MP Board Class 10 English First Flight Poem Dust of Snow Question Answer

MP Board Class 10 English First Flight Poem Dust of Snow Question Answer :

Here are the answers to the questions from the NCERT English 10th textbook First Flight (poem “Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost) in simple English tailored for Hindi medium students:

Thinking about the Text

1. What is a “dust of snow”?
   A “dust of snow” refers to a small amount of snow powder that falls from a tree. In the poem, this snow falls from a hemlock tree when a crow moves and lands on the poet.
2. What does the poet say has changed his mood?
   The poet says that the snow falling from the hemlock tree, caused by the crow, has changed his mood. This small event brings a fresh start for him.
3. How has the poet’s mood changed?
   Earlier, the poet was feeling sad and hopeless. But when the snow fell on him, his mood changed, and he felt happy and hopeful.
4. How does Frost present nature in this poem?
   Frost presents nature as simple yet powerful in changing human emotions. The poem uses ordinary elements like a crow, a hemlock tree, and snow to show how small natural events can have a big impact.

(i) 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?
Poems often mention beautiful birds like nightingales, sparrows, or doves. A crow is not commonly mentioned in poems because it is seen as a symbol of bad luck or sorrow. When we think of a crow, images of a black bird, loud cawing, or something negative often come to mind.

(ii) What is “a hemlock tree”? Why doesn’t the poet write about a more ‘beautiful’ tree such as a maple, or an oak, or a pine?
A hemlock tree is a type of evergreen tree that is considered poisonous and associated with death or sorrow. The poet chooses a hemlock tree instead of a beautiful tree like a maple, oak, or pine to show that even something negative or ordinary in nature can bring a positive change.

(iii) What do the ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock’ represent — joy or sorrow? What does the dust of snow that the crow shakes off a hemlock tree stand for?
The crow and hemlock tree represent sorrow or negativity, as they are often linked to bad omens or death. However, the dust of snow that the crow shakes off stands for hope and a small moment of joy that changes the poet’s mood for the better.

5. Have there been times when you felt depressed or hopeless?
Yes, everyone feels depressed or hopeless at times. For example, you might feel sad after failing a test or having a fight with a friend. These moments make you feel low and without hope.

6. Have you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?
Yes, sometimes a small event can change your mood. For example, hearing a favorite song, receiving a kind word from someone, or seeing a beautiful sunset can lift your spirits and make you feel happy again.