Dust of Snow- Robert Frost

Dust of Snow

By Robert Frost

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.

Notes on "Dust of Snow" written by Robert Frost 

                                 By Gargi Ghosh  

©2023 G. Ghosh, All rights reserved 

    About Robert Frost 

Frost’s poetry is often characterized by themes of nature, isolation, and the human condition. His poems are often rooted in the rural landscape of New England, and he often employs traditional forms and rhythms. Frost’s style is direct, and accessible, and often uses simple language to express complex ideas.

About The Poem 

"Dust of Snow" is a poem written by American poet Robert Frost. It was first published in "New Hampshire" in 1923. The poem describes a moment of unexpected beauty in an otherwise gloomy day, as a crow shakes snow off a tree branch and it falls on the speaker, changing their mood for the better. Frost's works often explore the themes of nature, human experience, and the struggle between individuality and conformity. "Dust of Snow" is a concise example of Frost's ability to capture everyday moments and make them resonate with readers.

In “Dust of Snow”, Robert Frost explores the theme of how even the smallest things in life can bring us joy and change our mood. The poem consists of two stanzas in which the speaker describes how he was feeling down about his day until a crow shaking snow off a hemlock tree caused some of the snow to fall on him. This seemingly insignificant event caused a shift in the speaker’s mood and he feels uplifted.

Relevance in Today's World 

The relevance of “Dust of Snow” in today's world is that it reminds us to take pleasure in the small things in life. In a world that often seems overwhelming, we can find moments of joy and upliftment in the most unexpected places. This poem encourages us to appreciate the natural world around us and to find beauty and solace in moments of ordinary simplicity.

Elaboration: 

Frost's poem describes a moment of transformation, where an ordinary experience becomes extraordinary. While walking in the woods, the speaker is suddenly showered with snow by a crow shaking a hemlock tree. This unexpected event transforms the speaker's mood from one of "disdain" to one of "delight." The simplicity of the moment highlights the power of small, unexpected joys, and suggests that even seemingly insignificant experiences can have a profound impact on our lives. 

The theme of the poem: 

The theme of "Dust of Snow" is the transformative power of nature. The poem suggests that even small, seemingly mundane experiences can have a profound impact on our lives, altering our moods and perspectives. Additionally, the poem highlights the role of nature in providing these transformative experiences, suggesting that the natural world has the power to lift our spirits and change our outlooks. 

About the Characters: 

There are two main characters in the poem: the speaker and the crow. While the speaker is not explicitly characterized, their mood and perspective are key to the poem's message. Meanwhile, the crow is personified as an agent of change, shaking the tree and showering the speaker with snow. 

   The poem is written in simple language and form, with a clear narrative arc. Its brevity and accessibility make it a popular choice for students and poets alike. 

Conclusion: 

"Dust of Snow" is a simple yet powerful poem that explores the transformative power of nature. Through a brief and unexpected encounter with a crow and hemlock tree, the speaker's mood and perspective are changed, highlighting the importance of small, unexpected joys in our lives. By focusing on the role of nature in these transformative experiences, the poem encourages readers to stay attuned to the beauty and power of the natural world around them.

©2023 G. Ghosh, All rights reserved 

Written by Gargi Ghosh

Gargi Ghosh (M.A, B.Ed, M.B.A, TEFL) is an Educator, an artist, and a graphic designer. A winner of awards in the categories of Women's Award-An Inspiring Woman (2019), Most Socially Active Principal (2020), Top Educators of India (2020), and Top 100 Iconic Educators of India (2021). She has published her poems in several international anthologies and secured the 8th position in a Global Poetry Competition.