* Imagery: Frost uses vivid sensory details to create a strong image of the snowy scene. We see the "way" the crow "shook" the snow off the "pine-tree," hear the "crow" "cawing," and feel the "dust of snow" falling on the speaker's "head." This imagery helps us understand the speaker's change in mood.
* Symbolism: The crow and the snow carry symbolic weight. The crow, often associated with bad luck, represents the speaker's initial despair. The snow, while initially a symbol of bleakness, becomes a cleansing and rejuvenating force, representing a renewal of hope and optimism.
* Metaphor: The "dust of snow" is not simply snow but a metaphor for the small but significant moments that can change our perspective. The speaker's shift in mood is not directly stated but implied through the imagery of the snow.
* Personification: The crow is given human-like actions by "shaking" the snow off the tree and "cawing." This personification adds a touch of whimsy and draws the reader further into the scene.
* Simple Language: The poem is written in a simple, direct style. This straightforwardness reinforces the poem's theme of finding hope in small, unexpected moments.
* Juxtaposition: The speaker's initial sense of despair ("My heart was heavy") is juxtaposed with the unexpected beauty of the snow falling on his head. This contrast highlights the transformative power of the moment.
* Free Verse: While not completely free verse, the poem breaks from a strict rhyme scheme, creating a more natural and conversational tone.
By using these devices, Frost creates a powerful and evocative poem about finding hope and renewal even in the midst of hardship.