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.
Dust of Snow
Analysis, meaning and summary of Robert Frost's poem Dust of Snow
78 Comments
Leave a Reply
Do you have any comments, criticism, paraphrasis or analysis of this poem that you feel would assist other visitors in understanding the meaning or the theme of this poem by Robert Frost better? If accepted, your analysis will be added to this page of American Poems. Together we can build a wealth of information, but it will take some discipline and determination.
I really liked both the flow and content of this poem. I can relate to the meaning of this poem becuase I can remember having bad days when suddenly, the smallest thing happens that enlightens my day and causes me to laugh. Many times, it is the small things in life that enlightens our spirits and cause us to think about what is really important.
This is one of the darkest of all Frost poems, but presented in such a way as to turn convention on it’s head. It’s printed in all his books as two 4-line stanzas, and that’s how I’m going to refer to it here.
Consider the imagery of the first stanza: dust, snow, hemlock, crow – all common death symbols. Now note that it’s not merely the existence of these things that prompt the confession of stanza two, but the *way* that they have been brought to the poets attention.
So essentially, what Frost is saying that having looked at, or having been shown, death in a certain light has actually cheered him up. This is Frost at his most terrifying.
This poem makes me feel uplifted. It makes me think of the “stop and smell the roses” phrase. People need to take some time to appreciate the small things in life so they don’t become overburdened by the events occurring around them. The poem actually makes me think of the first chapter in “The Kite Runner,” of all the things happening around him, he stopped to watch the “kites dance over trees.”
This poem was very light and easy to read. I personally enjoyed it because I need to be more like the person in the poem. I tend to dwell on the little things in life instead of seeing the possible good in them. If I were having a bad day, something as silly as snow falling on me would have made me even more upset. This poem put in perspective for me that little things are not worth getting upset over. I can try to find the joy in life’s little things instead.
This poem reminds me how everyday occurances can sometimes have the power to boost moods. Finding joy in the simple things is what makes life so great, and this poem does just that.
I am more of a literal person so I did not get a feeling from this poem. However, it did allow me to vizualize this crow knocking snow down on a person. It made me begin to think about snow and the winter season. I liked the way it flowed, which made it easy to see the picture.
This poem makes me think of times when you are having a bad day or you are in a bad mood. Something small can happen that will change the course of the day or your mood. Its moments like in the poem that put life back into perspective. We need to learn to enjoy and take in the world around us.
I enjoy hearing the sounds of the words in this poem. This poem has a nice relaxing flow to it. Even, though I enjoyed the sound of this poem I do not have a strong emotional response to it. When I read this poem it was not clear what his meaning was. As a very literal person I need more information…I did not make the connection that snow falling on this person would make him feel better about his day.
This poem reminds me of finding the silver lining in the clouds. At the same time as I read this poem I feel sorrow for this man that is made a little bit happier by something so simple as snow. I can feel the sorrow from his day. I feel as though he cannot take anymore and will try to find happiness in the smallest things. I am reminded of myself on a bad day when I find happiness in something simple.
This poem reminds me of my personal shortcomings…being overwhelmed by life’s menial tasks. This poem serves as a reminder to keep things positive and in perspective. Reality = things always get done, so take time to enjoy the little things that make life so grand.
i think the dust of snow is a gr8 poem
The crow and hemlock are two objects that have bleak characteristics. The crow has been associated with death for ages, furthermore, crows are black, a color that we connect to the darker things in life. The hemlock tree is actually poisonous though not all species are dangerous. So in my humble opinion, the poem illustrates how quickly someone can have a “change of mood” when death looms overhead. It shows us how, death, can actually send a clump of gleaming white hope that will shake us out of our rut.
That’s how I see it.
I L-O-V-E it………..amazing , awesome………the little things in life that gives me happiness………
Dust of snow by Robert Frost only has one sentence divided into two stanzas. The rhyme scheme used in this poem is: a b a b / c d c d. Eye rhyme is used, e.g: “crow” and “snow”. I think this poem inspiring because we have neglected the familiar things beside us too long, and what’s worse, none is willing to remind us and we also want to recognize or accept the fact. One of us need “crow” that has awakened Robert Frost from his depression.
I have been read Robert Frost Poems since.. i don’t know when. i have always LOVED his way of writing. The poems that are ten pages long, don’t ever ever rhyme or make sence bug the shit out of me. I get his poems, i love his form, his rythm, his style. HES AWESOME! i especially love the all famous “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood… and itook the one less traveled by” Oh man is that one awesome!:)..
Robert Frost wrote this poem to make people stop and think and appreciate what life has given us. I really like this poem. It makes me think what life is really about
its lovely. makes me weak in the knees
This poem is basically about the author being out in nature and not really taking in the beauty of the wintery scene, when a crow in a tree shakes some snow on him and he begins to realize the beauty before him. This is the change of mood mentioned and the beauty and fun of the day is what is being saved.
i think that the “Dust of snow” was a good, understandable poem.
This little poem is big hearted. It gives freely of the re-orientation to the real world that a bit of nature provides.