Robert Frost is one of the most renowned American poets of the 20th Century. He was born in 1874 and was closely associated with New England, as most of his works epitomized the impression of rural life in the Northeast of the US. In 1936, Frost released a collection of poems which was entitled A Further Range and it is still considered as one of his best works. It is important to understand the poetic depth and insight expressed in this pivotal collection of poems to gain a deeper understanding of his career.
A Further Range was released by Henry Holt and Co. and was dedicated to his friend Edward Thomas. While writing this collection, Frost was closely abiding with the new imagist movement in poetry and it is quite apparent in some of the poetic techniques he has employed within the book. It can be argued that the variety of the poems hints at Frost’s greater love for Nature’s symbolism and this is evident in the variation of images which were used for the construction of the poetic narrative.
Perhaps the most profound poem from the collection is acquainted with the Night, which seemingly describes a walk taken through a desolate landscape. It is interesting to note, in this poem, Frost manages to give an almost tangible description of nature and its relation to human emotion. In some ways, it ties directly into the definition of Frost’s poetic style and it is therefore easy to claim that this poem is highly symbolic of the collection that is A Further Range.
The book has a distinctively original tone which can be attributed to the starkly marked similarity of Frost’s environment and his own sense of isolation. A Further Range is often claimed to be a record of his inner thoughts and views on American life during a period of great social upheaval. However, some of Frost’s works from this collection also contain broader messages about the importance of human relations and the inevitable passage of life.
The 36 poems of the collection were processed organically and Frost often rewrote sections of the same poem, drastically altering the original concept of each piece. This further added to the peculiarity of the book and explains the diversity of this collection. In the context of his style, A Further Range has a notably different vein of lyrical language employed within the poems than in his other works.
Depiction of Nature
A Further Range describes nature at its fullest potential. Frost uses metaphors and similes to paint detailed pictures of natural elements such as mountains and trees, rivers and stars. This deepens the inherent meaning of his poetry and underlies the importance of nature in relation to the human condition. Even though the collection is dedicated to the New England landscape, many of the poems transcend geographical boundaries and serve as a canvas for Frost’s transcendental views on certain universal issues.
Role of Imagery
Frost’s use of imagery also plays a pivotal role in A Further Range. Frost employs a wide-range of poetic conventions, from the use of direct language to the utilization of more subtle symbolistic expressions. He often allows words to fill in for the use of vivid images in order to set a theme and a mood within the flow of the poems he has written.
Mental Illbeing
The overarching theme of mental illness is significant in A Further Range. Frost often focuses on conditions such as depression and anxiety, which were relatively common in the 1930s. This is showcased through his distinct depiction of diverse characters and his unique approach to stories with shared aspects of mental trauma and suffering. As such, Frost truly captured the raw emotions of these difficult topics, while also suggesting that they can be overcome with an indomitable spirit and an appreciation of the finer things in life.
Pessimism and Optimism
A Further Range combines pessimism with a dose of optimism to ultimately provide a unique depth of emotion. Frost often communicates a yearning for companionship that is universal in the human experience, even though there are frustrating moments in life that replace such hopes with a more dismal outlook. Aside from this, he also explores the concept of personal responsibility, suggesting that it is possible to take control of one’s own life and ensure a brighter future.
Meaning Layer
The collection of poems also contains its own distinct meaning layer. One of the most prominent themes in A Further Range is Frost’s view to Nature. He suggests nature’s capacity to inspire, as well as its ability to provide insight into the deepest parts of the human experience. Frost often connects the need for connection to nature to the need for inner peace and emotional balance, which suggests a deep appreciation for the power of nature.
Life and Death
Life and death are frequent topics of Frost’s A Further Range. Throughout this collection of poems, Frost explores the idea that death is a natural part of life and should not be regraded as such a terrible and irreversible state. He proposes that life and death are not mutually exclusive states, as he suggests that life and death are two sides of the same coin. These themes suggest that Frost was quite aware of his own mortality and sought comfort in the idea that life needs to be taken laterally, rather than linearly.
Religion
Religion is an interesting topic of discussion in Frost’s A Further Range. Although the collection is not overtly religious, Frost often hints at a spiritual core, suggesting that he had a deep-seated belief system that was essential to his personal life. As such, religious themes are scattered throughout the collection, such as redemption and fate, while also expressing reverence for Nature’s connection to the supernatural world.
