1 Sep 2023, 21:50

SNOWDROP
Central Idea of the poem Snow Drop
The poem Snow Drop written by Fed Hughes conveys a
harsh and unfeeling depiction of winter. Hughes
utilizes wintery imagery to depict the severity and
harshness that a severe winter can bring. Due to the
extremely cold weather, many outdoor animals have
become almost unable to move. They no longer move
quickly or fly as they once did.

Summary of the poem Snow Drop

In the poem "Snowdrop" written by Edward James
Hughes presents a harsh and unforgiving portrayal of
nature in the winter season. He describes the world as
having been constricted and made smaller by the
freezing cold temperatures, and notes that the severe
winter has restricted the movement of all animals,
including the mouse, weasel, and crow. These animals
are described as being nearly immobile and numb with
the cold, as if they are frozen in place. Hughes
compares the difficulty of moving in the winter to
moving through hell. However, the snowdrop is
depicted as a symbol of resilience and endurance, as it
continues to bloom and push its stem up through the
continues to bloom and push its stem up through the
snow even in the midst of the harsh winter. It bears
light-colored or white flowers and hangs its head down
as if it is heavy, shining like the stars of the winter
season despite the difficult conditions.

Question 1. How has nature shrunk the globe?

Ans: The winter season has caused the earth to feel
smaller and more confined due to the harsh weather
conditions. All living beings are forced to stay in their
homes and may feel a sense of fear or anxiety about
survival. The winter has effectively "shrunk" the
globe, making it feel more enclosed and limiting for the
inhabitants.

Question 2. What has dulled the mouse’s heart?

Ans: The cold winter weather has caused the active
mouse's heart to become sluggish and inactive.
Normally, this mouse is a very energetic and playful
animal, but the extreme cold has caused it to stop
engaging in its usual playful behavior.

Question 3. What sufferings do the animals undergo in

the poem?
Ans: During the winter months, the animals experience
a lot of hardship. They are unable to move around as
freely as they do during other seasons, and the overall
atmosphere is bleak and depressing. Even the daylight
hours seem more like night, making it difficult for
them to find food. Above all, the harsh winter weather
has a devastating impact on all living beings, causing
many to lose their energy and vitality. As a result, they
may become more vulnerable to death and other
dangers.

Question 4. Write a short note of 50 – 100 words on

Hughes’ view of nature.
Ans: Hughes portrays nature in a unique way by viewing
it as a force that causes harm and suffering to animals.
This is evident in the poems that depict the struggles of
small creatures like mice, weasels, and crows who are
limited in their movements due to the harshness of
nature. However, Hughes also conveys a message about
the concept of survival of the fittest through the
resilience of the snowdrop, which persists and blooms
despite the harsh winter conditions. This suggests that
nature, while seemingly cruel, can also promote
strength and determination in those who persevere
through adversity.

Question 5. “Her pale head heavy as metal” Explain.

Ans: The word "Her" refers to the snowdrop, which has
a bell-like shape with a round head. The head is pale
and appears to be quite heavy, as it hangs downward.
Although it may seem as if the head is made of a heavy
metal, its weight is actually a source of strength for
the snowdrop. The poet sees the snowdrop as a symbol
of resilience and the concept of "Survival of the
Fittest."
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