Poem Analysis - Snow

Overview: The Anticipation of Wonder

Robert Frost’s "Snow" is a poem that captures the breathless anticipation of a snowfall, particularly as experienced by children. The poem evokes a sense of childlike wonder and excitement, contrasting the mundane reality of the classroom with the magical transformation brought about by the approaching snow. The tone is initially suggestive and expectant, building to a crescendo of sensory overload as the snow begins to fall. A shift occurs as the poem progresses, moving from anticipation to a tangible, almost spiritual, connection with the natural world.

The Pull of Nature: Transcendence over Routine

One central theme is the power of nature to transcend the ordinary. The poem contrasts the rigid structure of the classroom – "pinewood desks," "figures and cold facts" – with the untamed beauty and sensory richness of the impending snow. The children's inability to focus on their lessons highlights nature’s irresistible allure. Their minds are drawn to the "greenish bronze" sky and the "trees [that] writhe," showcasing nature’s active and transformative power. The snow becomes a symbol of freedom and escape from the confines of daily life, allowing the children a brief, shared moment of wonder.

Snow as Sensory Revelation: A Different Kind of Knowledge

The poem explores the idea that true knowledge and experience extend beyond the intellectual. The children "catch it / from far off," suggesting an intuitive understanding that surpasses mere factual learning. The imagery is richly sensory: the "scent / of water," "horses snuffing / at thunder," and the eventual "taste / of stars" on their hands. This emphasis on sensory experience implies that nature offers a different kind of knowing, one that engages the whole being, not just the mind. The "foreign coldness, / colour of distances" suggests that this knowledge connects them to something larger than themselves, expanding their understanding of the world.

Angelic Imagery: The Spiritual Significance of Snow

Frost employs striking imagery that elevates the snowfall to an almost spiritual experience. The "angel sky-flakes / blessing the dull cobbles" suggests a divine intervention, transforming the mundane into something sacred. The comparison to "feathers / of owls" adds an element of mystery and nocturnal wisdom. This imagery imbues the snow with a sense of grace and purity, suggesting that it holds a power to cleanse and renew. The description of the light "strikes upward" challenges our expectations, turning the snowfall into an uplifting experience that defies gravity and convention.

Concluding Thoughts: A Fleeting Moment of Unity

In conclusion, "Snow" is a powerful exploration of the human connection to nature and the transformative power of sensory experience. Frost skillfully uses vivid imagery and a carefully crafted tone to convey the excitement and wonder of a snowfall, particularly through the eyes of children. The poem suggests that moments of shared experience, fueled by natural beauty, can offer a fleeting escape from the ordinary and a profound sense of unity, leaving a lasting "taste / of stars" on our hands, a reminder of something greater than ourselves. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of experiencing and appreciating the natural world, and how those experiences can shape our understanding of beauty and knowledge.