Robert Frost’s use of figurative language has long been admired and studied by literary scholars. For example, the renowned poet’s complex use of metaphor and symbolism in his poem ‘The Question by Robert Frost’ often surprises writers and readers. It is clear from the poem that Frost uses a wide range of figurative language, including many uncommon and sophisticated elements. One of the most prevalent forms is metaphor; Frost compares the physical aspects of nature to the psychological aspects of humans. He uses this as a means of expressing ideas that can be difficult to communicate in more literal terms. For example, the grass is used to represent temporary and fragile beauty, while the mountains represent a greater and more enduring strength.
Additionally, Frost utilizes various devices to highlight ideas within the poem. Alliteration, in particular, is used to emphasize an idea or emotion that is being expressed. For instance, in the line “the long look of our mind’s eye”, the repetition of the letter “L” emphasizes the idea of looking and of lasting. This phrase also utilizes a figure of speech known as synecdoche, which is a kind of metaphor in which a part is used to represent the whole. Through this, he is suggesting that through one’s eyes, one is able to gain a great understanding of the whole.
Finally, Frost utilizes a unique form of language known as personification. In this poem, Frost personifies a number of elements, including the moon which he refers to as a “lover”. Through this, he is drawing on an emotion that is difficult to express with merely physical characteristics. By personifying natural elements, Frost is able to use them to give greater depth and power to the story he is trying to tell.
Personification examples in the Poem
When reading “The Question by Robert Frost”, readers will notice that the poem is littered with personification. One of the most prominent examples is the “lover” the poet refers to when speaking of the moon. By using this metaphor, Frost is suggesting that the moon is a kind of friend to the speaker, one that can be consulted to find answers and gain insight. There are several other examples of personification as well, including the use of Natural elements like the grass, which Frost refers to as “tender”, implying that it is has a kind of fragility. This type of personification suggests that nature is sensitive and needs to be cared for despite its grandeur and scale.
Metaphor and Alliteration in the Poem
Frost uses a number of metaphors within the poem, comparing human emotions and events to that of nature. For instance, he compares the grass to “tender” beauty and the mountains to a greater and more enduring strength. Through these metaphors, Frost is suggesting that nature can be a source of understanding, even in times of difficulty. He also uses alliteration, as in the line “the long look of our mind’s eye” which is meant to emphasize the idea of looking and lasting. In this line, Frost is utilizing a figure of speech known as synecdoche, in which a part is used to represent the whole. This is Frost’s way of saying that, through the eyes, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
Symbolism in the Poem
Frost’s poem is filled with symbolism and the main subject of the poem appears to be the essence of life itself, something that he refers to as a “question”. This “question” is likened to a river, and can be interpreted to ask the reader to consider their place in the world and the choices they make. He also employs symbols such as the moon, which is often seen as a symbol of mortality and the journey we take while in life. In this light, Frost’s poem can be seen as a reflection of life itself and the difficult choices we have to make when moving through it.
Using Nature in Figurative Language
Frost’s use of nature to express or evoke a range of emotions is a common feature in his poetry. By utilizing natural elements in his figurative language, Frost is able to imbue the poem with greater depth and meaning. For example, in the line “the endlessness of green”, he is not simply describing the beauty of nature but also referring to the idea of hope and renewal, something that has the potential to last forever. Similarly, the use of the mountain as a metaphor for strength reinforces the notion that despite its physical limitations, nature is capable of inspiring us and providing a sense of hope.
Exploring the Themes of the Poem
The poem “The Question by Robert Frost” is also full of themes. One of the most notable is the idea of mortality and the journey that life takes. Requiring readers to consider their part in the world, Frost’s poem suggests that life is sometimes a difficult journey, full of difficult decisions and uncertainty. Additionally, Frost also explores the notion of strength and renewal, particularly in the use of the mountain to represent this idea. In this way, Frost’s poem reminds us that life is fragile but that it can be a source of hope and strength when embraced.
Rhetorical Approach in the Poem
Throughout “The Question by Robert Frost”, the poet utilizes a range of rhetorical devices to make an impact on the reader. One of the most notable is the use of apostrophe in the lines “It is of all man’s questions, one” and “It’s one we all find”. These lines stand out, drawing attention to the speaker’s soliloquy, the notion of collective exploration, and the idea that the poem, and life itself, is a journey we must all take. Additionally, Frost’s use of rhetorical questions instills a sense of urgency into the poem, asking readers to consider the choices they make and the paths they take.
Final Analysis of the poem
Robert Frost’s “The Question by Robert Frost” is a complex poem filled with a range of stylistic devices, many of which are used to great effect. Through the use of metaphor, alliteration, personification and symbolism; Frost is able to explore the concepts of mortality, strength and the journey we take in life. By evoking a range of emotions and emphasizing certain ideas, containing them within a lyrical structure, Frost is able to create a beautifully intricate poem that demands and rewards multiple readings. Ultimately, the poem stands as a testament to the complexity of Frost’s figurative language, revealing why he is seen as one of the greatest poets of all time.
