Robert Frost’s “Witness Tree” is a classic piece of American poetry and history, as well as being a profound, meaningful and personal poem. Written in 1940 and published in 1942, Frost vividly captures the emotion of being present under the tree, representing for him the fragility of life, death, and the cycle of nature. Through vivid imagery, he invites the reader to take this journey with him and appreciate the beauty and power of nature. The poem encompasses Frost’s observations from both the natural world and the metaphysical, and symbolically or literally references his own personal struggles as a speaker and artist in a changing world.
The Poem’s Inspiration
Frost wrote Witness Tree after a chance event. While in Vermont walking with a friend, the two stumbled upon a dead elm tree. The friend marked the tree with an X and informed him of it being a “witness” tree – a symbol to denote a boundary demarcation between neighbors, which in this case denoted a line between Massachusetts and Vermont. Together, they pondered its ethos and Frost immediately penned this poem.
Frost’s contemplative, meditative walk with his friend in the natural world seems to have been a source of inspiration for him. He was able to observe and appreciate nature in a way which was peaceful and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As Frost explored this environment he felt closer to nature and, as a result, was able to observe its aesthetic beauty, as well as its subtleties and complexities.
Throughout his work, Frost showcases his appreciation of nature and its ability to create connections between people and the environment they live in. This strong relationship between the poet and nature is evident in the poem and the idea of the “witness tree” appearing as a boundary marker is another metaphor for Frost’s sense of self-discovery and his relationship to his surrounding.
Frost’s Symbolism
Frost’s “Witness Tree” is a metaphor for how he viewed himself as a poet and how he gazed at life’s complicated nature. By drawing a parallel between the withered and decaying tree and his helpless self within the whirlwind of life, he’s able to understand his place within the world, as well as his conditions as a living being.
He references the life cycles of plants, with the tree once again sprouting in the early spring, culminating in the imagery of summer, in which the tree is laden with fruit, showing an understanding growth and spiritual prospective of the cycle of life. This cyclical view manifests itself further in the cycle of death, with the wind shaking the tree and its imminent withering, which could possibly be interpreted as a metaphor for his personal mortality as a poet and an individual.
Likewise, Frost is describes the physical attributes of the tree in vivid detail, giving us a glimpse into his own inner thoughts and feelings of being a “lone witness” in a world outside his control. Frost’s use of words permits the reader to feel like they are part of the poem and being symbolically transported in the presence of Frost to experience the beauty of nature.
Universal Interpretations
The Witness Tree captures a universal feeling, in each one of us; how do I fit in this world? With its complex and layered meanings, the poem is a vehicle for self-reflection, on how to lead a meaningful life and navigate our surroundings in a manner that is justep and truthful.
The poem can be interpreted on many different levels, from a metaphor for individual mortality to examining the fragility of the natural world and our relationship with it. On a personal level, the reader can gain insight into Frost’s own struggle with his artistic nature and the vicissitudes of life. “Witness Tree” thus serves as a vehicle for us to think about our own individual place in the world, through a poignant examination of one man’s life.
Nature as a Mirrored Reflection
The Witness Tree invites us to reflect upon our own lives and it serves as a vehicle to contemplate our place in the natural world. Frost encourages the reader to reflect on their existence and gives a unique perspective on the beauty of nature, by showing how its impermanence helps to remind us of the temporality of life.
He invites us to use this poem to contemplate our own mortality and our current situation in the world, through vividly depicting the dynamics of nature. By highlighting the fragility of trees and the nature of life, he is able to reflect on our own vulnerability as humans, as well as our own personal struggles.
Through Witness Tree, Frost has been able to create a universal, timeless poem that is able to touch the heart of its reader. His profound words, powerful metaphors, and sublime images all come together to form a poem that speaks loudly to its reader, through Frost’s own personal journey.
The Metaphysical Significance
There is a metaphysical significance in Frost’s poem that unifies the natural and the spiritual, so that the reader is invited to take part in the metaphysical journey above and beyond the physical world. Frost’s poem speaks to his relationship with the spiritual, as symbolized by the “witness tree”.
Through his vivid and meticulous description of the tree and its role in his journey, Frost challenges the reader to examine their own beliefs, by contemplating the spiritual symbolic of the tree and its journey through nature. His metaphor of the life, death and rebirth of the tree highlights one’s own journey through life and death, and brings an immense sense of peace as Frost reflects on his own journey and struggles.
The Witness Tree encourages the reader to explore the inner depths of their being, as well as find beauty in death and in the fragility of life. Its spiritual journey transcends the physical and the poem brings forth a powerful meditation on one’s own mortality and the faith that is required to transcend the physical world.
Frost’s Legacy
Robert Frost is widely considered to be one of America’s Best poets, because of his powerful and profound words that seamlessly unite literary genius with simple prose. Frost’s “Witness Tree” is a masterpiece of American literature, because it encapsulates so eloquently, Frost’s personal story of struggle, growth and discovery.
The poem continues to captivate generation after generation of readers, as its core message of accepting mortality and finding peace remains timeless. The Witness Tree has given Frost a legacy that has endured, as it serves to remind us of a poet who was able to break away from more conventional poetic forms and transcend the physical world.
For many, Frost’s lyrical work represents a search for spirituality, and a realization of mortality, while its imagery is in many ways a representation of the natural cycles of life. The Witness Tree is a symbol of Frost’s unique ability to communicate poetically, to evoke emotions in his readers, and to connect with a common, universal experience.
The Poem’s Immense Popularity
“Witness Tree” is one of Frost’s most famous poems, and beloved by readers of all backgrounds. Its underlying sentiment of resignation, peace and appreciation of nature resonates with people of all ages, as its minutiae and depth make it a classic that speaks of emotions and stories that may not be quite articulated in daily language.
It encases the idea that while life can be uncontrollable, unpredictable and tenuous, there is still a power in accepting and understanding the fragility of life and death. The poem conveys a simple truth, that within the heart of life is also a common thread of mortality that binds us together, and inherent in life itself is acceptance and an element of surprise.
Frost’s “Witness Tree” has captivated millions of readers from around the world, creating a powerful journey of understanding, appreciation, and ultimately, resilience. Its subtle message of the vulnerability of life, and its profound appreciation of nature has given Frost a timeless quality that is treasured by lovers of literature today.
