In Spring it is the dawn that is most beautiful. As the light creeps over the hills, their outlines
are dyed a faint red and wisps of purplish cloud trail over them.
In summer the nights. Not only when the moon shines, but on dark nights, too. As the
fireflies fly to and fro, and even when it rains, how beautiful it is!
In autumn the evenings, when the glittering sun sinks close to the edge of the hills and the
crows fly back to their nests in threes, and fours, and twos; more charming still is a file of wild
geese, like specks in the distant sky. When the sun has set, one's heart is moved by the sound
of the wind and the hum of the insects.
In winter the early mornings. It is beautiful indeed when snow has fallen during the night,
but splendid, too, when the ground is white with frost; or even when there is no snow or frost, but
it is simply very cold and the attendants hurry from room to room stirring up the fires and bringing
charcoal, how well this fits the season's mood! But as noon approaches and the cold wears off
,
no one bothers to keep the braziers alight, and soon nothing remains but piles of white ashes.
1. What are the four seasons mentioned in the article?
2. What specific details does Sei Shonagon use to describe each of the four seasons?
3. Point out two passages that highlight the beauty of the natural world. Which images are
specially striking? Why do you think so?
4. Does the author show preference for a particular season? Prove your answer.
5. Based on the author's description, which season do you prefer? Why?
6. State the topic sentence or the main idea of each paragraph.​