As Pure As The Driven Snow
The phrase “as pure as the driven snow” is a simile used to describe someone or something possessing exceptional innocence, cleanliness, or moral uprightness. The image evokes the pristine whiteness of freshly fallen snow, untouched and untainted. ‘Driven snow’ specifically refers to snow that is whipped about by the wind, rather than lying settled on the ground—implying a level of untouched perfection. It suggests a quality of purity that is almost ethereal, untarnished by the world’s imperfections. While seemingly straightforward, the phrase has a rich literary history and a nuance that extends beyond simple cleanliness.
Meaning of “As Pure As The Driven Snow”
At its core, the phrase denotes a state of complete innocence or moral integrity. It’s not merely about physical cleanliness, though that is part of the imagery. It implies a lack of guilt, malice, or corruption. To say someone is “as pure as the driven snow” is to suggest they are free from any hidden flaws or deceit. The phrase can also be used to describe something exceptionally clean or pristine, emphasizing its untouched and flawless condition. For example, describing a newly washed linen as “as pure as the driven snow” highlights its immaculate appearance. The comparison isn’t simply about color; it’s about a quality of being untainted.
Origin of “As Pure As The Driven Snow”
While the sentiment of associating whiteness with purity is ancient, the specific phrasing “as pure as the driven snow” finds its roots in the works of William Shakespeare. It first appears, though slightly altered, in his play The Winter’s Tale (around 1610-1611), where Autolycus describes a lawn as “Lawn as white as driven snow.” Shakespeare uses a similar image in Macbeth (1606), where Malcolm speaks of Macbeth needing to “appear as pure as snow,” though again, lacking the specific “driven” descriptor. The addition of “driven” adds a layer of nuance—snow that has been moved by the wind hasn’t been touched or sullied by footprints, making it even more symbolically potent. This Shakespearean foundation cemented the phrase in the English lexicon, allowing it to flourish and evolve in subsequent literature.
Analysis of the Phrase in Literature
The power of “as pure as the driven snow” lies in its evocative imagery and symbolic weight. Shakespeare’s initial use was often ironic or used to mask deception, highlighting the contrast between appearance and reality. Later authors, however, embraced the phrase more sincerely, using it to portray genuine innocence or moral virtue. The phrase often serves to emphasize a character’s naiveté or vulnerability, making their eventual corruption or disillusionment all the more tragic. Furthermore, the fleeting nature of snow adds to the phrase’s complexity—snow melts and disappears, suggesting that purity is fragile and easily lost. The imagery also creates a striking visual contrast, the pristine white of the snow against the darker backdrop of the world, representing the individual’s exceptional quality in a flawed world.
Example #1: Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Hamlet: “If thou dost marry, I’ll give thee this plague for thy dowry: be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny.” (Act III, Scene 1)
Here, Hamlet uses “as pure as snow” (the precursor to the full phrase) to sarcastically warn Ophelia that even if she remains virtuous, she will still be subjected to slander and gossip. He doesn’t believe in her potential for genuine purity, using the comparison to emphasize the inevitability of societal judgment. The phrase highlights his cynicism and distrust, rather than Ophelia’s actual character. It’s a warning, not a compliment.
Example #2: A Wandering Jew by Percy Bysshe Shelley
“…her eyes…beam with sensibility… A silent eloquence of woe; And now she beat her bosom bare, As pure as the driven snow.”
In this passage, Shelley employs the full phrase to depict the innocence and vulnerability of a nun. Unlike Hamlet’s cynical usage, here it genuinely portrays a character’s internal goodness. The comparison to driven snow emphasizes her lack of worldly experience and her deeply felt sorrow. It’s a romanticized image, suggesting that her purity is almost otherworldly.
Example #3: Dark Bureau by Earnest Dudley
“All pure as driven snow, of course. Sharing the secretary, I mean.”
Dudley uses the phrase ironically in a crime novel, subtly hinting at the hidden complexities beneath a seemingly innocent situation. It’s a cynical observation, suggesting that appearances can be deceiving and that even the most seemingly innocent relationships may harbor secrets. The humor lies in the incongruity of applying such a poetic phrase to a mundane, and potentially scandalous, office situation.
Further Nuances and Considerations
While often used to describe people, “as pure as the driven snow” can also be applied metaphorically to concepts or objects. For example, describing a newly formed ideology as “pure as the driven snow” suggests its unblemished and untainted nature. It’s important to consider the context in which the phrase is used, as its meaning can shift depending on the author’s intent. The phrase can also carry a sense of fragility—snow is temporary, and purity is often difficult to maintain in a corrupt world. Furthermore, the phrase can be viewed critically—some argue that the emphasis on purity can be exclusionary or unrealistic. The expectation of absolute innocence can be damaging, and it’s important to acknowledge that everyone is flawed. Ultimately, the power of “as pure as the driven snow” lies in its ability to evoke a complex range of emotions and associations, making it a timeless and enduring figure of speech.