Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, by Robert Frost Essay

Robert Frost uses metaphor and symbolism extensively in ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’, developing deeper and more complex meanings from a superficially simple poem. Frost’s own analysis contributes greatly to our appreciation of the importance of metaphor, claiming that â€Å"metaphor [is] the whole of thinking,† inviting the reader to interpret the beautiful scene in a more profound way. However, the multitude of possible interpretations sees it being read as either carefully crafted lyric, a â€Å"suicide poem, [or] as recording a single autobiographical incident† . Judith Oster argues, therefore, that the social conditions individual to each reader tangibly alter our understanding of metaphor. Despite the simplicity of language,†¦show more content†¦The issues that Frost explores are universalised by metaphor, with allusions to literary traditions such as in Hamlet’s soliloquy, where the nature of life is explored. These conflicts between our duties and the promise of â€Å"sleep† are pre-eminently relevant to both the personal dilemma faced by the traveller but also to the reader, who is no closer to determining whether the final conclusion made is one of suicide and ‘rest’ or whether the â€Å"promises† outweigh the traveller’s ‘intemperance’ with the woods. As the poem becomes increasingly complex, the conventional metaphor of falling â€Å"snow† contributes layer upon layer of meaning. The â€Å"downy flake† transcends its literal sense, becoming a ‘blanket’ that both obscures and numbs the senses, hiding the dangers whilst tempting the traveller to stop. The coldness and darkness of the setting contrasts the purity of snow with the shadowy, even sinister idea that nature is enticing us with eternal rest. Frost’s allusions to the poem, ‘Keen fitful gusts’ with the line â€Å"and miles toShow MoreRelatedStopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening By Robert Frost Essay1256 Words   |  6 Pagesallows people to creatively observe the boundaries of depth. Forms of poetry are equal in difficulty; humankind might consider a sonnet difficult, in contrast others find it to be elementary. A poem I admire is called â€Å"stopping by woods on a snowy evening† by Robert Frost. (Frost, R. 1922). Mar veling at the simplicity of this poem, no wonder it’s considered a masterpiece! Words are beautifully painted inside the text. I would consider this poem to be free style. Poetry conforms to its own set ofRead MoreSymbolism in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost602 Words   |  3 PagesSymbolism in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost Many people consider Robert Frost to be one of Americas greatest poets, and one of his best known poems is Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. In the poem, Frost describes a person stopping just outside of town in a wooded area with his horse. He stops for a moment to appreciate the wonder of the world that he has spent so much time in, something that he may not have done much in his younger years. The horse couldRead MoreAnalysis Of Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening, By Robert Frost778 Words   |  4 PagesRobert Frost is a great American poet that mastered the art of eloquently imprinting his readers with an overarching idea, or theme, through his use of symbolic language, precise picture painting, and metronome rhyme and meter. Frost addresses many different themes across his poems, but sometimes has similar methods of displaying his themes; three of the most prominent are the crossroads of a decision in â€Å"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,† the battle between desire and hate in â€Å"Fire and IceRead MoreAnalysis Of Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening By Robert Frost1405 Words   |  6 PagesWhile Robert Frost is often portrayed as a regionalist poet, whose focus typically turns to the simplicity and beauty of the New England landscape, many of Frost’s poems have an underlying darkness; â€Å"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,† a seemingly simple glimpse into the beauty of a winter night, is in both content and form a metaphor for the contemplation of suicide. The title of the poem suggests a familiarity, with the narrator â€Å"stopping by† the woods, a neighborly phrase that suggests thatRead MoreAnalysis Of Robert Frost s Poem Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening 923 Words   |  4 PagesIn Robert Frost’s poem â€Å"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening† the speaker is traveling at night through the snow and pauses with his horse near the woods by a neighbor’s house to admire the snow falling in the woods. His little horse shakes his â€Å"harness bells†, questioning his sudden respite; perhaps indicating that this isn’t the destination of their journey. Throughout the poem, the speaker seems to be wrestling between obligations and desire. For example, he continues to stand near the woods attractedRead MoreAnalysis Of Robert Frost s `` Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening `` And `` Mending Wall ``1817 Words   |  8 Pages Robert Frost was an American poet born on March 26, 1874. Living to the age of eighty eight, Frost was able to become an accomplished poet in his lifetime, creating beautiful works of art through his words. In many of his poems one can find similar themes that discuss intense feelings and ideas about isolation and loneliness in one’s life, such as in â€Å"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening† and â€Å"Mending Wall†. Each of the following poems discussed will demonstrate that throughout Robert Frost’sRead MoreSnow Imagery in â€Å"Desert Places† and â€Å"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening†1246 Words   |  5 PagesRobert Frost (1874- 1963). Robert Frost â€Å"was the most widely admired and highly honoured American poet of the 20th century (Eiermann).† Robert Frost was raised in rural New England where he grew a fond love for the outdoors and nature (Merriman). His love with nature elements has probably overwhelmed him so much that it has been reflected upon in many of his poems such as â€Å" The Tuft of Flowers,† â€Å"Reluctance,† and â€Å"Birches.† One of the nature imageries that have been used frequently by Robert FrostRead More Perseverance in Robert Frosts Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening1095 Words   |  5 PagesPerseverance in Robert Frosts Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening Epictetus once wrote, First say what you would be; and then do what you have to do. This aphorism of self-discovery and obligation clearly describes Robert Frosts poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. In the course of the poem, Frosts speaker is confronted with two choices: he can either forget his problems or he can follow through with his responsibilities and make the most of life. It is through Frosts remarkableRead MoreEssay about Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Eve808 Words   |  4 PagesFrosts poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, seems to be a simple story of a man and his horse. It portrays beautiful imagery with an enjoyable rhythm and rhyming scheme. Taking a second look at this poem may bring a more complex curiosity about what Frost is exactly trying to achieve through his words. It is apparent in the breakdown of the poem that new meanings and revelations are to be found. This is seen by relating almost all of his statements to each stanza and line. Robert Fro sts aestheticRead MoreThe Use of Literary Devices in Robert Frosts Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening800 Words   |  4 PagesThe Use of Literary Devices in Robert Frosts Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening In Robert Frosts poem. â€Å"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.† the speaker uses literary devices to show the reader the poems meaning. Symbolism plays an important role in this poem. Robert Frost uses symbolism to show the correlation between the woods and village with heaven. Mythological symbolism is also found in this poem. when the speaker talks about the lake. it is a reference to Hel in Norse Mythology