In "the sky is low , the clouds are mean," what season does the poet describe?

What the mood do the words rut, complain, and mean convey about the season?

The sky is low, the clouds are mean,

A travelling flake of snow
Across a barn or through a rut
Debates if it will go.

A narrow wind complains all day
How some one treated him;
Nature, like us, is sometimes caught
Without her diadem
— Emily Dickinson

There’s a word in the second line that should help you figure out the season.
Those 3 words indicate negative thoughts, depressing weather, etc.

Thank you so much

To determine the season described in the line "the sky is low, the clouds are mean," we can look for clues within the text that indicate specific weather conditions or characteristics associated with certain seasons.

In this case, the phrase "the sky is low" suggests a feeling of heaviness or a lack of openness, which could be associated with wintertime when the sky often appears lower due to cold temperatures. Additionally, the mention of "mean" clouds can be interpreted as harsh or unkind, which aligns with the stormy and unpredictable weather typically seen during winter months.

Therefore, based on the given description, it is likely that the poet is describing the winter season.

Now, let's analyze the mood conveyed by the words "rut," "complain," and "mean" in relation to the season described.

The word "rut" often implies being stuck or feeling trapped, indicating a sense of gloom or stagnation. This suggests a negative or somber mood associated with the described season.

"Complain" adds to the negative mood, indicating dissatisfaction or discontent. It suggests that the season is unpleasant or unsatisfactory in some way, perhaps due to extreme cold temperatures or harsh weather conditions.

Finally, the word "mean" conveys a sense of hostility or aggression, which further reinforces the negative mood described. It suggests that the season is unforgiving or unkind, adding to the overall somber atmosphere.

In conclusion, the words "rut," "complain," and "mean" contribute to a negative, somber, and hostile mood associated with the described season, which is likely winter.