Question

How does the poem "Dust of Snow" and the short story "The Icicle Symphony" attempt to convey a similar message about the value of nature? Cite evidence from both texts.

Answer 1

The poem "Dust of Snow" and the short story "The Icicle Symphony" both convey the value of nature through simple incidents and descriptions of natural beauty.

Step-by-step explanation:

The poem "Dust of Snow" by Robert Frost and the short story "The Icicle Symphony" both convey a similar message about the value of nature. In "Dust of Snow," the poet uses a simple incident of a crow shaking off snow to show how a small moment in nature can change a person's perspective and bring a sense of joy and renewal. Similarly, in "The Icicle Symphony," the author emphasizes the beauty and power of nature through the description of a frozen landscape and the music created by icicles. Both texts highlight the importance of connecting with and appreciating the natural world.

Answer 2

The poem "Dust of Snow" by Robert Frost and the short story "The Icicle Symphony" by Lewis Thomas both attempt to convey a message about the value of nature. In "Dust of Snow," the speaker describes a crow shaking snow from a hemlock tree, which falls on the speaker and "changes the day" by lifting his spirits. Similarly, in "The Icicle Symphony," the narrator describes the beauty and complexity of icicles forming on a tree branch outside his window, which inspires him to reflect on the mysteries and wonders of the natural world.

Both texts convey the message that even small moments of interaction with nature can have a profound impact on our mood and outlook. In "Dust of Snow," the speaker says that "the way a crow / Shook down on me / The dust of snow / From a hemlock tree" completely changes his day, implying that even a brief encounter with nature can have a transformative effect. In "The Icicle Symphony," the narrator reflects on the beauty and complexity of the icicles, saying "there was nothing left but to wonder and admire, to let the mind run free and play with the marvels before me." This suggests that even moments of quiet contemplation and observation can lead to a greater appreciation of the natural world.

Both texts also highlight the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of respecting and preserving nature. In "Dust of Snow," the speaker observes the crow and the hemlock tree, recognizing the interdependence between them. In "The Icicle Symphony," the narrator reflects on the intricate processes that lead to the formation of the icicles, noting that "all this was happening without help from me, without my even knowing it was happening." This implies that we are only a small part of the natural world, and that we should strive to understand and appreciate its complexity and beauty.

Overall, both "Dust of Snow" and "The Icicle Symphony" convey a message about the value of nature and the transformative power of even small interactions with the natural world. They also highlight the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things and working to preserve and protect the natural world.

Step-by-step explanation: