CBSE Class 10 English Dust of Snow Important Questions Set 02

Long Answer Questions

Question 1. As a crow, you feel highly insulted by the incorrect perception humans have of your species. Imagine yourself as a crow and write your opinion about this prejudice. Make an appeal to break stereotypes.
Answer: Dear Humans,
As a crow, I am deeply hurt by the prejudice and negative perceptions you hold about my species. It saddens me that you often associate us with darkness and ill omens. Just like you, we too have families and emotions. Instead of judging us based on old beliefs, I request you to break stereotypes and see us for who we truly are. We are intelligent and curious creatures. By embracing diversity and understanding that all beings play an important role in the ecosphere, we can create a harmonious world.
Sincerely,
A Crow

Question 2. Critically examine the poem ‘Dust of Snow’ as a great example of symbolism.
Answer: The "dust of snow" symbolises a small, seemingly insignificant event that unexpectedly brings about a positive change in the speaker's mood. It represents the transformative power of nature's simple moments. The crow, often associated with negative connotations, represents the darkness and sorrow in life. However, in this poem, the crow becomes a part of a positive event. Its action causes snow to fall on the poet's head or shoulders. This moment creates a change in the poet's mood and brings joy. Lastly, Hemlock trees are often linked to danger in literature, and people have the perspective that they are poisonous. but in the poem, the hemlock tree serves as the source of the dust of snow. It symbolises that even from something potentially harmful, something beautiful can emerge.

Question 3. What is the main idea or theme conveyed in the poem?
Answer: The poem ‘Dust of Snow’ shows the impact that nature can have on humans lives. A simple act of snow falling on the poet changes his mood and saves a great part of the day he had ruined in a pensive mood. The feelings of loss, regret, and helplessness are replaced by feelings of cheerfulness and hope. The dust of snow shaken off the tree by the crow had a great impact on the poet. The poem suggests that we should be ready to see what life offers and be ready to change.

Question 4. In the poem, 'Dust of Snow', the crow symbolically transforms the narrator's mood, while in the story, 'His First Flight', the baby seagull undergoes a literal transformation as it learns to fly. Analyse how these avian characters play similar or different thematic roles in their respective poem and story. (CBSE Practice Set-2 2023)
Answer: In 'Dust of Snow', the crow and the baby seagull in 'His First Flight', both serve as pivotal symbols of transformation and redemption, in their distinct ways.
The crow's sudden interaction with the speaker in the poem brings about an unexpected change in the narrator's mood. The simple act of the crow shaking off snow onto the speaker becomes a metaphor for a transformative moment, shifting the narrator from a state of sadness to a renewed appreciation for the beauty of nature.
On the other hand, the baby seagull's literal transformation through flight in the story signifies a rite of passage and growth. The seagull not only conquers its fear and enters the world of flight but also gains a newfound sense of confidence and independence, contributing to the overall theme of self-discovery and growth in the narrative.
The avian characters, while differing in their modes of impact, share the thematic role of catalyzing positive change, whether through a change in perspective or the achievement of a significant milestone.

Question 5. Imagine Robert Frost from ‘A Dust of Snow’ met with Lencho from ‘A Letter to God’ and discussed the various ways nature can influence a person's mood. Create this conversation in not more than 120 words. You may begin this way: Lencho: As a farmer, my livelihood depends on nature and sometimes nature can be cruel. (CBSE Practice Set - 1, 2023)
Answer: Lencho: As a farmer, my livelihood depends on nature, and sometimes nature can be cruel. Just like that hailstorm that destroyed my crops, it felt like God himself was testing my faith.
Robert Frost: I understand, Lencho. Nature can be both a friend and a foe. Take, for instance, the dust of snow shaken from a hemlock tree. It seems so insignificant, but it changed my entire mood that day. It reminded me that even in the midst of life's challenges, nature can offer unexpected moments of beauty and solace.
Lencho: Indeed, Mr. Frost, your poem reminds me that nature's smallest gestures can have a profound impact on our lives. Perhaps God's response to my letter wasn't just about the money, but a reminder of His presence in the world around me.
Robert Frost: Nature has its own way of speaking to us, often when we least expect it.

Question 6. Despite the common perception of crows as negative symbols, the poem illustrates their capacity to bring about positive transformations. Write a speech of about 120 words that challenges the misconception surrounding mother nature.
Answer: Good morning, everyone.
Today, I want to talk about how we misjudge nature. We call the crow an ill omen and the hemlock a poisonous tree. Yet in Robert Frost’s ‘Dust of Snow’, it is a crow sitting on a hemlock tree that shakes down snow on the poet and turns his sad day into a happy one.
Nature is not good or bad because we label it so. Every creature and plant has its own place and purpose. Crows keep our surroundings clean, and even poisonous plants are used to make medicines. When we look at nature with prejudice, we miss the joy it offers. Let us respect all forms of life and learn to see the beauty hidden in ordinary things.
Thank you.

Question 7. Both the story 'The Sermon at Benares' and the poem 'Dust of Snow' highlight moments of awakening. Prepare a presentation draft in not more than 120 words, with reference to the commonality of themes in both the pieces.
Answer: Moments of Awakening
Both ‘The Sermon at Benares’ and ‘Dust of Snow’ show how a single experience can awaken a person. Kisa Gotami, grieving for her dead son, goes from house to house for a handful of mustard seed and realises that death is common to all. Her selfish grief gives way to understanding. In ‘Dust of Snow’, a crow shaking snow from a hemlock tree awakens the poet from his gloomy mood.
In both pieces, the change comes from a simple experience, not a grand event. Kisa Gotami learns acceptance; the poet learns to find joy in small things. Both teach us that peace comes when we look at life with fresh eyes and accept what it offers.