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Previous Year Questions 2025 |
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Previous Year Questions 2021 |
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Previous Year Questions 2016 |
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Previous Year Questions 2011 |
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Ans: The poem “Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost highlights the healing power of nature and its ability to lift human spirits through simple, everyday moments. A small incident—the fall of snow from a hemlock tree—changes the poet’s gloomy mood, showing how nature’s simplicity can bring positivity and joy.
Q2: What happened to the poet when a dust of snow fell on him? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: When the dust of snow fell on the poet from the hemlock tree, it instantly changed his mood. He had been feeling sad and regretful, but the gentle fall of snow made him feel refreshed and cheerful. The incident saved his day from being wasted in gloom and negativity.
Q4: Read the following extract and answer the questions:
"The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood"
(i) Fill the blank to complete the sentence.
Shaking down of dust of snow gave the speaker a change of heart by ____ (1 Mark)
Ans: Shaking down of dust of snow gave the speaker a change of heart by lifting his mood and making him feel cheerful instead of sad.
(ii) How does the interaction between the natural elements (crow, snow, hemlock tree) contribute to the speaker’s emotional transformation in the poem? (Answer in about 40 words) (2 Marks)
Ans: The crow, hemlock tree, and snow—though often seen as symbols of gloom—become sources of positivity and healing. The falling snow from the dark tree unexpectedly refreshes the poet’s mood, showing how even simple elements of nature can transform sadness into joy.
(iv) ‘Dust of Snow’ is referred to as: (1 Mark)
(a) mist
(b) dust of branches
(c) snow residue
(d) snowflakes
Ans: (d) snowflakes
(iv) Select the option that applies the same rhyme scheme as the lines of the given extract. (1 Mark)
(A) Sitting by the pond
Waving my wand
Awaiting my dearest
I looked above and beyond
Awaiting my love
A sudden sound, fluttered the dove
The crackle stopped, as so did my heart
(B) Sitting by the pond
Holding tight to my bond
I looked above and beyond
Awaiting my love
I heard her come, a sudden sound
The crackle stopped, as so did my heart
(C) I sat beside the pond with her
Awaiting for her to come
I looked above and beyond
Awaiting my love
A sudden sound, I turned back
The crackle stopped, as so did my heart
(D) Sitting by the pond
Awaiting my love
I looked above and beyond
A sudden scream, I looked around
Then a shadow fell and there was no sound
The crackle stopped, as so did my heart
Ans: (B)
(v) The crow and the hemlock tree represent ___________. (1 Mark)
1. sorrow
2. elation
3. hope
4. anxiety
5. enthusiasm
(A) 1 only
(B) 2, 3, and 5
(C) 4 only
(D) 1, 4, and 5
Ans: (A) 1 only
Q5: In the poem Dust of Snow, the ‘hemlock tree’ and the ‘crow’ hold specific meanings. Elaborate on how these symbols are utilized within the context of the poem. (Answer in about 30-40 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: In the poem, the crow and the hemlock tree—both symbols of sorrow and negativity—are used to show that even unpleasant elements of nature can bring positive change. Their unexpected action lifts the poet’s mood, symbolizing hope and transformation from gloom to joy.
Q6: Robert Frost’s view of nature changes when he talks about it positively in Dust of Snow, but negatively in Fire and Ice. Justify the statement. (Answer in about 100-120 words) (6 Marks)
Ans: In “Dust of Snow,” Robert Frost presents nature as a healer and a source of joy. A simple, natural incident—the fall of snow from a hemlock tree—changes the poet’s mood, showing nature’s power to uplift the human spirit and transform sadness into positivity. The crow and hemlock, though associated with negativity, bring a refreshing and hopeful message, revealing that even dark elements of nature can bring happiness.
In contrast, in “Fire and Ice,” Frost uses natural forces destructively, symbolizing human emotions like desire and hatred that can lead to the world’s end. While “Dust of Snow” celebrates nature’s healing influence, “Fire and Ice” warns of its destructive potential, showing the poet’s balanced view of nature’s dual power—both restorative and ruinous.
Q7: Dust of Snow highlights the poet’s positive attitude towards nature. Comment on how Robert Frost presents the power of nature in his poem. (Answer in about 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: In “Dust of Snow,” Robert Frost shows the transformative power of nature. A simple act of snow falling from a hemlock tree changes the poet’s gloomy mood into joy. This small, natural event reflects how nature can heal, refresh, and positively influence human emotions, even in unexpected ways.
Q8: Examine the role of Nature in the poems Dust of Snow and Fog. (Answer in about 100-120 words) (6 Marks)
Ans: In “Dust of Snow,” Robert Frost presents nature as a gentle healer that can uplift human spirits. A small incident—the fall of snow from a hemlock tree, caused by a crow—changes the poet’s gloomy mood into cheerfulness. The poem shows that even simple moments in nature can bring peace and positivity, saving the poet’s day from regret.
In contrast, in “Fog” by Carl Sandburg, nature is portrayed as mysterious and silent. The fog arrives quietly, “on little cat feet,” covering the city and harbor, then moves on. While Frost’s nature heals and inspires, Sandburg’s nature observes and conceals, symbolizing the quiet, unpredictable presence of the natural world. Both poems show nature’s power to affect human perception and emotion in different ways.
Ans: (c) happy
The falling of dust-like snow on the poet changes his mood from despair to happiness, making him feel lighter and more cheerful.
Q2: In the poem Dust of Snow, which negative symbols have been used to create a positive effect? (Term I, 2021-22 )
(a) hemlock tree; crow
(b) crow; snow
(c) snow; hemlock tree
(d) crow; dust
Ans: (a) hemlock tree; crow
The hemlock tree (associated with poison) and the crow (often considered an ominous bird) are generally negative symbols, but Frost uses them in the poem to create a positive shift in the poet’s mood.
Q3: "Has given my heart
A change of mood"
What is the poet's mood now ?
(a) Appreciative of nature
(b) Thoughtful
(c) Happy
(d) Cool (CBSE Term-1 2021)
Ans: (c) Happy
The poet’s mood changes to happiness and relief after the unexpected fall of snow, lifting his spirits.
Ans: The poem's message lies in the transformative power of nature's small moments. The crow's action serves as a metaphor for the unexpected ways in which beauty can enter our lives. It demonstrates how even seemingly insignificant natural events can have a significant impact on our feelings and viewpoints.
Ans: In the poem "Dust of Snow," the poet observed nature through a simple yet impactive encounter. He saw a crow shaking down the dust of snow from a hemlock tree. This observation led him to realise nature's transformative power as this small moment saved a part of his day
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1. What is the main theme of the poem "Dust of Snow"? | ![]() |
2. How does the poet use imagery in "Dust of Snow"? | ![]() |
3. What is the significance of the hemlock tree in the poem? | ![]() |
4. How does the poem reflect the poet's attitude towards nature? | ![]() |
5. What mood does the poem "Dust of Snow" convey? | ![]() |