Robert Frost 1874-1963. Background Frost was a contemporary of many of the great poets of the...

Robert Frost 1874-1963

Background Frost was a contemporary of many of the great poets of the twentieth century but his work differs from theirs in many aspects. Developed a theory of poetic language which he termed the sound of sense. This mean that language in poetry should reproduce the exact tone of meaning in human speech. Known in New England as a typical Yankee, a man whom the hard work of farming was a true inspiration. His life and his work, are culturally seen as real American: Hard working, Independent, Full of Down to Earth common sense.

General points Fascinated with sound and what he called the noise of words. He made these sounds more powerful by placing them in tension with more traditional rhythms and rhymes. He succeeded in creating poetry that fused everyday speech with formal poetic techniques.Fascinated with sound and what he called the noise of words. He made these sounds more powerful by placing them in tension with more traditional rhythms and rhymes. He succeeded in creating poetry that fused everyday speech with formal poetic techniques. The notion of the cycle of nature is a reoccurring theme of Frosts. However the leaves trees, grass, woods and spring pools may seem simple at first glance, but beware Frosts poetry marks a far deeper level of complexity.The notion of the cycle of nature is a reoccurring theme of Frosts. However the leaves trees, grass, woods and spring pools may seem simple at first glance, but beware Frosts poetry marks a far deeper level of complexity.

General Points Nearly all of Frosts poems on the course are open to metaphorical readingsNearly all of Frosts poems on the course are open to metaphorical readings Frost had a difficult life and although his poems may seem uplifting at first glance, it is possible to see an awareness of lifes darker aspects in his workFrost had a difficult life and although his poems may seem uplifting at first glance, it is possible to see an awareness of lifes darker aspects in his work A momentary stay against the confusion of life- Robert Frost. These are words that describe the beautiful poems we will be studying of Frosts.A momentary stay against the confusion of life- Robert Frost. These are words that describe the beautiful poems we will be studying of Frosts.

Themes NatureNature Artistic creation and power of the imaginationArtistic creation and power of the imagination An awareness of the darker side of lifeAn awareness of the darker side of life Life/ExperienceLife/Experience Isolation and LonelinessIsolation and Loneliness The transience of lifeThe transience of life DeathDeath

Style Language is simple and accessibleLanguage is simple and accessible Uses traditional meters and rhymesUses traditional meters and rhymes Poems can be read metaphoricallyPoems can be read metaphorically Poems are vividly described both in terms of their imagery and symbolismPoems are vividly described both in terms of their imagery and symbolism

Five headings 1.Writes about Nature, but not merely for its own sake 2.Uses traditional meters and rhythms 3.Language of poems is accessible and memorable 4.Poems can often read metaphorically 5.Said that poetry begins in delight and ends in wisdom.

The Tuft of flowers Written in 1913 from his collection A Boys Will, the set of poems that made Frost famous at the age of 39 years old. The poems were praised for their simplicity but Frost replied if they are (simple) they are subtle too.Written in 1913 from his collection A Boys Will, the set of poems that made Frost famous at the age of 39 years old. The poems were praised for their simplicity but Frost replied if they are (simple) they are subtle too. Frost said this poem is about fellowship and is typical of his personal and confessional style.Frost said this poem is about fellowship and is typical of his personal and confessional style. Nature seems to teach the poet an important lesson about human beings and their relationships with one another- nature is a text that can be read in many ways. It can enlighten human feelings and situations.Nature seems to teach the poet an important lesson about human beings and their relationships with one another- nature is a text that can be read in many ways. It can enlighten human feelings and situations.

The tuft of flowers I went to turn the grass once after one Who mowed it in the dew before the sun. The dew was gone that made his blade so keen Before I came to view the levelled scene. I looked for him behind an isle of trees; I listened for his whetstone on the breeze. But he had gone his way, the grass all mown, And I must be, as he had been,--alone, `As all must be,' I said within my heart, ` Whether they work together or apart.' But as I said it, swift there passed me by On noiseless wing a 'wildered butterfly, At first it seems to the speaker that isolation is the natural condition of human beings The word but signal a change of directions. Perhaps the speaker is aware of the isolation of the natural world as well as the human world Takes a simple situation and he allows natural images to create atmosphere and symbolize human experience.

The Tuft of Flowers Seeking with memories grown dim o'er night Some resting flower of yesterday's delight. And once I marked his flight go round and round, As where some flower lay withering on the ground. And then he flew as far as eye could see, And then on tremulous wing came back to me. I thought of questions that have no reply, And would have turned to toss the grass to dry; But he turned first, and led my eye to look At a tall tuft of flowers beside a brook, The butterfly is a personified figure- leads the speaker to the flowers. The butterfly fits naturally into the setting but also as in a traditional fable takes the form of a helpful creature who points the human being in the right direction. round, round, withering.. Capture the butterflys zig-zag flight.

The Tuft of Flowers A leaping tongue of bloom the scythe had spared Beside a reedy brook the scythe had bared. The mower in the dew had loved them thus, By leaving them to flourish, not for us, Nor yet to draw one thought of ours to him. But from sheer morning gladness at the brim. The butterfly and I had lit upon, Nevertheless, a message from the dawn, They have been left uncut by the previous mower for his own pleasure The Tuft of Flowers gives the speaker a sense of connection with the previous mower.

The Tuft of Flowers That made me hear the wakening birds around, And hear his long scythe whispering to the ground, And feel a spirit kindred to my own; So that henceforth I worked no more alone; But glad with him, I worked as with his aid, And weary, sought at noon with him the shade; And dreaming, as it were, held brotherly speech With one whose thought I had not hoped to reach. `Men work together,' I told him from the heart, `Whether they work together or apart.' The final message of the poem is uplifting. Many images of speech and communication is in line with the theme of human fellowship. Brotherly speech is possible and people are social beings who need each other

Theme Even if people must work separately, companionship and understanding is possible between them. This paradox (or seeming contradiction) is the main theme of the poem. Even if people must work separately, companionship and understanding is possible between them. This paradox (or seeming contradiction) is the main theme of the poem.

The Tuft of flowers It is suggested that this poem is a description of the modern poet trying to find his own way of writing poems. At first a lonely enterprise, but like the speaker who finds the flowers, the poet realizes that he is not writing alone but in a continuous tradition of poetry.It is suggested that this poem is a description of the modern poet trying to find his own way of writing poems. At first a lonely enterprise, but like the speaker who finds the flowers, the poet realizes that he is not writing alone but in a continuous tradition of poetry. The poem is written in rhyming couplets (aa,bb,cc,dd), each expressing a single thought, which creates a pleasant harmonious sound which contributes to the optimistic ending to the poem.The poem is written in rhyming couplets (aa,bb,cc,dd), each expressing a single thought, which creates a pleasant harmonious sound which contributes to the optimistic ending to the poem. Illustrates some of the characteristics Frost uses in his nature poems. The speaker is a solitary labourer who observes and lovingly describes real situations and natural scenes. He moves from his description to recognising the underlying significance for human beings (like Mending Wall).Illustrates some of the characteristics Frost uses in his nature poems. The speaker is a solitary labourer who observes and lovingly describes real situations and natural scenes. He moves from his description to recognising the underlying significance for human beings (like Mending Wall).

MendingMending wall wall Mendingwall Frost often felt alienated and in this poem, he seems very aware of this when he and his neighbours have differing ideas about whether a wall between their property is truly necessary.Frost often felt alienated and in this poem, he seems very aware of this when he and his neighbours have differing ideas about whether a wall between their property is truly necessary. The poem took on a wider significance when Frost recited it to the leader of Russia in 1962, Nikita Krushchev. The symbolism of the wall between West and the Soviet Union was obvious. It has been used in similar situations ever since.The poem took on a wider significance when Frost recited it to the leader of Russia in 1962, Nikita Krushchev. The symbolism of the wall between West and the Soviet Union was obvious. It has been used in similar situations ever since.

Mending wall Speaker appears to lack confidence to express is views openly as if he is not aware of the response he would get if he did. Begins mysteriously, giving examples of how much nature seems to dislike walls. The repeated use of the I highlights the personal nature of the poem Something there is that doesn't love a wall, That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, And spills the upper boulders in the sun, And makes gaps even two can pass abreast. The work of hunters is another thing: I have come after them and made repair Where they have left not one stone on a stone, But they would have the rabbit out of hiding, To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean, No one has seen them made or heard them made, But at spring mending-time we find them there. I let my neighbor know beyond the hill; And on a day we meet to walk the line And set the wall between us once again. We keep the wall between us as we go. To each the boulders that have fallen to each. And some are loaves and some so nearly balls

We have to use a spell to make them balance: 'Stay where you are until our backs are turned!' We wear our fingers rough with handling them. Oh, just another kind of out- door game, One on a side. It comes to little more: There where it is we do not need the wall: He is all pine and I am apple orchard. My apple trees will never get across And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him. He only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors'. Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder If I could put a notion in his head: 'Why do they make good neighbors? Isn't it Where there are cows?We have to use a spell to make them balance: 'Stay where you are until our backs are turned!' We wear our fingers rough with handling them. Oh, just another kind of out- door game, One on a side. It comes to little more: There where it is we do not need the wall: He is all pine and I am apple orchard. My apple trees will never get across And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him. He only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors'. Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder If I could put a notion in his head: 'Why do they make good neighbors? Isn't it Where there are cows? The atmosphere at first is lighthearted and co-operative. It is an out-door game of theres to replace the boulders on the wall. Personifies the wall/ boulders The speaker makes his views known. He jokes that his apple trees will never eat his pine trees on the other side. But his neighbour disagrees. Continues playful manner- he tries to make his neighbour think of the wall and what its purpose is.

Mending wall But here there are no cows. Before I built a wall I'd ask to know What I was walling in or walling out, And to whom I was like to give offence. Something there is that doesn't love a wall, That wants it down.' I could say 'Elves' to him, But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather He said it for himself. I see him there Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed. He moves in darkness as it seems to me~ Not of woods only and the shade of trees. He will not go behind his father's saying, And he likes having thought of it so well He says again, "Good fences make good neighbors." The speaker rekindles the sense of mystery created at the beginning. Neighbour now comes across threateningly. The repetitions of these lines, emphasize the whole "this is my side of the argument, and thats your side of the argument" theme. The poem is not broken into stanzas, which makes the poem itself look visually like a rock wall turned on its side. We can see the "gaps" in the wall when we look at the way that the line endings form an imperfect line all the way down the page.

Metaphor of wall Frost using ordinary things such as turning the grass or mending a wall turns something ordinary into something deeper. He saw the metaphorical significance of many seemingly unimportant events.Frost using ordinary things such as turning the grass or mending a wall turns something ordinary into something deeper. He saw the metaphorical significance of many seemingly unimportant events. Two farmers mending the wall between their lands seem to be erecting human barriers between themselves.Two farmers mending the wall between their lands seem to be erecting human barriers between themselves. The wall seems to take on a life of its own influences perhaps by something that does not want it built in the first place.The wall seems to take on a life of its own influences perhaps by something that does not want it built in the first place. The implication is that human desire for company is often thwarted by people themselves. The neighbours are working together to keep themselves apart.The implication is that human desire for company is often thwarted by people themselves. The neighbours are working together to keep themselves apart.

Mending wall The sound of sense is seen here- the language is conversational and reproduces the exact tone and nuance of meaning of human speech.The sound of sense is seen here- the language is conversational and reproduces the exact tone and nuance of meaning of human speech. Although it does not rhyme there is a strict poetic meter for the entire forty-five lines: iambic pentameter/ five main stresses in each line. Frost is famous for saying writing a poem in free verse is like playing tennis with the net down.Although it does not rhyme there is a strict poetic meter for the entire forty-five lines: iambic pentameter/ five main stresses in each line. Frost is famous for saying writing a poem in free verse is like playing tennis with the net down. This is a narrative poem that can also be read on a metaphorical level and it raises some interesting philosophical questions about boundariesThis is a narrative poem that can also be read on a metaphorical level and it raises some interesting philosophical questions about boundaries

After Apple-picking Frost himself pointed the way for readers to read his poems metaphorically: Poetry provides the one permissible way of saying one thing and meaning another.Frost himself pointed the way for readers to read his poems metaphorically: Poetry provides the one permissible way of saying one thing and meaning another. One of Frosts more difficult poems, it has many layers of meaningOne of Frosts more difficult poems, it has many layers of meaning It uses complex imagery that appeals to all the sensesIt uses complex imagery that appeals to all the senses The speaker is aware of the strangeness of his imagination at that moment- he is confusing times and tense as one does in a dreamlike state.The speaker is aware of the strangeness of his imagination at that moment- he is confusing times and tense as one does in a dreamlike state. Reality and unreality are deliberately blurredReality and unreality are deliberately blurred

After apple picking My long two-pointed ladder's sticking through a tree still, Toward heaven still, And there's a barrel that I didn't fill Beside it, and there may be two or three Apples I didn't pick upon some bough. But I am done with apple-picking now. Essence of winter sleep is on the night, The scent of apples: I am drowsing off. I cannot rub the strangeness from my sight I got from looking through a pane of glass I skimmed this morning from the drinking trough And held against the world of hoary grass. It melted, and I let it fall and break. But I was well Upon my way to sleep before it fell, And I could tell What form my dreaming was about to take. The voice is that of a practical farmer looking over his days work, although he may feel his work is unfinished. He is pleased with his days work, drowsy and prepares for sleep. The poetic imagery contrasts with the down to earth tone Suggests aspirations/ beyond the mere practical man A dream like quality- linking a scent with sleep which introduces us to the poems central metaphor- sleep and dreaming. Images from his days work enter his mind- reality and dream begin to merge, like a form of dj vu.

After Apple Picking Magnified apples appear and disappear, Stem end and blossom end, And every fleck of russet showing clear. My instep arch not only keeps the ache, It keeps the pressure of a ladder-round. I feel the ladder sway as the boughs bend. And I keep hearing from the cellar bin The rumbling sound Of load on load of apples coming in. For I have had too much Of apple-picking: I am overtired Of the great harvest I myself desired. There were ten thousand thousand fruit to touch, Cherish in hand, lift down, and not let fall. For all That struck the earth, No matter if not bruised or spiked with stubble, Went surely to the cider-apple heap As of no worth. One can see what will trouble This sleep of mine, whatever sleep it is. Were he not gone, The woodchuck could say whether it's like his Long sleep, as I describe its coming on, Or just some human sleep. The action takes place around the farmer at work but his imagination causes him to see the world in a different way. Sensuous images recreate the experience of apple-picking; almost tangible and in abundance. He cherishes each apple in his hand. He is aware of his tiredness and anxiety over those bruised apples in the cider heap. Aware they will make an appearance in this sleep of mine. He does not know if his sleep in which he is waiting will be a human sleep or a hibernating one woodchuck.

After Apple Picking This last statement is typical of Frost. It seems simple- a long sleep after a long day of physical labour? Since the harvesting of apples has ceased, could this suggest the inactivity of winter on the farm that resembles the hibernation of animals like the woodchuck?This last statement is typical of Frost. It seems simple- a long sleep after a long day of physical labour? Since the harvesting of apples has ceased, could this suggest the inactivity of winter on the farm that resembles the hibernation of animals like the woodchuck? The poem gives a sense of it being grounded in real life. We know Frost was a farmer and also had ambitions as a poet.The poem gives a sense of it being grounded in real life. We know Frost was a farmer and also had ambitions as a poet. The whole poem seems to be concerned with what is happening in the apple-harvesters mind as he recalls his experiences. We can remind ourselves this is exactly what a poet does.The whole poem seems to be concerned with what is happening in the apple-harvesters mind as he recalls his experiences. We can remind ourselves this is exactly what a poet does. The metaphor of sleep and dreaming that runs through the poem, the merging of reality and strangeness, suggests the transforming vision of the poet.The metaphor of sleep and dreaming that runs through the poem, the merging of reality and strangeness, suggests the transforming vision of the poet.

After Apple-Picking Interpretations Parini, a critic and biographer of Frosts, believes this poem is about how the imagination works- the great harvest that needs to be cherished and developed. This work of a poet involves anxiety and loss that often troubles the poets sleep; that his or her imagination will cease to bear fruit forever (a metaphorical death).Parini, a critic and biographer of Frosts, believes this poem is about how the imagination works- the great harvest that needs to be cherished and developed. This work of a poet involves anxiety and loss that often troubles the poets sleep; that his or her imagination will cease to bear fruit forever (a metaphorical death). It also could be seen as a metaphor for life itself.; the tasks and effort involved; success and failures. In this context the human sleep might suggest human death (the long sleep), which comes almost as a relief to the overtired, overburdened human.It also could be seen as a metaphor for life itself.; the tasks and effort involved; success and failures. In this context the human sleep might suggest human death (the long sleep), which comes almost as a relief to the overtired, overburdened human.

Sounds in After apple-picking Poem takes place in Autumn, a transitional time when the speakers mood is weary, sleepy and yet aware of change. Moving from past to present, morning to evening, walking to sleep.Poem takes place in Autumn, a transitional time when the speakers mood is weary, sleepy and yet aware of change. Moving from past to present, morning to evening, walking to sleep. Very attractive sounds throughout the poem, with a mixture of plain matter of fact language (But I am done with apple-picking now) and poetic images and phrases (magnified apples appear and disappear).Very attractive sounds throughout the poem, with a mixture of plain matter of fact language (But I am done with apple-picking now) and poetic images and phrases (magnified apples appear and disappear). Frost chose to use end rhyme throughout this poem (tree/three, still/fill) which is appropriate as the poem is concerned with change and uncertainty. The rhyme is not predictable as he varies his line length and occasionally separates the rhymes.Frost chose to use end rhyme throughout this poem (tree/three, still/fill) which is appropriate as the poem is concerned with change and uncertainty. The rhyme is not predictable as he varies his line length and occasionally separates the rhymes. Many examples of assonance( repetition of vowel sounds) (sticking/ didnt) and consonance (repetition of consonants) Essence of winter sleep is on the night/ The scent of applesMany examples of assonance( repetition of vowel sounds) (sticking/ didnt) and consonance (repetition of consonants) Essence of winter sleep is on the night/ The scent of apples The word sleep echoes and occurs six times in the poem. Sleep and death have long been associated.The word sleep echoes and occurs six times in the poem. Sleep and death have long been associated.

Out,Out- One of his most affecting poems as it is based on a true story. In 1910 the child of a neighbour was killed in an accident on his fathers farm.One of his most affecting poems as it is based on a true story. In 1910 the child of a neighbour was killed in an accident on his fathers farm. The boy named Raymond, Tracy Fitzgerald was helping his father to saw wood when his hand was caught in the sawing machine. He died from the effects of shock, which caused heart failure.The boy named Raymond, Tracy Fitzgerald was helping his father to saw wood when his hand was caught in the sawing machine. He died from the effects of shock, which caused heart failure. Title is taken from Shakespeares Macbeth. After Macbeth finds out about the death of his wife he says Out, out, brief candle! Lifes but a walking shadow.. The speech itself continues in which Macbeth comments on how short life is- very relevant to this poem.Title is taken from Shakespeares Macbeth. After Macbeth finds out about the death of his wife he says Out, out, brief candle! Lifes but a walking shadow.. The speech itself continues in which Macbeth comments on how short life is- very relevant to this poem. The poet prepares us further for impending tragedyThe poet prepares us further for impending tragedy The key theme is the fragility of human lifeThe key theme is the fragility of human life The poems sound effects underscore its meaningThe poems sound effects underscore its meaning

out, out- The buzz saw snarled and rattled in the yard And made dust and dropped stove-length sticks of wood, Sweet-scented stuff when the breeze drew across it. And from there those that lifted eyes could count Five mountain ranges one behind the other Under the sunset far into Vermont. And the saw snarled and rattled, snarled and rattled, As it ran light, or had to bear a load. And nothing happened: day was all but done. Call it a day, I wish they might have said To please the boy by giving him the half hour That a boy counts so much when saved from work. His sister stood beside him in her apron To tell them Supper. At the word, the saw, As if to prove saws knew what supper meant, Leaped out at the boys hand, or seemed to leap He must have given the hand. However it was, Neither refused the meeting. But the hand! The boys first outcry was a rueful laugh, As he swung toward them holding up the hand The poem sets the scene almost like a play does: sets the scene with a view of the mountains in Vermount. There is a sense of impending doom. Dust: Suggesting death The saw itself seems to take an active role. It seems like a living thing, another character in the drama. The climax of the drama, the moment of crisis. Neither refused suggest the boy himself reached out to meet the saw The boys sad and chilling reaction, a rueful laugh as if in shock

out, out- Half in appeal, but half as if to keep The life from spilling. Then the boy saw all Since he was old enough to know, big boy Doing a mans work, though a child at heart He saw all spoiled. Dont let him cut my hand off The doctor, when he comes. Dont let him, sister! So. But the hand was gone already. The doctor put him in the dark of ether. He lay and puffed his lips out with his breath. And thenthe watcher at his pulse took fright. No one believed. They listened at his heart. Littlelessnothing!and that ended it. No more to build on there. And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs. These words suggest the boy realised he was facing death, the doctor gave him an anesthetic until he died. We dont know who the watcher is (sister/ Doctor perhaps) but they did not expect him to die. The moment is described with no expression of grief or even much comment to console us The most surprising part of the poem: those left behind seem to accept the situation and calmly go on about their lives.

out, out- This poem has divided many. Some critics believe Frost is being realistic accepting accidents happen on a farm. They argue that he is showing the courage of the family in coming to terms with their loss. The use of the quotation from Macbeth, shows he is not dismissing the boys death as unimportant.This poem has divided many. Some critics believe Frost is being realistic accepting accidents happen on a farm. They argue that he is showing the courage of the family in coming to terms with their loss. The use of the quotation from Macbeth, shows he is not dismissing the boys death as unimportant. Others feel that the ending is cold and even cruel as if the boy must be forgotten now that his is no longer of use on the family farm. As his neighbours would not have been rich, the loss of a son/ employee would cause financial hardship. Even at that, the lack of grief for the death of a son seems strange.Others feel that the ending is cold and even cruel as if the boy must be forgotten now that his is no longer of use on the family farm. As his neighbours would not have been rich, the loss of a son/ employee would cause financial hardship. Even at that, the lack of grief for the death of a son seems strange. Make up your own mind!!!Make up your own mind!!!

out, out- Sound is very important in this poem to communicate the drama of the scene. The use and repetition of onomatopoeic words such as buzz, snarled, and rattled adds to the effect of the poem.Sound is very important in this poem to communicate the drama of the scene. The use and repetition of onomatopoeic words such as buzz, snarled, and rattled adds to the effect of the poem. Alliteration in Sweet-scented stuff, and assonance such as count and mountain also add to the effect.Alliteration in Sweet-scented stuff, and assonance such as count and mountain also add to the effect. For the most part the language is straightforward and simple as Frost captures images of natural peace and beauty in Vermont and domestic details such as a sister in her apron which starkly contrast with the horrific images of the boy trying to prevent his life from spilling from his hand.For the most part the language is straightforward and simple as Frost captures images of natural peace and beauty in Vermont and domestic details such as a sister in her apron which starkly contrast with the horrific images of the boy trying to prevent his life from spilling from his hand.

Acquainted with the night A tragic poet whose work conceived of a terrifying universe- this poem truly reflects what critic Lionel Thrilling meant by this statement. What comes to mind when you hear the title? Focus on the two words.. AQUAINTED NIGHT It appears that the night is not only to be read literally but also reflects the dark night of the soul that the speaker has experienced. Nature itself seems to echo his sadness and despair with images of darkness and rain. A short lyrical sonnet, the poem is unusual among Frosts work in that it is set in the city rather than in rural surroundings.A short lyrical sonnet, the poem is unusual among Frosts work in that it is set in the city rather than in rural surroundings. It depicts the dark, alienating side of urban existence.It depicts the dark, alienating side of urban existence. The speaker is experiences a sense of deep depression and loneliness as he walks through the city streets.The speaker is experiences a sense of deep depression and loneliness as he walks through the city streets.

Acquainted with the night I have been one acquainted with the night.a I have walked out in rain -- and back in rain. b I have out walked the furthest city light.a I have looked down the saddest city lane. b I have passed by the watchman on his beat c And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.b Nature itself reflects the speakers sadness and despair in the rain and the darkness of the night What strikes the reader most is the sense of alienation the speaker expresses. He admits he is unwilling to explain- this alienation is self- induced and deliberate. These words show how he has left the comfort of human society (or perhaps wished to) Majority of the sonnet (four tercets and one couplet) is formed in a Terza Rima rhyme pattern: aba, bcb, cdc, dad, aa.

Acquainted with the night I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet c When far away an interrupted cry d Came over houses from another street, c But not to call me back or say good-bye;d And further still at an unearthly height, a O luminary clock against the sky d Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right. a I have been one acquainted with the night a By ending the poem with the same line as it began, the suggestion is that we have come full circle, and nothing has changed. Could this symbolise the passage of time? A moon or an actual clock Is it saying time is different to those who live in the city? That right or wrong is irrelevant in urban life?

Form and Sounds of the poem A non traditional sonnet of fourteen lines. It is non-traditional as it isn't structured in either of the traditional forms of octave and sestet or three quatrains and a couplet.A non traditional sonnet of fourteen lines. It is non-traditional as it isn't structured in either of the traditional forms of octave and sestet or three quatrains and a couplet. Instead there are four tercets (three line stanzas) and a couplet, with the rhyming pattern aba, bcb, cdc, dad, aa. Apart from the rhyming couplet, this rhyme pattern corresponds to what is called terza rima (invented by Italian poet Dante). Dante used this form when he wrote inferno about a descent into hell. Frost may have had this in mind when he chose this form in which to express his own sense of despair.Instead there are four tercets (three line stanzas) and a couplet, with the rhyming pattern aba, bcb, cdc, dad, aa. Apart from the rhyming couplet, this rhyme pattern corresponds to what is called terza rima (invented by Italian poet Dante). Dante used this form when he wrote inferno about a descent into hell. Frost may have had this in mind when he chose this form in which to express his own sense of despair. The rhyming scheme is regular to the point of monotony, which contributes to the tone of melancholy (gloom).The rhyming scheme is regular to the point of monotony, which contributes to the tone of melancholy (gloom). The sound pattern also echoes the mood of alienation expressed. Long- drawn out vowel sounds predominate in the rhymes e.g. land and explain, beat and feet have an onomatopoeic effect as they echo the sound of lament.The sound pattern also echoes the mood of alienation expressed. Long- drawn out vowel sounds predominate in the rhymes e.g. land and explain, beat and feet have an onomatopoeic effect as they echo the sound of lament.

Themes Critics agree that this poem shows Frosts awareness of the themes and poetic techniques of modernists poets of the early twentieth century i.e. T.S. Eliot/Ezra Pound, for whom the city was an image of alienation.Critics agree that this poem shows Frosts awareness of the themes and poetic techniques of modernists poets of the early twentieth century i.e. T.S. Eliot/Ezra Pound, for whom the city was an image of alienation. It certainly contrasts with his optimistic views in The Tuft of Flowers.It certainly contrasts with his optimistic views in The Tuft of Flowers. This poem may reveal some of Frosts darkest fears about living. These fears were reflected in the bouts of depression and psychosomatic illness he suffered during his lifetime.This poem may reveal some of Frosts darkest fears about living. These fears were reflected in the bouts of depression and psychosomatic illness he suffered during his lifetime.

The road not taken Roads have been traditionally seen as symbolical of progress through life's journey.Roads have been traditionally seen as symbolical of progress through life's journey. The poem dramatizes the process by which people try to make a decisionThe poem dramatizes the process by which people try to make a decision His decision may involve suffering or isolation or perhaps a resigned acceptance of the choice he has madeHis decision may involve suffering or isolation or perhaps a resigned acceptance of the choice he has made The image of two roads is a simple one but it lends itself to a number of different interpretationsThe image of two roads is a simple one but it lends itself to a number of different interpretations Images of nature are not described for their own sake but to suggest an analogy of human concernsImages of nature are not described for their own sake but to suggest an analogy of human concerns The poem appeals to our senses of sight and hearing The poem appeals to our senses of sight and hearing The melancholic regretful tone coupled with the beauty of the language makes it a memorable poemThe melancholic regretful tone coupled with the beauty of the language makes it a memorable poem

The Road not taken One of Frosts most popular and often-quoted poems, it was inspired by poet friend Edward Thomas, whom he had met in England and was subsequently killed in the first world war. It appears Thomas was apparently in the habit of expressing regret whatever decision he had taken.One of Frosts most popular and often-quoted poems, it was inspired by poet friend Edward Thomas, whom he had met in England and was subsequently killed in the first world war. It appears Thomas was apparently in the habit of expressing regret whatever decision he had taken. The poet dramatises the choices we are presented with in life and their consequencesThe poet dramatises the choices we are presented with in life and their consequences

The road not taken Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear ; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, There is assonance in the repeated short e sound throughout, sibilance (grassy, passing), alliteration (wanted wear, lay in leaves) and end rhyme The poet uses the metaphor of two roads, one of which the speaker must take. We can see the speakers mind working. There is a human desire to avoid this decision. He tries to see what these choices might entail. He makes his choice, even then he changes his mind, both are equally word and both covered in leaves.

The road not taken And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Like Mending Wall the Oh signals a note of regret. As a final decision to choose one road rather than the other, he is aware that he may never again have the opportunity to travel the second one. Acknowledges how life may change In the final stanza, the poet is looking back and reflecting on the choice he made. He reviews his reasons for his decision and visualises himself in the future. Is this sigh one of regret? What does this final line mean?

The road not taken: final line We know his decision has involved suffering and loneliness (image of road less travelled)We know his decision has involved suffering and loneliness (image of road less travelled) From the facts of his life, Frosts experienced tragedy and suffering.From the facts of his life, Frosts experienced tragedy and suffering. The sigh could also suggest a resigned acceptance of the choice he had made, and in this care the difference might have improved his life, rather than caused him pain.The sigh could also suggest a resigned acceptance of the choice he had made, and in this care the difference might have improved his life, rather than caused him pain. CONTRADICTION: if both roads are the same, then how is the one chosen the one less travelled by?.CONTRADICTION: if both roads are the same, then how is the one chosen the one less travelled by?. We may take the last line as ironic- maybe it did not matter which road he takes, surely both are bound to make a difference in his life.We may take the last line as ironic- maybe it did not matter which road he takes, surely both are bound to make a difference in his life.

The road not taken: Interpretation A number of interpretations have been put forward. Is it concerned with the choice of career in life? (Frost did leave his career as a farmer to develop his gifts as a poet.)A number of interpretations have been put forward. Is it concerned with the choice of career in life? (Frost did leave his career as a farmer to develop his gifts as a poet.) Could this poem hint at a moral struggle that has to be confronted, in which the least popular and most difficult option is chosen?Could this poem hint at a moral struggle that has to be confronted, in which the least popular and most difficult option is chosen? How do you interpret the last lines of the poem?How do you interpret the last lines of the poem? The attractive setting of the yellow wood is reminiscent of New Englands autumn season. Like many of Frosts poems, nature is not merely described for its own sake- what in this case is it described for?The attractive setting of the yellow wood is reminiscent of New Englands autumn season. Like many of Frosts poems, nature is not merely described for its own sake- what in this case is it described for?

The road not taken: language and sounds Language is simple and direct. The impression is given of someone thinking aloud about an immediate experience.Language is simple and direct. The impression is given of someone thinking aloud about an immediate experience. While retaining this simple thoughtful moment, the poem is carefully crafter in terms of sound patterns that create a musical effect.While retaining this simple thoughtful moment, the poem is carefully crafter in terms of sound patterns that create a musical effect. There is assonance in the repeated short e sound throughout, sibilance (grassy, passing), alliteration (wanted wear, lay in leaves) and end rhymeThere is assonance in the repeated short e sound throughout, sibilance (grassy, passing), alliteration (wanted wear, lay in leaves) and end rhyme

Robert Frost 1874-1963. Background Frost was a contemporary of many of the great poets of the...

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Transcript of Robert Frost 1874-1963. Background Frost was a contemporary of many of the great poets of the...