UP Board Class 10 English Dust of Snow Poem Questions & Answers | NCERT Solution

UP Board Class 10 English – Dust of Snow (Complete Solution)

his page offers a complete and easy-to-understand solution of the poem Dust of Snow for UP Board Class 10 students. It includes a clear summary, stanza-wise explanation, important questions with answers, and key poetic devices explained in simple language. The content is prepared according to the latest syllabus to help students understand the poem properly and write confident, high-scoring answers in the examination.

📌 Chapter Overview

Poem: Dust of Snow

Poet: Robert Frost

📌 Central Idea

The poem “Dust of Snow” conveys the idea that even a small and simple incident can bring a positive change in our life. The poet was feeling sad and regretful, but when a crow shook snow from a hemlock tree onto him, it suddenly changed his mood. This brief moment helped him overcome his negative thoughts and saved the rest of his day from being wasted in sorrow.

🌿 Theme

The main theme of the poem is the transformative power of nature. It shows that nature, even in ordinary or unexpected forms, can heal our mind and lift our spirits. The poem teaches that we should not ignore small moments because they can carry deeper meaning and hope.

✍️ About the Poet

Robert Frost was a well-known American poet who often wrote about nature and human emotions. His poetry is simple in language but deep in meaning. In this poem, he beautifully connects a natural incident with human feelings, showing how nature can influence our thoughts and emotions.

📖 Summary of the Poem

The poem “Dust of Snow” is a short yet meaningful poem written by Robert Frost. In this poem, the poet describes a simple incident that brings a sudden change in his mood. He was feeling sad and regretful about how his day was going. His mind was filled with negative thoughts, and he was wasting his time in sorrow.

While he was standing under a hemlock tree, a crow sitting on its branches shook down some snow on him. The snow fell gently over the poet. This small and unexpected act of nature instantly changed his mood. The cold snow and the sudden movement made him realize that even ordinary moments can refresh our thoughts.

The poet says that this little incident saved a part of his day which he had been regretting. The crow and the hemlock tree are usually associated with negativity, but here they become the reason for a positive change. Through this poem, the poet conveys that even small moments in nature can have a deep impact on our feelings and can turn sadness into hope.

If you are preparing the complete syllabus of Class 10 English, you should also read A Letter to God – Complete Question Answer & PDF . It will help you understand prose chapter patterns along with poetry preparation.

📘 Stanza-wise Explanation

Stanza 1

Stanza 1

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

In the first stanza, the poet describes a simple natural incident. A crow was sitting on the branch of a hemlock tree. Suddenly, it shook the branch, and some fine particles of snow fell down on the poet who was standing below. The snow was light like dust, so the poet calls it “dust of snow.”

The crow and the hemlock tree are generally seen as symbols of negativity or sadness. However, this ordinary and even unpleasant scene becomes important because it leads to a change in the poet’s feelings. This stanza sets the situation and prepares the reader for the emotional shift that follows.

Stanza 2

Stanza 2

Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

In the second stanza, the poet explains the effect of that small incident. He says that the falling snow changed his mood. Before this moment, he was feeling regretful and unhappy about how his day was passing. The word “rued” means that he was filled with sorrow and disappointment.

The sudden fall of snow refreshed his mind and helped him forget his negative thoughts. It saved the remaining part of his day from being completely wasted in sadness. Through this stanza, the poet conveys that even a small and unexpected moment can bring hope and emotional relief.

📝 Important Questions & Answers

Short Answer Questions

1. What is meant by “dust of snow”?
   Ans. “Dust of snow” refers to the small, fine particles of snow that fall from a tree. In the poem, these particles fall on the poet and bring a sudden change in his mood.
2. From where did the dust of snow fall?
   Ans. The dust of snow fell from a hemlock tree when a crow sitting on its branch shook it down.
3. Who shook the dust of snow on the poet?
   Ans. A crow shook the branch of the hemlock tree, causing the dust of snow to fall on the poet.
4. What was the poet’s mood before the snow fell on him?
   Ans. Before the snow fell, the poet was feeling sad, depressed, and regretful about his day.
5. How did the dust of snow change the poet’s mood?
   Ans. The falling snow refreshed the poet’s mind and brought a positive change in his mood, making him feel better.
6. What does the word “rued” mean?
   Ans. The word “rued” means felt regret or sorrow over something.
7. What kind of tree is a hemlock?
   Ans. A hemlock is a poisonous tree with small white flowers and is often associated with negativity.
8. Why is the crow considered unusual in poetry?
   Ans. In poetry, birds like nightingales and cuckoos are usually mentioned. A crow is rarely used because it is often associated with sadness and gloom.
9. What do the crow and hemlock tree symbolize?
   Ans. The crow and the hemlock tree symbolize sorrow, negativity, and gloomy feelings.
10. What message does the poem convey?
    Ans. The poem conveys that even small and simple moments can bring positive changes in life.
11. How did the incident save the poet’s day?
    Ans. The small incident changed his negative mood and saved the rest of his day from being wasted in regret.
12. What is the setting of the poem?
    Ans. The poem is set outdoors in a natural environment during snowfall.
13. What type of poem is “Dust of Snow”?
    Ans. It is a short lyrical poem that expresses personal feelings and emotions.
14. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
    Ans. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB CDCD.
15. How does nature influence the poet in the poem?
    Ans. Nature helps the poet overcome his sadness and brings a positive change in his thoughts.
16. Why is the incident described as simple yet meaningful?
    Ans. Though the incident is small, it has a deep emotional impact on the poet.
17. What does the poet learn from the incident?
    Ans. The poet learns that even small moments can have great importance and can change our outlook on life.
18. Why was the poet regretting his day?
    Ans. The poet was feeling disappointed and unhappy, which made him regret how his day was passing.
19. What role does the snow play in the poem?
    Ans. The snow acts as a symbol of freshness and change that improves the poet’s mood.
20. How does the poem show the power of nature?
    Ans. The poem shows that nature has the power to heal our emotions and bring positivity even through small incidents.

Long Answer Questions

1. 1. Describe the central idea of the poem “Dust of Snow”.
   Ans. The central idea of the poem “Dust of Snow” is that even a small and ordinary incident can bring a significant change in our life. The poet was feeling sad and regretful about his day. He was lost in negative thoughts and disappointment. Suddenly, a crow shook snow from a hemlock tree, and the fine particles of snow fell on him. This small act of nature instantly changed his mood. The poet realized that he should not waste his time in sorrow. The poem teaches that small moments can have deep meaning and can help us move from negativity to positivity. It highlights the healing and refreshing power of nature.
2. 2. How does Robert Frost show the transformative power of nature in the poem?
   Ans. In the poem, Robert Frost shows that nature has the power to change human emotions. The poet was in a depressed mood and regretting his day. A simple natural incident — a crow shaking snow from a hemlock tree — changed his feelings. Although the crow and the hemlock tree are symbols of negativity, they become the reason for a positive transformation. The falling snow refreshes the poet’s mind and helps him forget his sorrow. This shows that nature can influence our thoughts in unexpected ways. The poem suggests that even small and ordinary moments in nature can bring hope and emotional relief.
3. 3. What do the crow and the hemlock tree symbolize in the poem?
   Ans. In the poem, the crow and the hemlock tree symbolize sorrow, negativity, and gloom. A crow is usually associated with darkness and sadness, while the hemlock tree is a poisonous plant often linked with bitterness. The poet chooses these negative symbols intentionally. However, instead of increasing his sadness, they become the cause of a positive change in his mood. This contrast shows that even things that appear unpleasant can have a positive effect. Through these symbols, the poet conveys that negativity can sometimes lead to self-realization and emotional improvement.
4. 4. Explain how the poet’s mood changes in the poem.
   Ans. At the beginning of the poem, the poet is feeling sad and regretful. He is disappointed and wasting his day in negative thoughts. However, when the dust of snow falls on him from the hemlock tree, he experiences a sudden change in mood. The cool snow and the unexpected incident refresh his mind. He begins to feel lighter and more positive. The small natural act saves the remaining part of his day from being completely wasted in sorrow. Thus, the poem shows a clear transformation from sadness to hope.
5. 5. Why is the poem considered simple yet meaningful?
   Ans. The poem is simple because it describes a very small and ordinary incident — snow falling from a tree. The language is easy and direct. However, it is meaningful because the small incident has a deep emotional impact on the poet. It changes his mood and saves his day. The poem teaches an important lesson that we should not ignore small moments in life. Even a minor experience can bring happiness and hope. Therefore, though the poem is short and simple, it carries a powerful message.
6. 6. What message does the poem “Dust of Snow” give to the readers?
   Ans. The poem gives the message that life is full of small moments that can change our perspective. We should not allow sadness or regret to control our entire day. Sometimes, a simple and unexpected event can bring new hope and positivity. The poet suggests that nature has the power to heal our emotions. The poem encourages readers to remain open to small joys in life. It reminds us that even negative situations can lead to positive outcomes.
7. 7. Discuss the importance of the title “Dust of Snow”.
   Ans. The title “Dust of Snow” is very significant. It refers to the small particles of snow that fall on the poet. Though the snow is light and appears insignificant, it plays an important role in changing the poet’s mood. The word “dust” suggests something small and ordinary, but it brings a meaningful transformation. The title highlights the idea that even tiny experiences can have a great impact on our emotions and thoughts.
8. 8. How does the poem reflect human emotions?
   Ans. The poem reflects common human emotions such as sadness, regret, and hope. The poet feels depressed and disappointed at first. His negative thoughts show how humans often get trapped in sorrow. However, the small incident of falling snow changes his mood. This reflects how easily human emotions can shift. The poem captures the journey from despair to positivity. It shows that emotional change is possible through simple experiences.
9. 9. Describe the role of nature in the poem.
   Ans. Nature plays a central role in the poem. The crow, the hemlock tree, and the snow are all natural elements. These elements interact to create a meaningful moment for the poet. Nature acts as a healer by changing the poet’s mood. Instead of being a source of fear or gloom, it becomes a source of hope and renewal. The poem emphasizes that nature is closely connected to human emotions and can influence our feelings deeply.
10. 10. Why did the poet regret his day, and how was it saved?
    Ans. The poet regretted his day because he was feeling unhappy and disappointed. He was wasting his time in negative thoughts and sorrow. However, when the dust of snow fell on him, it brought a sudden shift in his thinking. The unexpected moment refreshed his mind and helped him move out of his sadness. As a result, the remaining part of his day was saved from being completely ruined. The poem shows that even a small event can prevent us from wasting our time in regret.

For chapter-wise preparation, visit our UP Board Class 10 English Complete Question Bank page where all prose and poetry chapters are arranged in one place.

MCQs

1. 1. Who is the poet of “Dust of Snow”?
   (a) William Wordsworth
   (b) Robert Frost
   (c) John Keats
   (d) T.S. Eliot
   Ans: (b) Robert Frost
2. 2. What shook down the dust of snow?
   (a) A sparrow
   (b) The wind
   (c) A crow
   (d) A pigeon
   Ans: (c) A crow
3. 3. From which tree did the snow fall?
   (a) Oak
   (b) Pine
   (c) Maple
   (d) Hemlock
   Ans: (d) Hemlock
4. 4. What does the word “rued” mean?
   (a) Enjoyed
   (b) Celebrated
   (c) Regretted
   (d) Remembered
   Ans: (c) Regretted
5. 5. What was the poet’s mood before the incident?
   (a) Happy
   (b) Angry
   (c) Depressed
   (d) Excited
   Ans: (c) Depressed
6. 6. The dust of snow changed the poet’s —
   (a) Clothes
   (b) Mood
   (c) Location
   (d) Voice
   Ans: (b) Mood
7. 7. What does the crow generally symbolize?
   (a) Joy
   (b) Beauty
   (c) Negativity
   (d) Love
   Ans: (c) Negativity
8. 8. Hemlock tree is known as —
   (a) A fruit tree
   (b) A poisonous tree
   (c) A flowering garden plant
   (d) A medicinal plant
   Ans: (b) A poisonous tree
9. 9. What type of poem is “Dust of Snow”?
   (a) Narrative poem
   (b) Epic
   (c) Lyrical poem
   (d) Dramatic monologue
   Ans: (c) Lyrical poem
10. 10. The poem is set during —
    (a) Summer
    (b) Rainy season
    (c) Winter
    (d) Spring
    Ans: (c) Winter
11. 11. The rhyme scheme of the poem is —
    (a) AABB CCDD
    (b) ABAB CDCD
    (c) ABBA ABBA
    (d) ABCD ABCD
    Ans: (b) ABAB CDCD
12. 12. The dust of snow fell on the poet’s —
    (a) Head
    (b) Shoulder
    (c) Hand
    (d) Body
    Ans: (d) Body
13. 13. The main theme of the poem is —
    (a) War
    (b) Nature’s healing power
    (c) Friendship
    (d) Wealth
    Ans: (b) Nature’s healing power
14. 14. What does the “dust of snow” symbolize?
    (a) Anger
    (b) Sadness
    (c) Positive change
    (d) Fear
    Ans: (c) Positive change
15. 15. The poet felt saved from —
    (a) Hunger
    (b) Fear
    (c) Wasting his day in regret
    (d) Cold weather
    Ans: (c) Wasting his day in regret
16. 16. The poem consists of —
    (a) Two stanzas
    (b) Three stanzas
    (c) Four stanzas
    (d) One stanza
    Ans: (a) Two stanzas
17. 17. Each stanza has —
    (a) 2 lines
    (b) 3 lines
    (c) 4 lines
    (d) 5 lines
    Ans: (c) 4 lines
18. 18. The poet uses simple language to show —
    (a) Complex war scenes
    (b) Daily life emotions
    (c) Political ideas
    (d) Historical events
    Ans: (b) Daily life emotions
19. 19. The poem teaches us to —
    (a) Ignore nature
    (b) Stay sad
    (c) Value small moments
    (d) Fear winter
    Ans: (c) Value small moments
20. 20. The falling snow brought —
    (a) Fear
    (b) Surprise and positivity
    (c) Anger
    (d) Darkness
    Ans: (b) Surprise and positivity

🎭 Poetic Devices

🎭 Poetic Devices in “Dust of Snow”

Robert Frost has used simple language but meaningful poetic devices to enhance the beauty of the poem. The important poetic devices used in the poem are explained below:

• 1. Rhyme Scheme:
  The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB CDCD. This regular rhyme pattern gives the poem a smooth and rhythmic flow.
• 2. Alliteration:
  Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of nearby words.
  Example: “Has given my heart” (repetition of ‘h’ sound).
• 3. Enjambment:
  Enjambment occurs when a sentence continues to the next line without a pause.
  Example:
  The way a crow
  Shook down on me
  The sentence continues to the next line smoothly.
• 4. Symbolism:
  The poet uses symbols to convey deeper meanings:
  • Crow – Symbol of sadness or negativity
  • Hemlock tree – Symbol of sorrow and bitterness
  • Dust of snow – Symbol of positive change and emotional transformation
• 5. Imagery:
  Imagery is used to create a clear picture in the reader’s mind. The description of snow falling from a tree creates a visual image of a winter scene.
• 6. Metaphor (Implicit):
  The “dust of snow” acts as a metaphor for a small but powerful moment that changes the poet’s life.
• 7. Tone:
  The tone of the poem changes from gloomy and regretful to hopeful and positive by the end.

Through these poetic devices, Robert Frost conveys a deep message in a very short and simple poem. The devices help in highlighting the theme of emotional transformation and the healing power of nature.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main message of the poem “Dust of Snow”?

The main message of the poem is that even a small and ordinary incident can bring a big positive change in our life. The poem teaches us to value small moments because they can turn sadness into hope.

2. Why did the poet feel regretful in the poem?

The poet was feeling sad and disappointed about how his day was passing. He was lost in negative thoughts and regret, which made him feel that his day was being wasted.

3. How did the dust of snow change the poet’s mood?

When the crow shook snow from the hemlock tree, the falling snow refreshed the poet’s mind. This small incident helped him forget his sadness and brought a positive change in his mood.

4. What do the crow and the hemlock tree symbolize?

The crow and the hemlock tree symbolize sadness, negativity, and gloom. However, in the poem, they become the reason for a positive emotional transformation.

5. What is the rhyme scheme of “Dust of Snow”?

The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB CDCD.

6. What kind of poem is “Dust of Snow”?

It is a short lyrical poem that expresses personal feelings and shows how nature influences human emotions.

7. Why is the title “Dust of Snow” important?

The title highlights a small but meaningful incident that changes the poet’s mood. It shows that even tiny experiences can have a great emotional impact.

8. How does nature play a role in the poem?

Nature acts as a healer in the poem. A simple natural event changes the poet’s negative mood into a positive one, showing the healing power of nature.

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