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.

The poem teaches us important lessons. First, it highlights the ability to find brightness amidst gloom. Despite the dark imagery of the crow, hemlock, and snow, the poet discovers happiness. Second, it emphasises 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 evoke both positive and negative responses. In the poem ‘Dust of Snow’, the poet begins feeling sorrowful. However, when a crow shakes off snow onto him, his mood shifts from bitter to optimistic.

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

This illustrates a valuable lesson: rather than focusing on the negative aspects of a situation, we should aim 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 employs simple language to deliver a profound message: even small things can have a significant impact. His use of straightforward language, coupled with unusual imagery and brevity, effectively conveys this idea. The poet's underlying bitterness is mirrored in his surroundings, which include a noisy crow, poisonous hemlock, and icy snow. While these images may seem bleak, the moment when the crow shakes off the dust of snow onto the poet serves to alleviate some of his regretful thoughts.

In today's fast-paced world, often filled with stress, this poem serves as a reminder to appreciate the joy in small 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 begins in a state of depression and hopelessness, feeling that his day has been wasted. However, a small event transforms everything: the fine dust of snow falls on him, initiating a change in his mood.

This moment of snow makes him realise that not all is lost. He understands that there is still hope for redemption. Although part of the day has been challenging, it is not entirely wasted. He now 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 have a remarkable power of imagination, enabling them to present new ideas and joy. They explore a vast realm of creativity, offering valuable insights and moments. In his poem, Robert Frost employs the crow and the hemlock tree as symbols that may seem ominous at first. However, when the crow shakes off the snow from the hemlock tree, the falling snowlightens the poet's mood, saving part of a day he had otherwise regretted.

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

Ans: Our mental condition is greatly affected by our surroundings. For instance, being in natural environments, such as parks or near waterfalls, can lift our spirits and bring us joy. This connection is often depicted in literature. A notable example is a poem where the poet's mood changes based on their environment. Initially, while sitting under a hemlock tree, the poet feels downcast. However, when a crow shakes the tree, causing snow to fall on him, his mood brightens. This illustrates how a simple alteration in our surroundings can lead to a significant emotional uplift.

Therefore, it is clear that our mental state can indeed fluctuate depending on the environments we inhabit.