In literature, snow often symbolizes purity, innocence, and the blank slate of new beginnings. However, it can also represent isolation, coldness, and the harsh realities of life. According to Thomas C. Foster in ‘How to Read Literature Like a Professor’, when authors use snow, they might be setting a mood or underscoring a character’s emotional state.
For example, a snowfall can indicate a moment of clarity or transformation for a character, signaling a shift in their journey. Conversely, heavy snow could convey a sense of entrapment or despair, encapsulating characters in their struggles. Therefore, when reading literature, it’s important to pay attention to how snow is depicted and the emotions it evokes, as it can deeply enhance the overall meaning of the narrative.