Robert Frost has been considered one of the greatest poets of his time. His intricate structure, use of form, and vivid imagery provide an interesting and thought-provoking insight into the human experience. As a soldier, Frost’s exploration of war and the effects of warfare showcase the courage of those involved and the terrible consequences that come from even the most brave decisions. His analysis of the soldier reveals a complexity of emotions, thoughts, and situations surrounding combat.
Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken,” looks deeply at a soldier’s experience and poses the question of whether it was the right choice to enlist in the military. The poem speaks to the bravery and honor of soldiers and how they must often make difficult decisions. Frost notes the effect of choice by describing the two paths which the soldier might have chosen differently. He examines what may have been if the soldier had chosen the other path, contrasting the two constructs.
In “War Stories,” Frost delves into the soldier’s perspective more. Here he recounts memories of his own war experience, focusing on what it was like to be a soldier. He speaks of the horror and confusion, as well as the bravery of his soldiers. The poem powerfully portrays the fear and courage of soldiers, and the myriad of emotions that come from being in a war zone. In this work, Frost illuminates the harsh realities of war and the surreal aspects of war events.
Another poem, “Home Burial,” focuses largely on the emotions of loss, grief, and heartache that come from witnessing the death of a loved one in battle. It is a poem of mourning for a dead son as Frost articulates the grief of a mother and father. He brings home the devastation of war by exploring themes of loss and displacement. The poem speaks to the heavy price soldiers and their families pay for war.
Frost’s exploration of the soldier’s experience is illustrative of his keenness to the complexities of war and those involved. His analysis of the soldier reveals a deep understanding of the emotions and realities of being in a war-torn environment and navigating difficult choices. Frost uses his extensive writing skills to reflect on the struggles of the soldier and the effects of war.
The Soldier’s Duty
In several of his poems, Robert Frost explores the consequences and implications of the soldier’s duty. The poem “My November Guest” graphically illustrates the idea of the soldier’s duty, with Frost comparing and contrasting the images of fall and winter, with the experience of the war and death. “My November Guest” also speaks to the idea of duty after death and the ways in which the soldier’s spirit lives on with the fallen. In his poem “Provide, Provide”, Frost speaks to the sense of responsibility the soldier has for the protection of his family or homeland and the moral obligations that come with participation in the military.
Frost’s view on the soldier’s duty is complex. He acknowledges the responsibility and bravery of those serving and provides constructive criticism on the motivation and overarching principles of war. His reflective thoughts in his poems provide an appreciation for the sacrifice of those serving in the military and posits the necessity for caution in entrée into combat.
The Soldier’s Courage
The courage of soldiers is a major theme throughout Robert Frost’s work. In his poem “The Soldier,” he assigns the honor and heroism of soldiers a high praise and uses swift imagery to characterize an indefatigable determination and bravery. Frost provides a vivid and emotive description of a soldier’s last moments, and he marvels at the courage of this unknown soldier — courage that must have been incredibly strong to get him to give the ultimate sacrifice. Frost also speaks to a sense of belonging the soldier must have had by counting out the regiment involved in his death.
“Provide, Provide” elegantly intertwines the soldier’s courage with their sense of responsibility. Here, Frost captures the soldier’s willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure their family’s safety and well-being. He muses at the dedication and fortitude of soldiers, suggesting that some must have been driven by a love so strong that it compelled them to take up arms for the sake of those they love.
The Soldier’s Emotions
A larger theme within Robert Frost’s work is the emotional turmoil faced by the soldiers in battle. He speaks to the nature of shock and disruption, the sinking realizations of death, the fear of the unknown, and the sense of camaraderie that soldiers must have often felt. He uses his poetry to explore the destructive power of war and the emotional distress that can be caused by a lifetime of service.
The poem “Mowing” illustrates a soldier’s emotional journey as they consider the realities of war and the difficult decisions they must make. This poem speaks to the sorrow of the soldier, who is regretful at what they must witness in war, but understand they must be stoic in their duties. “Out, Out” provides a more reflective interpretation of a soldier’s rage and helplessness — the fury of war and its unforgiving nature. In this poem, Frost demonstrates the intense anger and sadness of a soldier, unable to express their emotions, overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation.
The Soldier’s Legacy
A final theme in Robert Frost’s work is one of legacy and remembrance. Through powerful imagery, Frost reflects on the stories left behind by soldiers and the ways in which the memories of their honor, courage, and sacrifice live on after their death. In “The Burial of the Dead”, Frost speaks to the respect and gratitude that can be had for a soldier’s death, as he poetically narrates the different aspects of a soldier’s passing. Through his musings, Frost also illuminates the soldier’s own recognition of their achievements, leaving behind a legacy of courage and bravery to those that follow in their footsteps.
In “Home Burial,” Frost highlights the grief of a soldier’s family and how their death affects those who were left behind. Through his elegant description, Frost depicts the legacy of the soldier and their story, showing the combination of sorrow and pride that can come with a hero’s death.
The Colors of War
The complexities of war are explored in Robert Frost’s work as he speaks to the different colors, schemes, and structures of war and the powerful emotions that come along with it. In “The Vanishing Red,” his poem about World War I, Frost speaks to the idea of the colors of war and their symbolism. He muses on the colors of life — greens of nature, the red of passion, and the blues and whites of a soldier’s uniform — and the ways in which the colors of war contrast these colors. The poem presents a vivid picture of the violence of war and how it affects a soldier’s experience.
In “The Future of a World War”, Frost explores themes of remembrance and reconstruction. He speaks to the idea of rebuilding after battle and how it can exist as a contrast to the colors of war. Through his work, Frost reflects on the complex ideas surrounding war, the colors of battle, and the lasting effects of war. He poetically captures the spectrum of colors of war, crafting a story of despair, sorrow, hope, and remembrance.
