Extract-Based Questions
Q. 1. 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.
Question. Identify the option that DOES NOT use the word ‘rue’ correctly.
(a) The film was a disaster and he rued his decision to act in it.
(b) I am sure she rued the day she listened to a fortune-teller.
(c) It wasn’t long before I rued my disobedience and my deceit.
(d) Others finally rue the one who is dishonest and heartless.
Answer : D
Question. Of the many symbols the hemlock tree represents, choose the one that Frost drew upon in all likelihood, for this poem.
symbol of
(a) longevity.
(b) togetherness.
(c) healing.
(d) protection.
Answer : C
Question. Synecdoche is a poetic device that uses a part to represent the whole. E.g.
That’s a great set of wheels! (Set of wheels has been used for car.)
Pick an example of synecdoche from the poem.
(a) Has given my heart / A change of mood.
(b) The way a crow/ Shook down on me.
(c) The dust of snow / From a hemlock tree.
(d) And saved some part / Of a day I had rued.
Answer : A
Question. Choose the option that lists the possible feelings of the poet prior to the experience shared in the poem.
(1) reassured (2) disappointed
(3) curious (4) demotivated
(5) thankful (6) disheartened
(7) impulsive
(a) 1,3 & 7
(b) 2, 4 & 6
(c) 5 & 7
(d) 1 & 3
Answer : B
Question. Choose the option showing the reason NOT corresponding with “... a crow/ Shook down on me / The dust of snow”.
(a) The crow’s landing on the branch of the tree.
(b) The shivering of the crow, due to the cold.
(c) The readjustment of position of the crow on the branch.
(d) The cawing of the crow hidden in the foliage.
Answer : D
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question. What does the presence of a hemlock tree tell you about the setting of the poem?
Answer : The poem presents a perfect setting. The hemlock tree is a symbol of sadness. The poet’s mood was also sad. But the falling off the dust of snow changed the poet’s mood.
Question. Rationalise what you think the poet was probably doing when the dust of snow fell on him?
Answer : Before the dust of fell on the poet he was in a depressed mood. He didn’t want to do anything. So far, the day had been quite gloomy and wastage for him.
Question. The dusting of snow on account of the crow helped to make the poet’s day better. How do you think the crow’s droppings might have impacted the poet?
Answer : The dust of snow removed all the laziness of the poet. It saved the whole day of the poet. The crow’s droppings might have ruined the poet’s mood from bad to worst.
Short Answer Type Questions
Question. The poem evokes a sense of black and white. Justify.
Answer : In the poem ‘Dust of Snow’, the poet wants to convey that sometimes certain moments or actions which are simple have larger significance. They can change the mood or life of a person. The way a crow shakes down the dust of snow on the poet inspires and gives him the idea to shake off his depressive thoughts and become cheerful.
Question. ‘Dust of Snow’ is one of Frost’s most loved poems. Elaborate why you think this is so.
Answer : Dust of snow’ is a beautiful poem written by Robert Frost. It depicts a simple moment, but it is of great significance. The poet is depressed and has lost all hope. He is sitting under a hemlock tree. A small incident changes his sad mood. The poem teaches us that one should never be desperate and hopeless.
Question. The crow and hemlock are usually used as negative references in literature. How is this different in this poem?
Answer : The crow and hemlock tree are used as a negative means to demonstrate the mood of the poet. Often the crow is symbol of ill omen and the hemlock tree is a poisonous one. But the poet used them beautifully to portray the fact that inauspicious things too can bring joy and happiness.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question. As a crow you feel highly injured by the incorrect perception humans have about your species.
Imagine yourself to be a crow and write your opinion about this prejudice. Make a case for breaking stereotypes.
Answer : It is really bad to have a wrong perception for anyone be it any bird or any animal. But whenever we differentiable between such species like me. They are differentiated by the qualities like colour, voice or the work allotted to them. But as a crow, I really feel very sad by this partiality. Black is just a colour and even it has its own significance. Only on the basis of colour, one cannot call me symbol of misfortune or bad luck. My black colour is by birth. It is really rare and unique. Even, we crows are meant to be the most obedient and kind birds. So, I think colour is not the only point to be differentiated.
Question. Imagine that Frost is of present day and has been invited to write for an e-zine - “Teen Talk”.
He chooses to draw upon his experience with the crow and the dusting of snow to share his thoughts on ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’. As Frost, express your thoughts for the e-zine.
Answer : Every cloud has a silver lining’. We should never leave confidence in difficult times because it will lead us to better days. A dark cloud is a kind of difficulty, misfortune and worst times in life. The silver lining is a hope for progress and an opportunity to go ahead in life.
Similarly, in the poem, the poet is in a depressed and hopeless mood. He feels that the whole day has been wasted. But fortunately, it is not so. The falling of the dust of snow on him bring a sudden change in his mood. He realizes that all is not lost. There is still hope for redemption. The change of landscape has changed his mood. Cheerfulness had replaced the feeling of regret. Hence, falling of dust of snow proved to be a silver lining on the cloud of gloom.
