Question

Given the ambiguity of the language in “The Snow Man,” elaborate on any two possible interpretations of these lines from the poem: . . . and not to think Of any misery in the sound of the wind, In the sound of a few leaves,

Answer 1

The lines paint a gloomy picture of winter, with the words misery and few leaves, conveying a dull, barren image. One possible interpretation is that because there are so few leaves on trees in winter, the sound the wind makes when blowing through the branches seems lonely. Another interpretation is that the winter cold makes people feel lonely. The sound and feel of a cold wind reinforces their loneliness.

Answer 2

These lines taken from "The Snow Man" might be interpreted in these ways. One possibility is to have an objective view of the nature of a winter landscape without attributing any personal emotions to it. The other interpretarion is the assiciation of winter with misery, sadness and loneliness, the feelings that are related to the picture of the wind blowing with just a few leaves.