Chapters

Solutions

Dust of Snow, Fire and Ice 1st Poem

  Poem : Dust of Snow Thinking about the Poem :
Question 1.
What is a "dust of snow"? What does the poet say has changed his mood? How has the poets mood changed?

Answer: The dust of snow is a collection of minute particles of snow. The poet says that the dust of snow from the hemlock tree changed his mood. Before the dust of snow fell on the poet, he was in a sad mood. The dust of snow resulted in a change of his mood. He became happy. He was thankful to that mood-changing dust of snow

Question 2.
How does Frost present nature in this poem? The following questions may help you to think of an answer?
  1. What are the birds that are usually named in poems? Do you think a crow is often mentioned in poems? What images come to your mind when you think of a crow
  2. Again, what is "a hemlock tree"? Why doesnt the poet write about more beautiful tree such as a maple, or an oak, or a pine
  3. What do the crow and themlock represent - joy or sorrow? What does the dust of snow that the crow shakes off a hemlock tree stand for

Answer: Frost treads the road not taken by mobs. He loves nature. He presents nature here in an original perspective. The crow is regarded as an ugly and ominous bird. The hemlock is a poisonous tree. The dust of snow is cold and not warm. Yet, Frost uses these elements of nature in unison as those that bring in cheer to the till then sorrowful speaker. The poets courage and variety are admirable

Question 3.
Have there been times when you felt depressed or hopeless? Have you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?

Answer: Yes, I too was low quite a number of times. And a small sight then filled my heart with thrill and the sad mood said goodbye. One of such cheer-infusing sights is a young calf, with its tail high in the air, galloping along our compound wall. Yes, joy unlimited greets me whenever I recollect that sight and see that calf in my minds eye

Poem : Fire and Ice Thinking about the Poem:
Question 1.
There are many ideas about how the world will end. Do you think the world will end some day? Have you ever thought what would happen if the sun got so hot that it burst, or grew colder and colder?

Answer: No, I dont think the world will end soon. My focus is on the present. I have never thought about the sun bursting or getting colder. But it is quite clear that life on the earth is inconceivable without the sun

Question 2.
For Frost, what do fire and ice stand for? Here are some ideas?

Answer: Fire stands for : greed, avarice, cruelty, lust, conflict, fury, and intolerance Ice stands for : rigidity, insensitivity, coldness, indifference, and hatred

Question 3.
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem ? How does it help in bringing out the contrasting ideas in the poem?

Answer: The rhyme scheme is : abaa; bcbcb Yes, the alternating sounds help in bringing out the contrasting ideas in the poem. According to the poet, fire and ice are the two probable causes of destruction. Fire stands for desire and ice for hatred. By the rhyming scheme like - fire - desire, ice suffice, he communicates the idea effectively

Additional Questions :

Dust of Snow :

I. Read the following stanza

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

Question 1.
What is the speakers initial reaction to the crow in the poem?
  1. Fear
  2. Joy
  3. Surprise

Answer: urprise

Question 2.
What is the significance of the dust of snow in the poem?
  1. It represents purity and innocence
  2. It symbolizes the crows mischief
  3. It signifies the harshness of winter

Answer: It represents purity and innocence

Question 3.
Which tree is mentioned in the poem from which the dust of snow falls?
  1. Oak tree
  2. Pine tree
  3. Hemlock tree

Answer: Hemlock tree

Question 4.
What season is likely being described in the poem based on the imagery of the falling snow ?
  1. Summer
  2. Autumn
  3. Winter

Answer: Winter

Question 5.
In the context of the poem, what might the crow symbolize?
  1. Wisdom
  2. Mischief
  3. Sorrow

Answer: Mischief

Question 6.
What is the emotional tone of the poems speaker after the dust of snow falls ?
  1. Contentment
  2. Desolation
  3. Inspiration

Answer: Inspiration

Question 7.
What does the dust of snow do to the speaker in the poem?
  1. Makes the speaker happy
  2. Leaves the speaker untouched
  3. Causes the speaker to feel sad

Answer: Makes the speaker happy

Question 8.
What is the symbolic significance of the crow in the poem?
  1. Bringer of bad luck
  2. Messenger of joy
  3. Harbinger of change

Answer: Harbinger of change

Question 9.
What does the hemlock tree symbolize in the poem?
  1. Danger
  2. Purity
  3. Poison

Answer: Poison

Question 10.
In the poem, what does the speaker seem to appreciate about the crows actions?
  1. The crows intelligence
  2. The crows beauty
  3. The unexpected joy brought by the crow

Answer: The unexpected joy brought by the crow

Question 11.
What is the impact of the crow shaking down the dust of snow on the speakermood ?
  1. It deepens the speakers sadness
  2. It has no impact on the speakers mood
  3. It lightens the speakers mood

Answer: It lightens the speakers mood

Question 12.
How does the imagery of the hemlock tree contribute to the overall tone of the poem ?
  1. Adds a sense of danger
  2. Enhances the beauty of the scene
  3. Represents growth and vitality

Answer: Adds a sense of danger

II. Read the following stanza

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

Question 1.
What effect does the described experience have on the speakers heart in the poem ?
  1. It breaks the speakers heart
  2. It warms the speakers heart
  3. It confuses the speakers heart

Answer: It warms the speakers heart

Question 2.
According to the stanza, what has the described experience done to the speakers day?
  1. Ruined the entire day
  2. Improved the day
  3. Made the day boring

Answer: Improved the day

Question 3.
What is the overall mood conveyed in this stanza of the poem?
  1. Melancholic
  2. Joyful
  3. Regretful

Answer: Joyful

Question 4.
What does the speaker mean by And saved some part in the context of the stanza?
  1. Rescued a physical object
  2. Preserved a positive memory
  3. Rescued a person

Answer: Preserved a positive memory

Question 5.
What does the phrase saved some part imply about the impact of the experience on the speaker?
  1. It had a minimal effect
  2. It had a significant and positive effect
  3. It had a negative effect

Answer: It had a significant and positive effect

Question 6.
Based on the stanza, what can be inferred about the speakers initial mood before the described experience?
  1. Contentment
  2. Excitement
  3. Disappointment

Answer: Disappointment

Question 7.
What is the speaker referring to when mentioning a day I had rued ?
  1. A day filled with regret
  2. A day full of joy
  3. A day of indifference

Answer: A day filled with regret

Question 8.
What does the speaker mean by Has given my heart / A change of mood ?
  1. The speakers heart has physically changed
  2. The speakers emotional state has shifted positively
  3. The speakers heart rate has increased

Answer: The speakers emotional state has shifted positively

Question 9.
In the context of the stanza, what role does the described experience play in the speakers life?
  1. It is insignificant
  2. It is detrimental
  3. It is transformative and beneficial

Answer: It is transformative and beneficial

Question 10.
What emotion is likely to be associated with the phrase saved some part in the context of the poem?
  1. Despair
  2. Gratitude
  3. Apathy

Answer: Gratitude

Question 11.
How does the speakers perception of the day change after the described experience?
  1. It remains unchanged
  2. It becomes more regretful
  3. It becomes more positive

Answer: It becomes more positive

Question 12.
What literary device is employed in the line And saved some part / Of a day I had rued?
  1. Simile
  2. Alliteration
  3. Metaphor

Answer: Metaphor

Fire and ice : III. Read the following stanza

Some say the world will end in fire Some say in ice. From what Ive tasted of desire 1 hold with those who favour fire

Question 1.
What is the speakers preference regarding the end of the world?
  1. Fire
  2. Ice
  3. Both

Answer: Fire

Question 2.
What does the speaker mention having tasted that influences their preference ?
  1. Water
  2. Desire
  3. Fire

Answer: Desire

Question 3.
What are the two suggested ways in which the world may end in the poem ?
  • Water and Air
  • Fire and Ice
  • Earth and Wind

Answer: Fire and Ice

Question 4.
According to the stanza, what do some people believe will cause the end of the world?
  1. Water
  2. Fire
  3. Ice

Answer: Fire

Question 5.
What is the speakers rationale for favouring fire as the end of the world ?
  1. It is more destructive
  2. It is more calming
  3. It is unpredictable

Answer: It is more destructive

Question 6.
According to the speakers personal preference, which element does the speaker believe will bring about the end of the world?
  1. Ice
  2. Fire
  3. Water

Answer: Fire

Question 7.
Which element mentioned in the stanza is associated with a cold and icy nature?
  1. Water
  2. Fire
  3. Desire

Answer: Water

Question 8.
What does the speaker hold with, indicating agreement with a particular viewpoint ?
  1. Despair
  2. Fire
  3. Ice

Answer: Fire

Question 9.
What does the speaker express a preference for based on their experience with emotions?
  1. Ice
  2. Water
  3. Fire

Answer: Fire

Question 10.
What emotion or feeling does the speaker attribute to their preference for fire ?
  1. Calmness
  2. Passion
  3. Indifference

Answer: Passion

Question 11.
In the context of the stanza, what does tasted of desire likely refer to ?
  1. Experiencing love
  2. Exploring new foods
  3. Engaging in intellectual pursuits

Answer: Experiencing love

Question 12.
What emotion or concept is mentioned in connection with the speakers preference for fire ?
  1. Hope
  2. Despair
  3. Desire

Answer: Desire

IV. Read the following stanza But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.
Question 1.
What does the speaker suggest about the possibility of the world perishing twice ?
  1. It is unlikely to happen
  2. It is a hypothetical scenario
  3. It is a definite possibility

Answer: It is a definite possibility

Question 2.
According to the stanza, what emotion does the speaker associate with the potential destruction by ice ?
  1. Love
  2. Hate
  3. Indifference

Answer: Hate

Question 3.
In the given stanza, what is the speakers perspective on the second possible way for the world to end?
  1. Love
  2. Hate
  3. Desire

Answer: Hate

Question 4.
What does the speaker claim to know enough of in the context of the stanza ?
  1. Love
  2. Desire
  3. Hate

Answer: Hate

Question 5.
What does the speaker suggest about the destructive power of ice
  1. It is insignificant
  2. It is great and sufficient
  3. It is unpredictable

Answer: It is great and sufficient

Question 6.
According to the speaker, what is the destructive force associated with hate in the stanza ?
  1. Water
  2. Fire
  3. Ice

Answer: Ice

Question 7.
According to the stanza, what does the speaker believe would be sufficient for destruction?
  1. Love
  2. Fire
  3. Ice

Answer:

    Ice

    Question 8.
    What is the speakers attitude towards the potential destruction by ice?
    1. Indifferent
    2. Enthusiastic
    3. Fearful

    Answer: Indifferent

    Question 9.
    What word does the speaker use to describe the level of knowledge they have about hate?
    1. imited
    2. Abundant
    3. Sufficient

    Answer: Sufficient

    Question 10.
    In the context of the stanza, what does the speaker believe would be adequate for destruction?
    1. Love
    2. Hate
    3. Both

    Answer: Hate

    Question 11.
    What does the speaker imply about hate as a force of destruction?
    1. Hate is insufficient for destruction
    2. Hate is powerful but neutral
    3. Hate is the ultimate destructive force

    Answer: Hate is insufficient for destruction

    Dust of Snow Poem Summary in English

    Robert Frost is a world-renowned American nature poet. He treads the road not taken by other poets. He uses imagery unique. His style is tucid. With the help of a small anecdote he conveys a lasting message. "Dust of Snow", the present poem, stands an illustration to the above points. The poet was once sad. He was standing under a hemlock tree. Then a crow shook the branches of that hemlock tree. As a result, a dust of snow fell on the poet. That changed his sad mood and saved his day

    Glossary :
    1. dust (n) : finest particles
    2. snow ( n) : frozen water
    3. shook (v-pt of shake) : caused to move / moved rapidly in opposite directions
    4. hemlock (n) : a poisonous plant (tree)
    5. mood (n) : the state of the mind
    6. rued (pt of rue) : repented

    Fire and Ice Poem Summary in English

    Variety - that too unimaginable - is the spice of Frosts poetry. The given poem, "Fire and Ice", proves the point beyond doubt. He quotes two contrasting statements of people. Both of them are about the total destruction of the world. Some hold that the world ends in fire. Others argue thta ice brings in the disaster

    The poet supports both the arguments. And he gives reasons. According to him, fire stands for desire and greed. Desire is the root cause of all evils. Hence it has abundant power to invite the end of the world. Ice, on the other hand, stands for hatred. And hatreds potential to halt all life on this earth is ample. Thus, the poet prefers fire and gives the second chance to ice. The real culprits are human weaknesses like greed and hatred

    Glossary :
    1. tasted (v-) (here)
    2. hold (v) : (here) agree
    3. have an opinion
    4. favour (v) : support
    5. perish (v) : end; die
    6. destruction (s (here) killing all
    7. suffice (v) : be in the needed quantity

Important Question

AP 10th Class English Important Questions 10th Lesson Dust of Show

Question1.
What is dust of snow?

Answer: Fine particles of snow

Question2.
Who wrote Dust of Snow?

Answer: Robert Frost

Question3.
Which tree is mentioned in the poem?

Answer: Hemlock tree

Question4.
Which bird features in Dust of Snow?

Answer: Crow

Question5.
What effect does the dust of snow have on the poet?

Answer: It changes his mood for the better

Question6.
What does the crow symbolize?

Answer: Harbinger of change; sometimes considered mischievous

Question7.
What does the hemlock symbolize?

Answer: Poisonnegativity

Question8.
What season does Dust of Snow depict?

Answer: Winter

Question9.
What is the main theme of Dust of Snow?

Answer: Small incidents can bring joy and change our mood

Question10.
How is nature depicted in the poem?

Answer: As transformative and surprising

Question11.
What mood is the poet in before snow falls?

Answer: Saddepressed

Question12.
Who wrote Fire and Ice?

Answer: Robert Frost

Question13.
What do fire and ice stand for?

Answer: Fire for desire, ice for hate

Question14.
What are the possible ways for the worlds end according to the poet?

Answer: Fire and ice

Question15.
What is the rhyme scheme of Fire and Ice?

Answer: abaa bcbcb

Question16.
What does I hold with those who favour fire mean?

Answer: The poet prefers desire as the cause of destruction

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Question17.
What does perish twice imply?

Answer: The possibility of the world ending two different ways

Question18.
What does suffice mean as used in the poem?

Answer: Enough or adequate

Question19.
What does the poet suggest about hate?

Answer: It is also powerful and can bring destruction

Short Answer Questions
Question1.
What message does Dust of Snow convey?

Answer: Small moments can transform our day and mood

Question2.
Why does Frost use a crow and hemlock?

Answer: To show that even unpleasant things can bring happiness

Question3.
What does the poet mean by a day I had rued?

Answer: A day the poet regretted

Question4.
How did the crows action affect the poet?

Answer: Crows shaking the tree made snow fall, improving the poets mood

Question5.
What is the significance of the poems setting?

Answer: Natures elements are used for emotional transformation

Question6.
How does Fire and Ice relate to real emotions?

Answer: The poem represents destructive emotions-desire and hatred

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Question7.
Why does the poet say both fire and ice can destroy the world?

Answer: Both are powerful forces symbolizing human emotions

Question8.
What literary device is used in Dust of Snow?

Answer: Alliteration (Dust of Snow)

Question9.
What lesson does the poet want to impart through Fire and Ice?

Answer: Human vices like desire and hate can lead to our destruction

Question10.
How does Frosts poetry differ from traditional nature poems?

Answer: He focuses on unexpected symbols (crow, hemlock)

Long Answer Analytical Questions
Question1.
Explain how nature brings a change in the poets mood in Dust of Snow?

Answer: The poet starts the day feeling depressed but a simple touch of nature-the fall of snow-refreshes him and saves part of his wasted day, showing natures healing power

Question2.
Discuss the symbolism in Dust of Snow?

Answer: Crow and hemlock, often considered negative, are shown as sources of change and positivity. The dust of snow is a metaphor for small things making a big difference

Question3.
Critically analyze the poem Fire and Ice?

Answer: Frost explores two destructive forces-desire (fire) and hatred (ice)-suggesting either could end the world. He highlights the dangers of unchecked human emotions?

Question4.
What is the poets attitude towards the end of the world in Fire and Ice?

Answer: He is realistic, believing that either desire or hate could suffice for destruction. His tone is philosophical and contemplative

Question5.
How is irony presented in Dust of Snow?

Answer: Traditionally negative symbols become agents of joy and positivity for the poet

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Question6.
Rhyme scheme importance in Fire and Ice?

Answer: The scheme connects ideas and helps present the contrasting forces effectively

Extracts for Practice

I.Read the stanza

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

Question1.
What is the speakers initial reaction?

Answer:Surprise at the crows action

Question2.
What is the effect of the falling snow on the speakers mood?

Answer:It lightens the speakers mood

Question3.
How does the imagery of the hemlock tree help the poems tone?

Answer:Adds a sense of danger and negativity, which is then transformed

II. Read the stanza

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

Question1.
How has the speakers day changed?

Answer:The speakers regret is replaced with gratitude and joy

Question2.
What emotion is felt by the poet after the experience?

Answer:Joy and thankfulness

III. From Fire and Ice:

Some say the world will end in fire Some say in ice. From what Ive tasted of desire I hold with those who favour fire.

Question1.
What is the speakers preference?

Answer:Fire-desire.

Question2.
Why does the poet favor fire?

Answer:It represents powerful, destructive human emotions

Poetic Devices & Meanings
Question1.
What does the crow symbolize?

Answer:Change, sometimes associated with doom

Question.2.
What is a hemlock tree?

Answer:Poisonous, associated with death

Question3.
Define alliteration with an example from the poem?

Answer:Repetition of consonant sounds, like Dust of Snow

Question4.
What does rued mean?

Answer:Regretted

Question5.
What does suffice mean?

Answer:Enough for the purpose

Question6.
What lesson does Fire and Ice teach regarding human nature?

Answer:Human vices are strong enough to destroy humanity

Question7.
Why does Frost use winter imagery in Dust of Snow?

Answer:To reflect the coldness of mood and the environment

Question8.
How is fire used metaphorically in Fire and Ice?

Answer:Fire means intense desire or passion

Question9.
How is ice used metaphorically?

Answer:Ice means hatred and coldness

Value-Based Personal Response Question1.
Describe a time when your mood changed due to a small incident?

Answer:(Personal answer, describe a joyful or transformative experience)

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Question1.
How do you think small moments impact our lives?

Answer:They can bring unexpected happiness and change our outlook

Question2.
What message can students take from Dust of Snow?

Answer:Never ignore small moments; they can be powerful

Question3.
What warning does Fire and Ice give to society?

Answer:Control your desires and hatred to avoid self-destruction

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Question4.
If given a choice between fire and ice to destroy the world, which would you prefer, and why?

Answer:(Personal answer, explain with reason)

Critical, HOTS, and Application-Based Questions
Question1.
Why did the poet not use beautiful nature images but a crow and hemlock?

Answer:To show that joy can come from unlikely sources

Question2.
Is the poets transformation instantaneous or gradual?

Answer:Instantaneous, after the dust of snow falls.

Question3.
What global problems can be related to Fire and Ice?

Answer:Wars (desire), social hatred (ice), terrorism, intolerance

Question4.
How does Frosts poetry encourage us to notice small things?

Answer:By showing their big impact on emotions and life

Question5.
What do fire and ice suggest about climate change if interpreted literally?

Answer:Both fire (global warming) and ice (ice ages) are dangers to earth

Question6.
Can negative experiences be transformative? How?

Answer:Yes, they can push us toward growth and new perspective

Question7.
Explain the metaphoric use of change of mood in the poem?

Answer:Means a shift from sadness to joy due to an event

Question8.
How does Dust of Snow exemplify the saying Every cloud has a silver lining?

Answer:A bad situation can be prevented or reversed by a small incident

Question9.
What does saved some part of a day I had rued mean for mental health?

Answer:Even a ruined day can be saved by positive thinking or events

Question9.
How do you relate to the poems in your daily life?

Answer:Find meaning in small joyful moments, avoid destructive emotions

Figurative Language Literary Features
Question1.
Identify and explain the metaphors in Fire and Ice?

Answer:Fire = desire, Ice = hate

Question2.
What symbolic values are attached to the two elements?

Answer:Fire is consuming, ice is freezing and destructive

Question3.
What effect does personification have in Dust of Snow?

Answer:Crows action is given significance as if intentional

Question4.
How does the poets mood reflect the weather?

Answer:Cold, bleak winter mirrors poets sadness, quickly changed

Question5.
Give examples of rhyme from both poems?

Answer:Snow- crow; fire- desire, ice- suffice

Essay Questions
Question1.
Write a paragraph explaining the theme of Dust of Snow?

Answer:The poem teaches us that even tiny incidents in nature, like the fall of snow, can refresh our mood and save the day, highlighting the importance of embracing moments and finding positivity in unexpected events

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Question2.
Compare and contrast the messages of Dust of Snow and Fire and Ice?

Answer:While Dust of Snow celebrates the ability of small natural events to transform our mood and save the day, Fire and Ice warns against the destruction caused by unchecked desire and hate. Both poems teach important lessons about human emotions and their effects on life.

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