Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Snow-Storm" is a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson that celebrates the power and beauty of nature, and explores the themes of wonder, mystery, and human frailty. The poem is notable for its use of vivid imagery, its celebration of the natural world, and its timeless meditation on the human condition.

The poem opens with the lines, "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 heaven." These lines evoke the power and mystery of the snow-storm, celebrating the way in which it transforms the landscape and fills the air with wonder.

As the poem continues, Emerson explores the theme of human frailty and the way in which the snow-storm can remind us of our own mortality. He writes, "Ah! well-a-day! what evil looks / Had I from old and young! / Instead of the cross, the Albatross / About my neck was hung."

"The Snow-Storm" captures the beauty and wonder of the natural world, inviting us to contemplate the profound impact that nature can have on our lives and our perspectives. The poem celebrates the enduring power of human connection and inspiration, and suggests that even in the face of adversity, we can still find a way to connect with the world and to create something beautiful and meaningful.

Overall, "The Snow-Storm" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the beauty and wonder of nature, and invites us to contemplate the profound impact that the natural world can have on our lives and our perspectives. Through its use of vivid imagery and lyrical language, the poem captures the enduring power of human connection and inspiration, and celebrates the beauty and wonder of the world around us. It is a timeless tribute to the enduring power of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of connecting with the natural world.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...