What light action performed by the crow changes the poet's mood in the poem 'Dust of Snow'?
Answer
The crow shakes down a dust of snow from a hemlock tree onto the poet, which alters his mood.
The correct answer is The crow shakes down a dust of snow from a hemlock tree onto the poet, which alters his mood. — Step 3: Explain that this small, unexpected contact with cool snow instantly breaks the poet's gloomy train of thought and refreshes his mind.
Step-by-step solution
- Step 1: Recall the action described in the first stanza where the crow is perched on a hemlock tree.
- Step 2: Note that the crow shakes the branch, causing a fine spray or 'dust' of snow to fall on the poet.
- Step 3: Explain that this small, unexpected contact with cool snow instantly breaks the poet's gloomy train of thought and refreshes his mind.
Common mistake: Thinking the crow sang or spoke to the poet, rather than simply shaking snow off the branch.
Concept tested: Plot and action in the poem
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
Related questions
- 1 Explain how the crow's action at the beginning of 'Dust of Snow' changes the poet's mood.
- 2 In the poem 'Dust of Snow', what do the 'crow' and the 'hemlock tree' symbolize?
- 3 Identify the rhyme scheme of the poem 'Dust of Snow' and give one example of alliteration from the text.
- 4 Identify the rhyme scheme of the first stanza of the poem 'Dust of Snow'.
- 5 How does Robert Frost present nature differently in 'Dust of Snow' compared to conventional romantic poets?
- 6 Explain the significance of the phrase “the wind whispered through the shutters” in creating the mood of the story.