Connor Marshman 1 Analysis of William Baers Snowflake William Baers Snowflake has paradoxical simplicity and complexity.

Although William Baers poem has underlying symbolism, the outward story involving a snowflake and two young lovers appears incredibly one-dimensional. However, with some analysis, symbols in the poem give the story richer meaning as evidenced by details such as the sudden crystallization and apparent aimlessness of the snowflake as well as the obstruction of wind by the young man. Being the poems namesake and central subject matter, the snowflake acts as more than just an appealing visual. Baers poem emphasizes how the rapid crystallization of a snowflake forms a unique, beautiful product (Line 4). This sudden formation parallels the momentary first kiss of two young individuals whose romantic encounter becomes a sudden catalyst to a newly forming, beautiful relationship (Line 14). The beauty of both developments is also paralleled with the described perfection of the crystal snowflake in line 4 and the beautiful mouth of the young woman in line 14. The text uses these parallels as an extended metaphor to emphasize the immediate beauty and perfection spawned by the kiss between these young adults. Just as snowflake crystallization parallels the development of love for these individuals, symbolism can also be seen through the apparent haphazard path of the snowflake. Although the flake swirls chaotically for many miles, the text stresses that it is seeking out its destiny (Line 5-7). The wild and unruly path of this snowflake on the way to its destination evokes how lovers, through a swirling and lengthy path of circumstances, are brought together by fate. It is appropriate then that the seemingly random path of the snowflake ends at the first kiss for the girl and boy (Line 14).

Connor Marshman 2 Beyond the snowflake in the poem, the winter wind in the poem is also an effective tool used to shed light on an otherwise simplistic story. Although the winter wind had tossed about the snowflake on an uncertain path, the young mans blocking of the wind prevents this tumultuous journey from continuing (Line 13). This obstruction of the violent wind reflects how the couples newly established relationship has put a stop to uncertainty in both of their lives. Furthermore, being that the male figure blocks the wind, he acts a protective figure over her. Using analytical tools, a seemingly simplistic poem is revealed to be thought provoking through key symbols such as the formation and chaotic path of the snowflake along with the suppressed winter wind. Understanding this poems symbolic undercurrent can give the reader a stronger appreciation for the text.