In “Birches,” the author uses the phrase “shed crystal shells” to describe
Responses
a collection of glass figurines.
the ice cracking off of the trees.
the melting of snow on the rocks.
the shine of seashells glistening on a beach.
the ice cracking off of the trees.
The phrase "shed crystal shells" in the poem "Birches" by Robert Frost is used to describe the ice cracking off of the trees.
To determine the correct answer, we need to analyze the given phrase "shed crystal shells" in the context of the poem "Birches" and eliminate the incorrect options.
First, we can eliminate the options of "a collection of glass figurines" and "the shine of seashells glistening on a beach" since they do not fit with the overall theme and imagery of the poem.
Now let's focus on the remaining options: "the ice cracking off of the trees" and "the melting of snow on the rocks." To make a final decision, we should refer to the poem itself.
"Birches" by Robert Frost discusses the beauty and metaphorical significance of birch trees and their bending branches. The poem primarily uses vivid imagery and nature-based metaphors. The phrase "shed crystal shells" suggests the idea of something breaking or falling off, resembling the process of shedding or discarding a protective layer.
Considering the context of the poem, the most appropriate interpretation of the phrase would be "the ice cracking off of the trees" rather than "the melting of snow on the rocks." This interpretation aligns with the imagery of winter and natural elements found in the poem, such as the bending of birch trees under the weight of ice during a storm.
Therefore, the correct answer is: the ice cracking off of the trees.