Robert Frost’s poem A Drumlin Woodchuck paints a vivid picture of the landscape of a rural drumlin in New England. Frost utilizes a combination of imagery and metaphors to portray the rugged beauty he observed. The poem begins by contrasting the eponymous “woodchuck” to a “bootless tread…” (1). Through this line Frost establishes a stark contrast between the calm and serenity of the wild and the hustle and bustle of civilization. The contrast intensifies as the poem continues, as Frost explores the drumlin’s animal inhabitants and the expanse of its domain.
Throughout the poem, Frost skillfully weaves together a variety of images that capture the spirit of the drumlin. He notes the presence of the “rock land-locked and bayless” (2), a metaphor which implies the timelessness and permanence of the Drunlin. Frost also mentions the presence of cows, birds and rabbits, which he calls “frequent spectator birds and rabbits” (3). This line further highlights Frost’s appreciation for the peaceful and elegant atmosphere of the drumlin and its inhabitants. The poem concludes strongly as Frost returns to his opening imagery of the woodchuck. Through his introduction of the “game of pause and strain” (4), Frost once again references the contrast between the tranquil atmosphere of the wild versus the frenetic pace of civilization.
In A Drumlin Woodchuck, Frost meditates on the beauty of the countryside and contrasts it effectively with the bustle of busy life. The poem’s various images of animals, landforms, and human activity conjure a vivid image of New England’s natural character, and demonstrate Frost’s insight and skill with poetry. Furthermore, Frost’s experimental use of different tones, metaphors, and images form a unique blend that adds to the richness of the poem’s landscape.
The Bayless Rocks
A powerful featured of Frost’s poem is his introduction of the “rock land-locked and bayless” (2). This line offers an apt metaphor for the timelessness of the landscape, as the ancient formations of the Drunlin have no bay or inlet to offer them solace or safety. Frost demonstrates his skill with words through the familiarity of this image, as it evokes a feeling of peaceful nostalgia. The imagery of the bayless rocks reflects the timeless nature of the landform, suggesting that it transcends the chaos and noise of the human world.
Furthermore, the bayless rocks can be seen as a metaphor for the life experience as a whole. The rocks remain in the same place no matter what life throws at them, just as each person can persist through the ups and downs of life. In this way, Frost is able to successfully weave a bigger meaning into a seemingly simple image and the poem becomes a greater exploration of life in general.
The presence of the rocks also allows Frost to better define the area and its inhabitants in a broader sense. He notes the presence of “lightning that seeks out the shepherd” (5), symbolic of a higher power that provides protection to the people and animals of the Drunlin. The rocks serve as a visual representation of this higher power and provide a powerful illustration of its presence.
Ultimately, the rocks of the Drunlin are perhaps Frost’s most effective metaphor in the poem. He uses their timelessness to evoke certain feelings and provide a deeper meaning to the poem. Frost’s attention to detail in regards to the rocks is a testament to his skill as a poet, and demonstrates how effective the imagery of the landscape is in this poem.
The Woodchuck
A central element of Frost’s poem is the woodchuck, which he introduces in the first verse. He uses the woodchuck as a contrast to the hustle and bustle of civilization, as the animal is depicted as having a “bootless tread” (1). This line highlights the peaceful serenity of the Drunlin in comparison to the intensity of the human world. Frost repeats this contrast throughout the poem, further driving home his theme of the transient nature of civilization.
Frost also uses the woodchuck as a symbol of the kind of comfort available to those living in the Drunlin. By providing an image of a creature cozily sitting in its burrow, Frost suggests that such peace can be found in rural New England. He also mentions the “game of pause and strain” (4), which further reinforces this idea. Through this metaphor, Frost is suggesting that when life becomes overwhelming, there is a benefit to pausing and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
Frost further describes the woodchuck as the “vernal master of a farm” (6), a phrase that serves to both humanize and elevate the animal. This combination is effective as it suggests that the woodchuck is somehow above the human craziness, yet part of the human world. This implies that the inhabitants of the drumlin are still human, and also adds a layer of respect and admiration to the creature.
In the end, Frost’s portrayal of the woodchuck allows him to evoke an intense range of emotions. It simultaneously presents the peacefulness and serenity of rural life and the chaotic nature of the human world. The juxtaposition between the imagery of the woodchuck and the various elements of human activity creates a tension that carries throughout the poem and brings its theme to life.
The Cow Connected
Another key feature of Frost’s poem is his exploration of the various animal inhabitants of the Drunlin. He mentions specifically the presence of cows and birds, which he calls the “frequent spectator birds and rabbits” (3). This line offers an effective metaphor for the observation that takes place in the Drunlin, as the animals are presented as if they are simply watching the events in their environment unfold. They are singled out from the rest of the earth and put in a special category, suggesting that these animals inhabit an area where nature reigns supreme.
Frost further heightens the sense of connection between these animals and the environment. He connects them in a direct way, for example mentioning the “mixed scene of man and beast” (7). This phrase deepens the relationship between the animal and the environment, as the two live together in harmony. It suggests that the animals are not observing the environment from a distance, but rather they are an integral part of it.
Finally, Frost further separates the animals from their human counterparts by making a point to note their behavior. He mentions the cow, who “leaves in troubled haste” (8), a line that implies that the animal is unencumbered by the chaos of human life. He further implies the bond between these animals and the land with this line, as the cow is fleeing to its natural home.
Ultimately, Frost’s introduction of the various animal inhabitants of the Drunlin is highly effective. He is able to connect them to the broader environment and demonstrate the disconnection between the human world and the rural one. He uses this juxtaposition to explore the beauty of the landscape, and in doing so reinforces the theme of the poem.
The Birds in Their Flight
In addition to introducing various animals to the poem, Frost further enlivens the landscape by mentioning the presence of various birds. He suggests the presence of “myriad birds on back and side” (9). This image offers an effective metaphor for the diversity of life, as the birds are presented as coming from all different directions. This implies that there is much to be explored and discovered in the branch of the Drunlin.
The metaphor of the birds further allows Frost to explore the idea of movement and flight. He mentions their “infinite aerial courting” (10), a phrase that implies both the freedom of the birds and their eternal search for companionship. It also allows Frost to suggest that the birds seeking out their mates can serve as an answer to the chaos of life. The idea that movement is key to understanding the world is particularly effective and emphasizes the theme of the poem.
Ultimately, Frost’s exploration of the birds offers a powerful contrast to the metaphor of the woodchuck and the various elements of human activity within the poem. While the woodchuck represents a perfect stillness, the birds talk of an eternal search and their ever-changing course. This juxtaposition allows Frost to more effectively communicate his theme, as the differences between the birds and the woodchuck create a tension that carries throughout the poem.
The Quiet of the Night
Frost is also able to provide a deeper insight into the landscape of the Drunlin due to his exploration of the night. He mentions the “evening creeping up between” (11) and how “all went hushed and still” (12). This phrase highlights the stillness of the night, a concept Frost carries throughout the poem. He speaks of the “calm of deaf and dumb” (13) and how “it is by dark to me” (14). These lines further emphasize the still and silent nature of the night, as Frost references the darkness of the landscape and implies that the night is impervious to the chaos of human life.
The power of this imagery becomes clearer as the poem draws to a close and Frost returns to the metaphor of the woodchuck. While the animal is still, “sluggish and listless” (15), the birds “call anew each one, each one” (16). This suggests that despite the stillness of the night, life in the Drunlin is ever-changing and can possibly offer some respite.
Frost’s exploration of the night is effective as it allows him to further explore the theme of the poem and offers a reprieve from the unrest of the human world. He successfully juxtaposes images of the stillness of the night with the frenetic pace of life, allowing him to demonstrate the beauty of the rural landscape.
The Power of the Poem
It is through his powerful use of imagery and metaphors that Frost is able to effectively communicate his theme and bring the poem to life. The imagery of the woodchuck and the birds reflects the contrast between the Drunlin and the human world. The introduction of the bayless rocks offers a sense of timelessness and a metaphor for life. The presence of the various animals and birds serve to offer a deeper insight into the beauty of the landscape. Finally, the imagery of the night allows Frost to portray the calming power of the Drunlin.
Frost’s expert utilization of imagery further heightens the power of his poem. His use of the vernacular and the regional elements particular to New England further gives the poem a sense of authenticity. Even more impressive is the fact that the poem was written almost a century ago, yet its themes remain as relevant today as they were then.
In the end, Frost’s poem is a powerful exploration of the beauty of rural New England and the contrast between the rustic Drunlin and the hustle and bustle of civilization. Yet, even more impressively, it is a subtle reminder that taking time out of one’s day to pause and reflect can provide an answer to the chaos of life. His power of imagery and skillful use of metaphor are a testament to his talent as a poet and make the A Drumlin Woodchuck an essential American poem.
