Class 10 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - First Flight

Q1. A positive attitude in life can make the world a better place to live in. Do you agree or disagree with the reference to the poem ‘Dust of Snow’? Express your views bringing out the inherent values.

Ans: I completely agree that a positive attitude can make the world a better place. In Robert Frost's poem, ‘Dust of Snow’, a bad day is transformed by a simple event involving a crow. This seemingly insignificant moment changes the poet's mood.

Key lessons from the poem include:

• Finding brightness amidst gloom: Despite the dark imagery of the crow, hemlock, and snow, the poet discovers happiness.
• Recognising the value of small joys: These little moments can help us maintain a sense of positivity even in negative situations.

Q2. Our attitude towards a situation evokes both negative and positive responses. Analyze this with reference to the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’ to bring out the inherent valuable lessons.

Ans: Life presents us with situations that can prompt both positive and negative responses. In the poem ‘Dust of Snow’, the poet initially feels sorrowful. However, a crow shakes off some snow onto him, transforming his mood from bitter to optimistic.

Despite his initial sadness, the poet could have reacted with anger towards the crow. Instead, the falling snow becomes a positive influence, lifting his spirits and allowing him to momentarily forget his troubles.

This illustrates a valuable lesson: instead of focusing on the negative aspects of a situation, we should strive to find the positive side. Our responses can significantly shape the outcomes of our experiences.

Q3. The poet has succeeded in giving valuable information in a light-hearted manner. What creates the desired effect? Highlight its importance in present-day life. 

Ans: Frost uses simple language to convey a significant message: small things can have a big impact. His use of straightforward language, combined with unusual visual imagery and brevity, creates the desired effect.
The poet's bitterness is reflected in his surroundings, depicted through:

• A noisy, dark crow
• Poisonous hemlock
• Icy snow

These images are largely depressing. However, when the crow shakes off the dust of snow onto the poet, it also helps to release some of his regretful thoughts.
In our present-day lives, filled with stress, this poem reminds us to find joy in little moments.

Q4. There are times when we feel depressed and hopeless. We think that things will never change. Suddenly, a change comes in our mood when cheerfulness replaces the sense of regret. Justify the above statement in the context of the poem ‘Dust of Snow’.

Ans: Change is the law of nature. Our moods can shift like the weather. In the poem, the poet starts in a depressed and hopeless state, feeling that his day has been wasted. However, a small event changes everything: the fine dust of snow falls on him, sparking a shift in his mood.

• This moment of snow makes him realise that all is not lost.
• He understands there is still hope for redemption.
• Although part of the day has been challenging, it is not entirely wasted.
• Now, he feels a sense of cheerfulness that replaces his previous regret.

The change in the landscape lifts his spirits, transforming his mood from despair to hope. The snowfall not only alters the scenery but also brightens his heart.

Q5. Poets have great power of imagination. Robert Frost also explains his imagination very well and proves that sometimes the bad symbols change into a boon. Discuss.

Ans: Poets possess a remarkable imaginative power, allowing them to offer fresh ideas and joy. They delve into a vast ocean of creativity, bringing forth valuable insights and moments.
In his poem, Robert Frost uses the crow and the hemlock tree as symbols that initially appear inauspicious. However, when the crow shakes off the snow from the hemlock tree, the falling snow transforms the poet's gloomy mood, preventing the day from being ruined.

Q6. Our mental condition depends on our surroundings and it can be changed according to it. Explain and prove. 

Ans: Our mental condition is significantly influenced by our surroundings. Here are some key points:

• Natural environments, like green spaces or waterfalls, can enhance our mood and provide pleasure.
• Literature often reflects this connection; for instance, a poem illustrates how a poet's mood shifts due to their environment.
• In the poem, the poet feels dejected while sitting under a hemlock tree. However, when a crow shakes the tree, causing snow to fall on him, his mood improves.
• This moment demonstrates how a simple change in surroundings can lead to a positive emotional shift.

Thus, our mental state can indeed change based on the environments we find ourselves in.