Comparing Poems by Robert Frost, Done by Anonymous

Compare how Robert Frost presents nature in “Road
Not Taken” and “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy

Evening”.
PRIGYA
I will discuss how the poem “Road Not Taken”, relates and differentiates from the
poem “stopping by the Woods on a snowy evening”. The poems are set in a natural,
tranquil setting, travelling, then coming to a stop to make a decision. However, though
the poems are in a similar setting, the main ideas are distinguished in the decision
made and why that decision is made, the concept is expressed in different approaches
of imagery, metaphors and symbols in contrasting ways. Both poems have been
written by Robert Frost.
Robert Lee Frost is an American poet who wrote many poems tied to rural life in New
England and was known for his command of American colloquial speech. According
to Frost, nature is not only the source of pleasure, but an inspiration for human
wisdom.
The poem “Road Not Taken” begins with the implication that this is a thoughtfully
serene poem, not a fast-paced thriller. It seems to be set in Autumn; it is the time to
reflect and strive to make the opportunity chosen seem fulfilling, though it is filled
with a sense of regret. The narrator takes the road without a bend in it, “looked down
one as far as I could to where it bent in the undergrowth.” The “bend” may represent
difficulties and the fact that he took the other one symbolises human habit of taking
the easy way out. Also, similar to “Stopping by the woods on a Snowy Evening”,
using inversion in the first stanza to maintain the rhyme scheme. The second stanza
shows us how the character tries to decide, justifying that the other path seems less
trafficked, but then immediately erases this distinction in the next two lines.
The third stanza is very imaginative, the writer turns something as irrational as an
impulse into an intended decision. The fourteenth line shifts from depiction to
contemplation. The previous practical diction has stopped. The last line, the most
existential line, with the writer seeming to be acutely aware of the brevity of real life
after dreaming in the last line – the meandering, nomadic phrasing promotes a
tempting sense of escapism. The last stanza shows connotations of regret, but a
romantic idea of what could have been. We should regard that the road is less traveled
in his mind, “Both that morning equally lay” implied that they were equal.
“Difference” also allows the reader to accompany this with regret or pride. The
narrator knows that humans generalise things with time and neither road was less
traveled, but in the future, he knows he will convince himself that one was, accepting
this.
“Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening” begins with uncertainty and thoughts
of doubt. The imagery of darkness, snow, and deep silence evokes a sense of
contemplation and mystery, drawing readers into the atmosphere of the poem. There is
evidence of civilisation nearby: “His house is in the city”. “His” might be referring to
God, there is a possibility that the woods have no owner. Similar to “Road Not Taken”
Frost has used inversion to maintain the rhyme scheme.”My little horse must think it
queer” shows how animals cannot fathom human aspect of peacefulness, finding it
bewildering. “The woods are lovely, dark and deep”. This is almost oxymoronic, bad
but enticing. The speaker seems to feel safe and peaceful in the woods, while his
journey and his unspecified obligation hint toward something dark. The poem itself
acts as an extended metaphor for the conflict between desire and obligation.
Stanza two reflects the narrator as he stares at beauty of the wood. “Little horse”
makes reality seem insignificant. The writer then delves into the allure of winter
which is disrupted in stanza three by harsh onomatopoeia. This is partly caused by the
traveler’s horse. The horse represents the practicality of the speaker's conscience,
awakening him from the almost inescapable grace of the dark woods. This is silenced
by the deep quiet after. The animal seems uncertain, so are we. The narrator is
struggling to pull themselves away and leave… this. This beautiful, uncorrupted quiet
world, where no-one will bother him. But he remembers that he has commitments to
fulfil, not just for others, but for himself. “Miles to go before I sleep” is famous
because it reminds us of a gong, you cannot ignore it nor forget it. This is an example
of euphony. “Sleep” can mean death.
There are many similarities in these two poems, for example the writer wants what
they cannot possibly have, they want to be free of the burden they cary; their fantasies
are delightfully absurd. They are both charmingly simplistic. Both poems present
nature as an opportunity to escape this world full of problems – the narrator is
gleefully mesmerised by nature’s beauty multiple times. They use iambic tetrameter
though in “The Road Not Taken” almost every line the iamb is replaced with anapaest
or dactyl. There are many differences, “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening”
has a quatrain rhyme scheme, whilst the other poem has a quintilla rhyme scheme.
“Road Not Taken” focuses more on the choices made rather than the beauty of nature.
The poems are also set in different seasons.
I prefer “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening” since it has a more modernised
perspective towards nature. I feel as if this poem is more suited towards children my
age and younger, those who do have an interest in poetry. “Road Not Taken” is a poem
meant for people who have experienced more of their life and are now looking back
on the choices that they have made. I will understand this poem better when I am at
that stage of life. From reading these poems, I think Robert frost has an ingenious way
of expressing the raw emotion nature can covey using very little words. Looking at his
other poems, I think he feels inspired by nature.
End

Comparing Poems by Robert Frost, Done by Anonymous

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Comparing Poems by Robert Frost, Done by Anonymous

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Comparing Poems by Robert Frost, Done by Anonymous

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Compare how Robert Frost presents nature in “Road

Not Taken” and “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy

You might also like