ENG302B: American Literature
A course assignment focused on American Literature, analyzing key works and themes in the context of U.S. cultural history.
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Graded Assignment ENG302B: American Literature | Unit 2 | Lesson 13: Unit Test
© 2009 K12 Inc. All rights reserved. Page 1 of 4
Copying or distributing without K12’s written consent is prohibited.
Graded Assignment
Unit Test, Part 2: American Renaissance
Answer the questions using complete sentences. You may use your text to support your answers.
(15 points)
1. Compare and contrast Emerson’s poem “The Snow-Storm” with Emily Dickinson’s poem “It
Sifts from Leaden Sieves.” In what ways are their depictions of the snowstorms similar and
different? How do the differences affect the mood of each piece?
Answer:
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s "The Snow-Storm" and Emily Dickinson’s "It Sifts from Leaden Sieves" both address the
theme of snowstorms, yet their portrayals differ significantly in style, tone, and mood, reflecting each poet’s
unique perspective. While Emerson’s depiction of the snowstorm is grand, almost awe-inspiring, Dickinson’s is
more intimate and focuses on the subtle yet powerful effects of the snow on nature.
Similarities
Both poems use the snowstorm as a metaphor for nature’s power, demonstrating how it transforms the
landscape. Emerson and Dickinson describe the snow as a force of nature that shapes the environment in a
distinct way, showing how it covers everything in its path. In Emerson’s poem, the snowstorm is described as
something that “binds the earth in a white shroud,” and Dickinson also depicts the snow as a covering force,
describing how it “sifts” and falls in a way that blankets the world. Both poems evoke a sense of transformation,
where the ordinary is covered, reshaped, and changed by the snowstorm.
Additionally, both poets convey the idea that the snowstorm is beyond human control. In Emerson’s poem, the
storm is likened to a powerful force that creates “architectural grandeur” and operates without human interference,
reinforcing the idea that nature can outpace and surpass human design. Dickinson similarly portrays the snow as
“sifting” silently and steadily, emphasizing its quiet, unstoppable nature. The notion of nature’s authority is present
in both works, even though it is conveyed through different lenses.
Differences
The tone and mood of the two poems differ significantly. Emerson’s "The Snow-Storm" is awe-inspiring and filled
with grandeur. He uses vivid imagery to describe the snowstorm as a powerful, almost divine force that alters the
world. Phrases such as “a great architect” and “a silver veil” evoke the snowstorm’s ability to create a new,
elevated version of reality. Emerson’s poem sees the snowstorm as a positive force, something that reshapes the
landscape into a thing of beauty and mystery. There is a sense of admiration for the storm’s power, and this leads
to a mood of wonder and reverence.
In contrast, Dickinson’s "It Sifts from Leaden Sieves" adopts a more intimate, observational tone. Her snowstorm
is soft and quiet, almost meditative, and the mood is calm and subdued. Dickinson doesn’t focus on the power or
the grandeur of the storm; rather, she emphasizes the gentle, insistent nature of the snow. The image of snow
“sifting” from “leaden sieves” suggests a slow, steady, and controlled fall, where the storm is more about subtle
accumulation than dramatic transformation. There is a quiet reverence in Dickinson’s poem, but it contrasts with
Emerson’s more profound awe. The snow in Dickinson’s poem is less a grand force than a natural process that
one can observe and feel, creating a quieter, more personal interaction with nature.
Moreover, Emerson’s depiction of the snowstorm is somewhat detached, with the focus on how the snow shapes
the external world, whereas Dickinson’s focus is more on the personal experience of the storm, describing how it
Name: Date:
Score
© 2009 K12 Inc. All rights reserved. Page 1 of 4
Copying or distributing without K12’s written consent is prohibited.
Graded Assignment
Unit Test, Part 2: American Renaissance
Answer the questions using complete sentences. You may use your text to support your answers.
(15 points)
1. Compare and contrast Emerson’s poem “The Snow-Storm” with Emily Dickinson’s poem “It
Sifts from Leaden Sieves.” In what ways are their depictions of the snowstorms similar and
different? How do the differences affect the mood of each piece?
Answer:
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s "The Snow-Storm" and Emily Dickinson’s "It Sifts from Leaden Sieves" both address the
theme of snowstorms, yet their portrayals differ significantly in style, tone, and mood, reflecting each poet’s
unique perspective. While Emerson’s depiction of the snowstorm is grand, almost awe-inspiring, Dickinson’s is
more intimate and focuses on the subtle yet powerful effects of the snow on nature.
Similarities
Both poems use the snowstorm as a metaphor for nature’s power, demonstrating how it transforms the
landscape. Emerson and Dickinson describe the snow as a force of nature that shapes the environment in a
distinct way, showing how it covers everything in its path. In Emerson’s poem, the snowstorm is described as
something that “binds the earth in a white shroud,” and Dickinson also depicts the snow as a covering force,
describing how it “sifts” and falls in a way that blankets the world. Both poems evoke a sense of transformation,
where the ordinary is covered, reshaped, and changed by the snowstorm.
Additionally, both poets convey the idea that the snowstorm is beyond human control. In Emerson’s poem, the
storm is likened to a powerful force that creates “architectural grandeur” and operates without human interference,
reinforcing the idea that nature can outpace and surpass human design. Dickinson similarly portrays the snow as
“sifting” silently and steadily, emphasizing its quiet, unstoppable nature. The notion of nature’s authority is present
in both works, even though it is conveyed through different lenses.
Differences
The tone and mood of the two poems differ significantly. Emerson’s "The Snow-Storm" is awe-inspiring and filled
with grandeur. He uses vivid imagery to describe the snowstorm as a powerful, almost divine force that alters the
world. Phrases such as “a great architect” and “a silver veil” evoke the snowstorm’s ability to create a new,
elevated version of reality. Emerson’s poem sees the snowstorm as a positive force, something that reshapes the
landscape into a thing of beauty and mystery. There is a sense of admiration for the storm’s power, and this leads
to a mood of wonder and reverence.
In contrast, Dickinson’s "It Sifts from Leaden Sieves" adopts a more intimate, observational tone. Her snowstorm
is soft and quiet, almost meditative, and the mood is calm and subdued. Dickinson doesn’t focus on the power or
the grandeur of the storm; rather, she emphasizes the gentle, insistent nature of the snow. The image of snow
“sifting” from “leaden sieves” suggests a slow, steady, and controlled fall, where the storm is more about subtle
accumulation than dramatic transformation. There is a quiet reverence in Dickinson’s poem, but it contrasts with
Emerson’s more profound awe. The snow in Dickinson’s poem is less a grand force than a natural process that
one can observe and feel, creating a quieter, more personal interaction with nature.
Moreover, Emerson’s depiction of the snowstorm is somewhat detached, with the focus on how the snow shapes
the external world, whereas Dickinson’s focus is more on the personal experience of the storm, describing how it
Name: Date:
Score
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University
Ashford University
Subject
English