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The Concept Of Nature In Frederick Philip Grove's 'Snow'

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When one thinks of nature, the first thoughts that may come to mind are bright flowers, green landscapes, and endless beauty. However, in the short story “Snow”, written by Frederick Philip Grove, readers learn that nature will stand down to no man and can take lives in the blink of an eye. In short, this tale is about a man, Redcliff, who goes missing in the middle of a blizzard and is eventually found dead, leaving behind, a widow and family depending on him. He is found by a group of three men: Abe, Bill, and Mike who recovers his body and in the end, breaks the tragic news to the family. The concept of nature in this work is painted as a vicious powerful villain who strikes fear and awe in all who witness its power. The author uses similes and personifications to create this image of nature against man as well as the backstory for the Redcliff family.
Throughout the story, the emotional experience of the concept of nature remains morose and melancholic with a dash of hope that dies at the climax of the story. Right from the start, readers are given constant hints that nature is stronger than man. For example, in the very beginning, “a man was fighting his way to the door” (261). This small quote in itself, shows the struggle man faces against an effortless, natural environment. When the men are trying to “offer the smallest possible surface to the attack of the cold” (262), the wording personifies nature as it is giving the cold an action. From plentiful quotes like

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