Imagery in the Poetry of Robert Frost

Paper Summary:

This paper compares and contrasts Robert Frost's use of natural imagery, the themes, and the tone in two of his most famous poems, "The Road Not Taken" and "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening".

From the Paper:

"The outcome of the decision is different in these cases; however, it is difficult to determine what the actual outcome of the narrator's decision is in "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" because the poem is told in the present tense. However, the narrator does appreciate the woods for being "lovely, dark, and deep", and therefore would probably linger longer if he had more time (line 13). He is sensible, though, and makes his decision to leave without complaint. The author keeps his promises and has no reason to regret his action. On the other hand, the narrator of "The Road Not Taken" does feel lingering regret at the outcome of his decision to take one path over the other. He realizes that "way leads on to way" and that he will never retrace his steps (line 14). Because he will never know what lie along the other path, a sense of curiosity and mild regret fills him. The speaker realizes that his choice has changed his fate and that one simple decision can alter the rest of his life."

More papers on Imagery in the Poetry of Robert Frost:

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• Book Review # 69122 : "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost"

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