Question

What does the poet express by comparing the falling snow to the north wind's masonry?

a. Delicacy and precision
b. Rigidity and harshness
c. Warmth and comfort
d. Unpredictability and spontaneity

Answer 1

The comparison suggests a sense of rigidity and harshness, similar to the solid and unyielding nature of a structure made by masonry.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the poet compares the falling snow to the north wind's masonry, it suggests a sense of rigidity and harshness. Masonry, being the building of structures from individual units of stone or brick, typically requires precision, strength, and creates a solid, impenetrable barrier.

This comparison accentuates the snow's relentless and unyielding nature, much like a wall built by the north wind. The words such as “fear-frozen,” “coldness,” and “snowy” not only describe the physical attributes of the scene but also hint at an underlying emotional distance or coolness, implying a metaphorical 'wall' or barrier.