A peck of gold is a phrase made famous by poet Robert Frost. The phrase, carried in a poem by the same name, refers to the idea of the gold of life, a peck of joy, a peck of fulfillment. Robert Frost’s work has been and continues to be revered by both admirers of his work and lovers of the English language alike. In the poem, he uses figurative language to convey the worth of a peck of gold. By showing the juxtaposition between human life and the economic value of gold, he conveys the idea that life is far more precious.
Themes Of Free Will
A peck of gold, a poem by Robert Frost, contains several messages and themes that explore humanity’s ability to choose one’s own direction in life. The narrator of the poem finds himself in a precarious position, whether or not to allow gold to be his guiding star in life. Frost uses the device of an allegorical story to raise questions about the human condition and of the choices made by the individual. The narrator responds by making a choice that he believes is his highest calling and has the potential to elevate himself and society. This theme of individual choice is exemplified in the line ‘A peck of gold is not a figure of speech’, which points out the importance of one’s decisions.
The Meaning of Life
Robert Frost’s A Peck Of Gold further examines the concept of life’s greater purpose by allowing the protagonist to explore the idea of keeping a balance between the material world and the spiritual one. Frost highlights the significance of the choices one makes in life and the spiritual elements that can be gained from them. In the lines ‘We can choose what is golden and what is sleuth’, Frost encourages the reader to ponder what will lead them to a truly satisfying life. He seems to suggest that the answer lies in keeping a balance between the material and spiritual, rather than primarily focusing on either one of them.
The Idea of Happiness
The poem A Peck Of Gold by Robert Frost also touches on the idea of happiness. Throughout the poem, the narrator is confronted by a difficult dilemma, whether to pursue worldly riches or to find his happiness in life’s circumstances. Frost uses the metaphor of a peck of gold as symbolizing the potential happiness that can be found when someone decides to seek their own fate. He further reinforces this idea in the last line of the poem — ‘Man’s small top can be enough’ — conveying the idea that it is possible to achieve happiness and peace of mind without having to resort to material success.
The Path of Pride
A Peck Of Gold by Robert Frost also examines the idea of pride, a driving force behind many of the decisions and actions performed by human beings. The narrator in the poem is presented with a choice and appears to be focusing more on his pride rather than what is best for him. The use of the words ‘bold like a man told’ conveys the idea of a man standing firm in the face of adversity, regardless of the consequences. Here, Frost is attempting to show that pride can be a double-edged sword, as it can both hinder or drive one forward in life.
The Nature of Sacrifice
Finally, Robert Frost’s A Peck Of Gold also explores the concept of sacrificing one’s desires in life in order to achieve a greater good. Throughout the poem, Frost is attempting to draw attention to the importance of setting aside one’s own material gain in life in favor of pursuing personal and spiritual enrichment. His words ‘A peck of gold is not enough’ conveys the idea that more important than personal gain is the greater good achieved by setting aside one’s individual desires. This concept of sacrifice is one of the main messages that the poem seeks to make.
The Price of Love
The poem A Peck Of Gold by Robert Frost addresses the concept of the price of love. The poem’s narrator realizes that while gold is a prized commodity, it is love itself which is the true measure of a man’s worth. Frost has the narrator make this statement by saying “A peck of gold is not as much as love”, emphasizing the idea that true love requires more than a measure of gold. This sentiment is echoed in the phrase “Man’s wealth is just the measure of his love” which implies that love, rather than material gain, is what will provide true joy and peace of mind.
The Power of a Dream
The poem A Peck Of Gold by Robert Frost also speaks to the power of a dream. The narrator in the poem is presented with a difficult decision between pursuing a dream of love and financial gain. The poem is written so that the narrator is allowed to consider his options before making his choice. The poem encourages readers to keep their dreams alive, as Frost writes “Dreams of a peck of gold are only blooms”, intimating that our dreams exist in an ephemeral state and the beauty should be appreciated while they remain so.
The Impact of Betrayal
The poem A Peck Of Gold by Robert Frost also touches on the idea of betrayal and backstabbing. The phrase “a peck of gold unearthed” both literal and figuratively alludes to the idea of betrayal; a betrayal of trust and good intentions being unearthed and exposed. In the line “who gave you a peck of gold and took it back?” Frost is speaking to his own experiences dealing with betrayal, and is reminding the reader to beware of people that would seek to take advantage of them.
The Quest for Passion
The poem A Peck Of Gold by Robert Frost also speaks to the value of passion in a person’s life. The narrator in the poem is presented with an opportunity to serve his own selfish desires and chart his own course; however, his social standing and personal beliefs prevent him from doing so. The poem encourages readers to follow their own passions and blaze their own trail by using the figure of the narrator and his refusal of gold. The narrator proudly proclaims “A peck of gold is not my goal” before finally walking away, illustrating the importance of following one’s own passions.
The Path of Knowledge
The poem A Peck Of Gold by Robert Frost also speaks to the power of knowledge. The narrator in the poem is presented with an opportunity to choose between fame and fortune and to follow a more humble path. Frost utilizes the narrator’s decision to represent the concept of knowledge being more important than material gain. Refusing the short-term fixes of those that offer wealth and fame, the narrator chooses instead to seek knowledge and personal growth. The lines “A peck of gold for my own sake” and “A peck of gold is just a start” are used to reinforce this idea of knowledge being more important than wealth.
The Art of Perseverance
The poem A Peck Of Gold by Robert Frost also speaks to the importance of perseverance, one of the most important virtues a person can possess in life. Throughout the poem, the narrator is presented with situations where he’s been rejected, stepped on, and taken advantage of. However, he perseveres and follows his own, unique path that leads him away from material gain and towards a more idealistic, spiritual goal. Frost’s line “A peck of gold is small labour” illustrates the idea of the great difficulty involved in achieving a more holistic and meaningful existence.
The Joy of Friendship
Finally, the poem A Peck Of Gold by Robert Frost speaks to the idea of friendship and its capacity for enriching our lives. Throughout the poem, Frost uses the metaphor of friendship as a shield or comfort blanket, protecting the narrator from the harsh world around him. He often alludes to the warmth and security that is provided to him by his friends, be it in the form of encouragement or actual material possessions. This theme of friendship is best encapsulated in the line “A peck of gold cannot repay”, which expresses the narrator’s deep appreciation for the unselfishness of his friends.
