sorrow or misfortune in the speaker’s life. However, despite its negative associations, the tree becomes the source of something positive—a moment of change.
Has given my heart
This marks a shift in tone. The unexpected snowfall has affected the speaker emotionally, touching his heart in some way.
A change of mood
The falling snow has altered the speaker’s mood, implying that he was previously upset or in a bad state of mind.
And saved some part
The phrase suggests that not all was lost. The moment has helped rescue part of the day that might have otherwise felt wasted or regretful.
Of a day I had rued.
The speaker had been regretting or feeling sorrowful about the day. However, this small incident—a simple act of nature—has provided relief and changed his perspective.
Theme & Interpretation
Frost beautifully captures the idea that even the smallest things in nature can bring about positive change. A seemingly insignificant event—snow falling from a tree—can uplift one’s spirits. The poem conveys themes of hope, transformation, and the power of nature to heal.
Summary of Dust of Snow
Robert Frost’s poem Dust of Snow describes a simple yet profound moment in nature that changes the poet’s mood. A crow, perched on a hemlock tree, unintentionally shakes down a light dusting of snow onto the speaker. Though the hemlock tree and the crow are often associated with negativity, this small event unexpectedly lifts the speaker’s spirits, relieving him of regret and saving part of his otherwise gloomy day.
Central Idea
The poem highlights the transformative power of nature in altering human emotions. It suggests that even small, seemingly insignificant moments—like snow falling from a tree—can bring about a change in perspective, turning sorrow into joy. The poet conveys that beauty and hope can emerge from unexpected places, teaching us to find happiness in the little things around us.
• Thinking about the poem
1. What is a “dust of snow”? What does the poet say has changed his mood? How has the poet’s mood changed?
- Dust of snow refers to tiny snowflakes or a light layer of snow that falls from a tree.
- The poet says that this small event—snow falling on him—has changed his mood.
- Initially, the poet was feeling sad or regretful about his day, but this moment in nature lifted his spirits, making him feel refreshed and hopeful.
2. How does Frost present nature in this poem?
(i) What are the birds that are usually named in poems? Do you think a crow is often mentioned in poems? What images come to your mind when you think of a crow?
- Birds like nightingales, doves, and swans are commonly mentioned in poetry because they symbolize beauty, love, or peace.
- A crow is rarely used in poetry, as it is often linked with bad luck, mystery, or sorrow.
- When we think of a crow, we might picture darkness, harsh cawing, or an eerie atmosphere, but in this poem, the crow plays a positive role by causing a change in the poet’s mood.
(ii) What is a hemlock tree? Why doesn’t the poet write about a more ‘beautiful’ tree such as a maple, oak, or pine?
- A hemlock tree is a poisonous tree, often associated with sadness or death.
- Instead of using a traditionally ‘beautiful’ tree like a maple or oak, Frost chooses the hemlock to show that even things linked to sorrow can bring unexpected joy.
(iii) What do the ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock’ represent—joy or sorrow? What does the dust of snow that the crow shakes off a hemlock tree stand for?
- The crow and hemlock generally symbolize sorrow or negativity, but in the poem, they lead to a positive change.
- The dust of snow represents small, unexpected moments in life that can bring happiness, even when everything seems gloomy.
3. Have there been times when you felt depressed or hopeless? Have you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?
Yes, we all experience difficult days when we feel low or regretful. However, just like in the poem, small things—a kind word from a friend, a beautiful sunset, or a smile from a stranger—can suddenly uplift our mood and make us see the day in a new light.
Poetic Devices
1. Rhyme Scheme
The poem follows an ABAB CDCD rhyme scheme, giving it a musical flow.
2. Imagery
Frost uses vivid imagery to create a picture in the reader’s mind.
“Dust of snow” evokes a visual image of tiny snowflakes falling.
“Hemlock tree” and “crow” create a cold, wintry atmosphere.
3. Symbolism
Crow and Hemlock tree: Often associated with negativity, they symbolize sorrow or gloom. However, in this poem, they bring about a positive change, suggesting that even unpleasant things can lead to happiness.
Dust of Snow: Represents small, unexpected moments that can uplift one’s mood.
4. Alliteration
The repetition of consonant sounds enhances the poem’s rhythm.
“Has given my heart” (Repetition of ‘h’ sound)
“Saved some part” (Repetition of ‘s’ sound)
5. Inversion (Anastrophe)
The usual sentence structure is reversed for poetic effect.
“The way a crow / Shook down on me / The dust of snow”
Instead of saying "A crow shook down the dust of snow on me," Frost rearranges the words for emphasis.
6. Enjambment
The sentences continue onto the next line without a pause, making the poem flow smoothly.
“Has given my heart / A change of mood”
7. Metaphor
“Dust of snow” metaphorically represents a small, transformative moment that changes the speaker’s emotions.