Question

Read the first three stanzas of the poem "The Snow Man" by Wallace Stevens. Given the ambiguous language, what possible interpretations of the line "One must have a mind of winter" do you see?

Answer 1

Answer:

that one must not be affected by the winter but be a part of it and enjoy it.

Explanation:

"The Snow Man" poem is written by Wallace Stevens first published in 1921.

The title of the poem is ambiguous. The word "ambiguous" means to have more than one meaning of something. The word "snowman" does not appear in the poem but its meaning can be defined either as someone it talks about the snowman or a man-made of snow.

The opening line of the poem "one must have a mind of winter" can be interpreted as one that must not be affected or be prejudiced about the winter season. One must not judge the winter season as harsh. One can enjoy the wild wind of winters only if one has a mind of winter.

Answer 2

Answer:

One interpretation of the line is that everyone should enjoy the winter season. People should enjoy the cold weather and everything that comes with it, including snow, warm blankets, warm drinks, roaring fires, and winter clothes. Another interpretation is that the beauty of winter may be hard to enjoy without the proper frame of mind. Perhaps Stevens is implying this “mind of winter” is needed for people to enjoy the cold of winter without sorrow or yearning for warmer weather.

Explanation:

Plato answer