Robert Frost’s poem, ‘A Prayer in Spring’, is often admired for its subtle and intricate complexities. The poem solidifies Frost’s distinct ability to capture memories and emotions through his reflections of nature. A key aspect of ‘A Prayer in Spring’ is the levels of meaning and intricacy Frost has achieved within a short eight-line poem. This makes the poem open to a variety of interpretations and encourages a layered meaning behind his words. Frost creates beauty in the complex frame of his poem, as well as allowing us to delve into the lives of the individuals who narrate his works.
Nature in the Poem
A core element of ‘A Prayer in Spring’ is how Frost uses nature to reflect the emotions and stories of two people. In the first two lines, Frost states ‘Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day; and give us not to think so far away’. These lines suggest an appreciation for the simple beauties of nature and embody the idea of being present in the moment — something that Frost tries to bring out in many of his poems. In the last four lines, he states ‘And help us find the stillness of the night; whichever way our lives have gone to give us grace, that in the now we still may look around, and listen in the silence of the world.’ This emphasizes a deeper and more emotional appreciation of nature, one that is reflective of the lives of the people.
The People in the Poem
The people in the poem are given life not only through the narrator’s voice, but also through Frost’s use of nature. On one level, the poem can be viewed as a solitary person’s reflection on nature and how it gives their life meaning in the present. However, on a deeper level, it can be seen as the thoughts of two people united in the moment — the individuals connected to the unseen characters of Frost’s works. Frost evokes a feeling of closeness between the two people as they find solace in the nature that surrounds them. This closeness, along with the focus on the present moment, suggest a deep connection between them — one that transcends the boundaries of time and space.
Form in the Poem
On a formal level, ‘A Prayer in Spring’ follows a simple eight-line structure. One common interpretation of the poem is that the four lines make up a conversation between two people. This can be seen in the repetition of ‘give us’ in the first two lines, which suggests the dialogue between two individuals. Frost also uses enjambment at the end of the poem, with line seven creating a transition from the previous sentences to the conclusion. This creates a sense of anticipation for the end of the poem and the resolution of the story. In addition, Frost’s use of rhyme at the end of lines three and eight may suggest a gathering together of the two people.
Symbolism in the Poem
Frost also uses symbolism to draw us into the story. By naming his poem ‘A Prayer in Spring’, Frost subtly brings together the idea of prayer and nature. This suggests a spiritual connection between the people in the poem and their environment. The idea of ‘grace’ in the last line also carries a spiritual meaning, and the idea of a benevolent god watching over the two people. The title of the poem also highlights the idea of renewal that is central to the poem — the notion that even though life may be hard, there is still beauty to be found in nature.
The Message in the Poem
On a wider level, ‘A Prayer in Spring’ conveys a message about the power of nature. Frost is suggesting that even though life may be full of difficulties and tragedies, it can still be made beautiful and bearable through the simple pleasures of nature. This can be seen in the way the poem stresses the idea of the present moment, and encourages us to take time to appreciate life and the beauty and happiness it can bring. In this way, Frost is urging us to slow down and appreciate the small and simple joys in life — a message that is both timeless and relevant today.
The Impact of the Poem
Frost’s ‘A Prayer in Spring’ has the power to speak to people on a deep level. His ability to evoke emotion, through his use of imagery and symbolism, is something that has made his poem immortal. In the modern age, we can see the relevance of his message in a world that is often chaotic and fast paced, and it is this timelessness that makes Frost’s works stand the test of time. ‘A Prayer in Spring’ is a reminder that although life has its struggles, beauty and joy can still be found in the everyday.
The Significance of Nature in the Poem
The language used in ‘A Prayer in Spring’ is deeply rooted in nature. The poem is full of references to the beauty of the natural world and its power to connect people. This is evident in the way he uses natural imagery to convey the emotions of the two people in the poem — particularly in the lines ‘Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day; and give us not to think so far away.’ Frost emphasizes the importance of being in the present, and of connecting to nature in this way. He is also stressing the importance of celebrating the simple beauties of life and finding joy in the small moments.
The Rhyme and Meter of the Poem
Frost is an expert craftsman, and this is evident in ‘A Prayer in Spring’. The poem is highly structured, with a simple rhyme scheme of AABBCCDD. This lends the poem a peaceful rhythm, which complements the message of the poem and reinforces the idea of the soothing power of nature. Frost also uses iambic tetrameter, which is a type of meter that emphasizes the power of words and creates an almost musical quality to the poem. This lends an air of solemnity to the poem and adds to its overall effect.
The Structure of the Poem
The structure of ‘A Prayer in Spring’ is simple yet highly effective. The four lines are divided into two sets of two, which gives the poem a balanced structure and conveys the idea of a conversation between two people. This structure accentuates the intimacy between the two characters and the depth of the poem’s message. Frost also employs repetition in the poem to emphasize certain key words, such as in the first two lines which both begin with ‘Oh, give us’. This repetition creates a unifying thematic effect and conveys a strong sense of solidarity between the two people.
The Emotions Evoked in the Poem
The poem also leaves the reader with a sense of optimism, in spite of its transience, and encourages an appreciation for the present moment. The poem’s lyrics echo with a feeling of peace and tranquility, and evoke a feeling of security and contentment. ‘A Prayer in Spring’ also leaves readers with a sense of hope. The poem’s closing words, ‘whichever way our lives have gone, to give us grace’, suggests that there is always an opportunity for redemption, even after a difficult life, and that beauty and joy can be found in the everyday.
