Class 10 English First Flight Poem 1 Dust of Snow MIQs by PW

Dust of Snow is part of the CBSE Class 10 English syllabus and presents a simple idea through a brief incident from nature. The poem shows how a small moment can bring a change in mood and outlook.

In CBSE Class 10 exams, most questions are based on the central idea, the role of nature, and the poetic devices used in the poem. Physics Wallah provides important questions from the poem that focus on these key areas. Practising them helps in expressing the meaning of the poem clearly and writing precise answers.

First Flight Poem 1 Dust of Snow MIQs

PW CBSE Class 10 important questions cover the poem’s meaning, its message, and the use of poetic devices such as imagery and symbolism. They are based on common exam patterns, including extract-based questions.

1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

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.

(i) Of the many symbols the hemlock tree represents, choose the one that Frost drew upon in all likelihood, for this poem. Symbol of

(A) longevity.
(B) togetherness.
(C) healing.
(D) protection.

(ii) Choose the option that lists the possible feelings of the poet prior to the experience shared in the poem.

a. reassured
b. disappointed
c. curious
d. demotivated
e. thankful
f. disheartened
g. impulsive

(A) 1, 3 &7
(B) 2, 4 & 6
(C) 5 & 7
(D) 1 & 3

(iii) Identify the option that DOES NOT use the word ‘rue’ correctly.

(A) The film was a disaster and he rued his decision to act in it.
(B) I am sure she rued the day, she listened to a fortune-teller.
(C) It wasn’t long before I rued my disobedience and my deceit.
(D) Others finally rue the one who is dishonest and heartless.

(iv) Synecdoche is a poetic device that uses a part to represent the whole. E.g. That’s a great set of wheels! (Set of wheels has been used for car.) Pick an example of synecdoche from the poem.

(A) Has given my heart / A change of mood
(B) The way a crow/ Shook down on me
(C) The dust of snow / From a hemlock tree
(D) And saved some part / Of a day I had rued

(v) Choose the option showing the reason NOT corresponding with “… a crow / Shook down on me / The dust of snow”.

(A) The crow’s landing on the branch of the tree.
(B) The shivering of the crow, due to the cold.
(C) The readjustment of position of the crow on the branch.
(D) The cawing of the crow hidden in the foliage.

Answer:
(i) (C)
(ii) (B)
(iii) (D)
(iv) (A)
(v) (D)

2. Answer the following questions:

(a) Rationalise what you think the poet was probably doing when the dust of snow fell on him?
(b) What does the presence of a hemlock tree tell you about the setting of the poem?
(c) The dusting of snow on account of the crow helped make the poet’s day better. How do you think the crow’s droppings might have impacted the poet?

Ans.
(a) The poet was likely outdoors, possibly reflecting on his thoughts, feeling gloomy. The dust of snow from the tree broke his mood, creating a refreshing shift in perspective.

(b) The hemlock tree, associated with solitude and bitterness, suggests a cold, bleak setting that mirrors the poet’s initial sorrowful mood, contrasting with the uplifting effect of the snow.

(c) Had it been the crow’s droppings instead, it might have worsened the poet’s mood rather than uplifting it, adding annoyance rather than a refreshing sense of peace and change.

3. Answer the following questions:

(a) ‘Dust of Snow’ is one of Frost’s most loved poems. Elaborate why you think this is so.
(b) The poem evokes a sense of black and white. Justify.
(c) The crow and hemlock are usually used as negative references in literature. How is this different in this poem?

Ans.
(a) "Dust of Snow" is cherished for its simplicity and profound message. The poem captures a transformative moment where nature subtly lifts the poet’s spirit, showing that even small, unexpected events can change one’s outlook. Its universal theme of finding beauty and hope in unlikely moments resonates deeply with readers.

(b) The poem evokes black and white imagery through the stark contrasts of the crow (associated with darkness) and the snow (symbolising purity). This contrast reflects the shift in the poet’s mood from despair to hope, symbolising a positive change brought about by something seemingly ordinary and dark.

 (c) In Dust of Snow, the crow and hemlock tree, typically seen as symbols of sorrow, bring positivity to the poet. This reversal of traditional symbols suggests that even dark or unpleasant elements in life can offer moments of beauty and inspire optimism, challenging conventional meanings.

4. (a) As a crow you feel highly injured by the incorrect perception humans have about your species. Imagine yourself to be a crow and write your opinion about this prejudice. Make a case for breaking stereotypes. 

(b) Imagine that Frost is of present day and has been invited to write for an ezine - “Teen Talk”. He chooses to draw upon his experience with the crow and the dusting of snow to share his thoughts on ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’. As Frost, express your thoughts for the ezine.

 Ans. 

(a) I, a crow, feel unfairly labelled as a harbinger of bad luck, a creature associated with darkness.

People misjudge my presence, yet I’m part of nature’s balance, cleaning up waste, and adding my unique voice to the environment. Just because I’m not colourful or songful doesn’t make me less valuable.

If people could see beyond my black feathers, they’d realise my contribution to the ecosystem. It’s time to break the stereotype and appreciate every creature for its role, not just its appearance.

I’m a reminder that everyone, even those who seem ‘dark’ or ‘unpleasant,’ has worth. Let's broaden our perspectives beyond stereotypes and appreciate diversity for". 

(b) "In life, we often face moments that seem overwhelmingly bleak. I remember standing under a hemlock tree one winter, feeling weighed down by my thoughts, when a crow shook snow from the branches above.

In that unexpected instant, a change swept over me; my gloom gave way to something light and hopeful. That dusting of snow, simple and pure, reminded me of the saying:

‘Every cloud has a silver lining.’ Life’s grey clouds, though heavy, often carry small moments of beauty that we don’t anticipate. I encourage you to remain open to these small wonders, as they can shift your mood, just as nature shifted mine. Sometimes, it’s the ordinary that lights the way forward." 

Dust of Snow Important Questions PDF by PW

The PDF by Physics Wallah for Dust of Snow includes questions based on the poem’s lines, meaning, and literary devices. It also covers extract-based questions that are often asked in the exam.

Solving these questions helps in improving interpretation and ensures better clarity while writing answers. You can download the PDF below and use it for revision.