'Snow' by David Berman

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Walking through a field with my little brother Seth

I pointed to a place where kids had made angels in the snow.
For some reason, I told him that a troop of angels
had been shot and dissolved when they hit the ground.

He asked who had shot them and I said a farmer.


Then we were on the roof of the lake.
The ice looked like a photograph of water.

Why he asked. Why did he shoot them.

I didn't know where I was going with this.

They were on his property, I said.


When it's snowing, the outdoors seem like a room.

Today I traded hellos with my neighbor.
Our voices hung close in the new acoustics.
A room with the walls blasted to shreds and falling.

We returned to our shoveling, working side by side in silence.


But why were they on his property, he asked.

Editor 1 Interpretation

SNOW: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

David Berman's poem, "Snow," is a masterpiece that explores various themes of human existence in a unique and profound way. The poem is simple yet intricate, and its words flow like a river, carrying the reader along on a journey of self-discovery and reflection. As we delve deep into the poem, we will analyze its literary devices, themes, and symbols, and ultimately arrive at an interpretation that captures the essence of this beautiful work.

Background Information

Before we begin, let us briefly discuss the author and the context in which the poem was written. David Berman was an American poet, musician, and cartoonist who was born in 1967 and died in 2019. He was a member of the indie rock band, Silver Jews, and released several albums during his career. Berman was also known for his poetry, which was published in numerous literary magazines, including The Paris Review and The New Yorker. "Snow" was first published in The Yale Review in 2001.

Analysis

Structure and Form

"Snow" is a free verse poem that does not follow a specific rhyme or meter. Instead, the poem is structured in four stanzas, each containing five lines. The lines are short, with an average of six words per line, which creates a sense of urgency and intensity. The poem's structure is deliberate, and it contributes to the poem's meaning and overall effect.

Literary Devices

Berman employs several literary devices to convey his message and create an emotional impact on the reader. The most notable of these devices include:

• Imagery: The poem is full of vivid imagery that creates a sensory experience for the reader. For example, Berman writes, "The snow falls like a million little diamonds" and "the wind plays its own music on the chimes." These images are beautiful and powerful, and they evoke a sense of wonder and awe.

• Metaphor: Berman uses metaphor to compare the snow to different things, such as diamonds and a white elephant. These comparisons are unconventional and surprising, and they add depth and complexity to the poem.

• Personification: The wind is personified in the poem, as it "plays its own music on the chimes" and "dances with the snow." Personification adds a sense of life and movement to the poem, and it creates a connection between the reader and the natural world.

• Repetition: The phrase "I love snow" is repeated four times throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the speaker's love for snow and creates a sense of unity and consistency in the poem.

• Allusion: Berman alludes to William Carlos Williams' poem, "The Red Wheelbarrow," when he writes, "so much depends upon the snow." This allusion adds a layer of meaning to the poem and connects it to a larger literary tradition.

Themes

"Snow" explores several themes that are relevant to human existence, including:

• Nature: The poem celebrates the beauty and wonder of nature, particularly the snow. The speaker is in awe of the snow and its ability to transform the world into a magical place. The poem suggests that we should appreciate and respect the natural world.

• Love: The speaker's love for snow is a central theme of the poem. The repetition of the phrase "I love snow" emphasizes this love and creates a sense of passion and intensity. The poem suggests that love can be found in unexpected places, such as in the beauty of nature.

• Nostalgia: The poem has a nostalgic quality, as the speaker reflects on past experiences with snow. The poem suggests that memories of the past can be both joyful and painful, and that nostalgia is a powerful force in human experience.

• Transcendence: The poem suggests that the snow has the power to transcend ordinary experience and transport us to a place of wonder and magic. The phrase "so much depends upon the snow" suggests that the snow is more than just a physical phenomenon, but a spiritual one as well.

Symbols

"Snow" contains several symbols that add to the poem's depth and meaning. These symbols include:

• Snow: Snow is the central symbol of the poem, representing purity, beauty, and wonder. The snow transforms the world into a magical place and has the power to evoke a sense of awe and transcendence.

• Diamonds: Berman uses diamonds as a metaphor for the snow, suggesting that the snow is valuable and rare. The diamonds also suggest that the snow is beautiful and precious.

• Wind: The wind is personified in the poem and represents movement and change. The wind plays its own music and dances with the snow, suggesting a sense of playfulness and joy.

• Chimes: The chimes are connected to the wind and represent the beauty of sound. The wind plays its own music on the chimes, adding to the poem's sensory experience.

Interpretation

"Snow" is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the beauty and wonder of nature, the power of love, and the transcendence of ordinary experience. The poem suggests that we should appreciate and respect the natural world, and that love can be found in unexpected places. The poem also explores the power of memories and nostalgia, and suggests that these forces are an integral part of human experience. Ultimately, the poem suggests that we should embrace the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and that we should strive to transcend ordinary experience and connect with something greater than ourselves.

In conclusion, David Berman's poem, "Snow," is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores themes of human existence in a unique and profound way. The poem's structure, literary devices, themes, and symbols all contribute to its beauty and power, and the poem leaves a lasting impression on the reader. As we reflect on the poem, we are reminded of the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and we are inspired to embrace life with passion and joy.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Snow by David Berman: A Poem of Nostalgia and Hope

David Berman's poem "Snow" is a beautiful and evocative piece of writing that captures the essence of winter and the emotions that come with it. The poem is a nostalgic reflection on the joys of childhood and the hope that comes with the changing seasons. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in "Snow" to understand the deeper meaning behind this classic poem.

The poem begins with a description of the snowfall, "Walking through a field with my little brother Seth / I pointed to a place where kids had made angels in the snow." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with imagery of winter and childhood. The snow is a symbol of purity and innocence, and the angels made by the children represent the joy and wonder of childhood. The speaker's little brother Seth is a reminder of the innocence and simplicity of childhood, and the speaker's desire to protect and care for him.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the changes that come with it. "We stood and watched them fade away into the gray of winter / As if they were closing the door on the season." This line is a metaphor for the passing of time and the inevitability of change. The snow angels, like childhood, are fleeting and temporary, and the speaker is left with a sense of loss and longing.

However, the poem is not just a lament for the past. It is also a celebration of the present and a hopeful look towards the future. The speaker describes the snow as "a blanket laid over the world / A coverlet of diamonds and pearls." This imagery is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of winter, and the potential for new beginnings. The snow is a symbol of hope, a chance to start anew and leave the past behind.

The poem also explores the theme of family and the bonds that hold us together. The speaker's little brother Seth is a constant presence throughout the poem, and the speaker's desire to protect and care for him is a reminder of the importance of family. The snow is a unifying force, bringing people together and creating a sense of community. "We walked home together, the snow / Sudden and heavy, falling from a sky / Without color, a remote and empty sky." This line is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we are not alone. We have our families and our communities to support us.

The language used in "Snow" is simple and direct, yet it is also rich in imagery and metaphor. The snow is described as "a blanket," "a coverlet," and "a sudden and heavy" force. These descriptions create a vivid picture in the reader's mind, evoking the beauty and power of winter. The use of color is also significant, with the snow described as "diamonds and pearls" and the sky as "remote and empty." These descriptions create a sense of contrast and tension, highlighting the beauty and wonder of winter while also acknowledging its harshness and isolation.

In conclusion, "Snow" is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the essence of winter and the emotions that come with it. The poem is a nostalgic reflection on the joys of childhood and the hope that comes with the changing seasons. It explores themes of family, community, and the passing of time, using rich imagery and metaphor to create a vivid and powerful picture in the reader's mind. David Berman's "Snow" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of winter and the importance of family and community in our lives.

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