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.
Slide 3
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.
Slide 4
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.
Slide 5
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
Slide 6
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
Slide 7
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.
Slide 8
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.
Slide 9
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.
Slide 10
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.
Slide 11
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.
Slide 12
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
Slide 13
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.
Slide 14
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).
Slide 15
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.
Slide 16
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
Slide 17
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.
Slide 18
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.
Slide 19
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.
Slide 20
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
Slide 21
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
Slide 22
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.
Slide 23
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.
Slide 24
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.
Slide 25
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.
Slide 26
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.
Slide 27
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
Slide 28
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
Slide 29
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.
Slide 30
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!!!
Slide 31
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.
Slide 32
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.
Slide 33
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.
Slide 34
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?
Slide 35
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.
Slide 36
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.
Slide 37
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
Slide 38
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
Slide 39
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.
Slide 40
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?
Slide 41
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.
Slide 42
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?
Slide 43
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