The Snow Storm
Announced by all the trumpets of the sky,
Arrives the snow, and, driving o’er the fields,
Seems nowhere to alight: the whited air
Hides hills and woods, the river, and the heavens,
And veils the farm-house at the garden’s end.
The sled and traveller stopped, the courier’s feet
Delayed, all friends shut out, the housemates sit
Around the radiant fireplace, enclosed
In a tumultuous privacy of storm.Come see the north wind’s masonry.
Out of an unseen quarry evermore
Furnished with tile, the fierce artificer
Curves his white bastions with projected roofs
Round every windward stake, or tree, or door.
Speeding, the myriad-handed, his wild work
So fanciful, so savage, nought cares he
For number or proportion. Mockingly,
On coop or kennel he hangs Parian wreaths;
A swan-like form invests the hidden thorn;
Fills up the farmer’s lane from wall to wall,
Maugre the farmer’s sighs; and, at the gate,
A tapering turret overtops the work.
And when his hours are numbered, and the world
Is all his own, retiring, as he were not,
Leaves, when the sun appears, astonished Art
To mimic in slow structures, stone by stone,
Built in an age, the mad wind’s night-work,
The frolic architecture of the snow.
Summary of The Snow Storm
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “The Snow Storm” is a captivating poem published in 1856, celebrated for its exploration of nature’s power and beauty. The poem vividly depicts a snowstorm’s arrival and its impact on the landscape and human activity. It’s not simply a description of a weather event, but a meditation on the creative force of nature, comparing the storm to a skilled artist reshaping the world. The poem acknowledges the storm’s disruptive force—halting travel, isolating communities—but quickly shifts to marvel at its breathtaking artistry. Ultimately, “The Snow Storm” suggests a cyclical rhythm—disruption followed by a stunning, fleeting beauty—and a humbling recognition of nature’s dominance.
The central idea revolves around the power and artistry of nature. Emerson doesn’t portray the storm as a destructive force to be feared, but as a powerful, creative entity that reshapes the world with a wild, unrestrained beauty. The poem suggests a connection between the force of nature and human creativity, hinting that nature’s artistry can inspire and even surpass human endeavors.
Analysis of The Snow Storm
The Storm as a Force of Transformation
The poem immediately establishes the storm’s grandeur with the line, “Announced by all the trumpets of the sky.” This isn’t a gentle snowfall; it’s a dramatic arrival, heralded with fanfare. Notice the imagery, the sky doesn’t simply produce snow, it trumpets its arrival, imbuing the storm with a sense of importance and drama. The lines that follow, “Arrives the snow, and, driving o’er the fields, / Seems nowhere to alight,” emphasize the storm’s relentless energy. It’s a sweeping force, obscuring everything in its path. “The whited air / Hides hills and woods, the river, and the heavens,” demonstrates how nature can completely transform the familiar world, enveloping it in a blanket of white.
Personification and the Artificer
Emerson powerfully employs personification throughout the poem, attributing human qualities to the storm. He doesn’t just describe the snow; he depicts the “north wind” as a “masonry” – a skilled builder or architect. “Out of an unseen quarry evermore / Furnished with tile, the fierce artificer,” emphasizes this creative force. The storm isn’t merely falling snow; it’s actively constructing a new landscape, carefully shaping the environment. This extended metaphor elevates the storm to the level of an artist, emphasizing the beauty and intentionality behind its work.
Imagery and Sensory Detail
The poem is rich in vivid imagery that appeals to our senses. Consider the line, “Curves his white bastions with projected roofs / Round every windward stake, or tree, or door.” We can almost see the snow piling up, creating fortress-like structures around the landscape. The detail of “projected roofs” further emphasizes the deliberate construction, highlighting the artistry of the storm. The phrase “Parian wreaths” offers a visual comparison to delicate, white marble sculptures, adding an element of classical beauty to the wintry scene. The image of a “swan-like form” investing a hidden thorn creates a surprising and elegant juxtaposition.
Enjambment and Flow
Emerson skillfully uses enjambment – the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next – to create a sense of momentum and flow. For example, consider these lines:
Curves his white bastions with projected roofs
Round every windward stake, or tree, or door.
The thought isn’t completed at the end of the first line; it spills over into the next, mimicking the relentless, unbroken movement of the storm. This technique draws the reader forward, creating a sense of immersion in the unfolding scene.
The Paradox of Destruction and Creation
The poem acknowledges the disruptive power of the storm—“The sled and traveller stopped, the courier’s feet / Delayed, all friends shut out”—yet quickly shifts to emphasize its creative force. This paradox, the storm as both destroyer and creator, is central to the poem’s meaning. It suggests that disruption and change can be necessary for renewal and the emergence of beauty. The storm clears the way for a new landscape, a fresh perspective, and a heightened appreciation of the natural world.
Literary and Poetic Devices in The Snow Storm
Symbolism
The snowstorm itself functions as a powerful symbol. It can be interpreted as representing the challenges and obstacles in life, the forces of change, or the overwhelming power of nature. Just as the storm temporarily disrupts our lives and alters the landscape, so too do difficult experiences shape our character and transform our world.
Metaphor and Extended Metaphor
The entire poem can be seen as an extended metaphor, comparing the snowstorm to a skilled artist or architect. This comparison isn’t simply a fleeting image; it’s sustained throughout the poem, informing our understanding of the storm’s actions and motivations.
Alliteration and Consonance
Emerson subtly employs alliteration and consonance to enhance the musicality of the poem. For example, notice the repetition of the “s” sound in “so savage,” adding a sense of wildness and energy. These sonic devices contribute to the overall aesthetic effect, creating a pleasing and memorable reading experience.
Free Verse and Form
“The Snow Storm” is written in free verse, meaning it doesn’t adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This allows Emerson to prioritize natural speech rhythms and emphasize the poem’s content and imagery. The lack of formal constraints contributes to the poem’s sense of freedom and spontaneity, mirroring the untamed nature of the storm itself. While not rigidly structured, the poem does utilize stanza breaks to create pauses and emphasize specific images or ideas.
Quotes for Appreciation
The following lines are particularly evocative and can be used to inspire appreciation for nature’s artistry:
Announced by all the trumpets of the sky,
Arrives the snow, and, driving o’er the fields,
Seems nowhere to alight: the whited air
Hides hills and woods, the river, and the heavens,
And veils the farm-house at the garden’s end.
These lines create a powerful sense of awe and wonder, capturing the storm’s dramatic arrival and its transformative effect on the landscape.
“The Snow Storm” is more than just a descriptive poem; it’s a philosophical meditation on nature, creativity, and the cyclical rhythms of life. By carefully analyzing its imagery, symbolism, and poetic devices, we can gain a deeper appreciation for Emerson’s artistry and the enduring power of the natural world.