Analyze a Poem – Robert Frost
Analyze a Poem – Robert Frost
By the due date assigned, post a one- or two-paragraph response of at least 150-200 words.
Choose a poem to analyze from this week’s assigned reading list (see below). We are reading and discussing the works of Gwendolyn Brooks, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and Langston Hughes.
Create a written response of a paragraph or two of at least 150-200 words.
You may use the following questions to develop a response to your poem, or you may discuss another more appropriate literary element (e.g., imagery, characterization, theme) as best fits your selection:
What are some of the key symbols or metaphors in the poem, and how are they used to convey meaning to the reader?
How do these elements enrich the poem and deepen your understanding of its themes?
What is your reaction to the poem’s content and language? Would you recommend this poem to friends?
(Analyze a Poem – Robert Frost)
Analysis of “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
In Robert Frost’s famous poem “The Road Not Taken,” one of the key symbols is the two diverging roads. These roads represent life’s choices, with each path symbolizing a different direction or decision. The metaphor of the roads enriches the poem by portraying the nature of human decision-making. Frost highlights that choices are inevitable in life, and the roads metaphorically represent opportunities that will shape our experiences.
The poem explores the theme of individuality and the human tendency to reflect on the outcomes of decisions. Frost conveys the speaker’s ambivalence about whether the path they chose was the “right” one, reflecting a broader theme of uncertainty and the weight of life’s choices. This theme is further deepened by the speaker’s contemplation of how they will reflect on their choice in the future.
My reaction to the poem is one of admiration for its universal message. Frost’s language is simple, yet the poem’s meaning is profound. The exploration of choice and consequence resonates deeply, as everyone faces moments where decisions have lasting impacts. I would recommend this poem to friends, as it prompts reflection on life’s crossroads and how we navigate our individual journeys.
References
- Frost, R. (1916). The Road Not Taken. Mountain Interval. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44272/the-road-not-taken
- Thompson, L. (2002). Robert Frost: The Early Years, 1874-1915. Holt, Rinehart and Winston. https://archive.org/details/robertfrostepica0000thom
- Pritchard, W. H. (1984). Frost: A Literary Life Reconsidered. University of Massachusetts Press. https://www.umasspress.com/9780870234831/frost-a-literary-life-reconsidered/
