Robert Frost was one of the most iconic and revered poets of the twentieth century. During his nearly sixty year career, Frost wrote hundreds of poems. With such a large catalog of poetic works, it is difficult to determine how many poems Robert Frost wrote in his lifetime. However, some scholars have attempted to quantify marks in Frost’s collections of poems. It is estimated that Frost wrote nearly 800 poems during his lifetime.
Most of Robert Frost’s poems were produced in five stunning collections. His first collection, A Boy’s Will, was published in 1913 and included forty-four poems. This was followed by North of Boston which was released in 1914 and contained thirty-five poems. Frost also published Mountain Interval in 1916 with nineteen poems, New Hampshire in 1923 with fifty-one poems, and A Further Range in 1936 with fifty-six poems. Additionally, Frost wrote many additional poems which were published in anthologies, magazines and journals.
Robert Frost was a renowned master of symbolism, and some of his best-known poems reflect a simple but powerful understanding of life. Frost wrote poetic works about a myriad of topics, ranging from nature to human conflict, identity to death. Even long after his death in 1963, Frost’s works remain iconic and beloved. It is impossible to accurately quantify the exact number of Robert Frost’s poems written in his lifetime, but estimates suggest that he wrote nearly 800.
Nature and Symbolism
One of Robert Frost’s most iconic and acclaimed poems is “The Road Not Taken.” This poem reflects Frost’s depth of understanding of human nature and struggle with life decisions. Frost also used symbolism to reflect the complexity of human nature and decision-making. By metaphorically offering two paths — one he can choose and one forever left behind — Frost showed the devastatingly strong impact of that solitary decision.
Another of Frost’s most popular poems is “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” This poem features an even stronger visual symbolism. The narrator and his horse pause for a moment of reflection as the snow begins to fall. Frost invites the readers to join the narrator, looking out into the winter and contemplating the beauty of nature and the difficulties of life.
Robert Frost also wrote many poems about nature and the complex interrelationship of humans and the world around them. His poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay” was inspired by an early experience he had while walking in the woods; his observations of the beauty of early morning light amongst the natural world allowed Frost to contemplate the role of beauty, permanence, and mortality in nature. Through these poems, Frost invited readers to join him as he reflected on the natural world, humans’ role within it, and the spiritual significance of it all.
Achievements and Award
Robert Frost was one of the most iconic and acclaimed poets of the twentieth century and received numerous accolades for his works. He received the Pulitzer Prize four times, and the prestigious Bollingen Prize for Poetry. Additionally, Frost was awarded honorary degrees from Harvard College and Amherst College, and was offered the honorary title of Poet Laureate in England.
Frost was also a fellow of the Academy of American Poets, as well as an honorary member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters. He received the Gold Medal from the National Institute of Arts and Letters in 1925 and 1953, which are the Institute’s two highest awards given at the time. Frost also served as the recipient of the Laughlin Award in 1960, which was given to him by the Poetry Society of America.
Not only did Robert Frost receive awards for his work, but it is estimated that he also wrote nearly 800 poems in his lifetime. These works inspire readers to contemplate the beauty of nature, reflect on the choices they make, and examine the complexities of humanity. Frost is remembered and revered for his brilliant and meaningful works.
Literary Style and Influences
Robert Frost was renowned not only for his beautiful and meaningful poetry, but also for his distinct literary style. His works often featured vivid imagery and themes of nature, mortality, choice, and love. Frost was most influenced by the Transcendentalist movement that began in the 1800s. This movement revolved around isolating the individual, embracing nature, and recognizing a rare order and beauty in the world. While Frost’s poems often focused on the everyday struggles of humanity, underlying themes were often connected to Transcendentalist beliefs.
In addition to Transcendentalism, Frost was also inspired by the work of poets such as William Shakespeare, Gerard Manley Hopkins, and Robert Browning. Each of these writers had an impact on Frost, and his writing style reflects a telling combination of their different poetic styles. Frost also found inspiration in life experiences and the visits of rural New England towns, which contributed to the vivid landscapes that feature prominently in many of his poems.
Through his use of Transcendental philosophy, along with renowned poetic influences, Frost was able to create a literary style that explored the many complexities of humanity. He invited readers to reflect on these themes and to search within themselves for a deeper understanding of life. Many critics and readers alike recognize Frost as one of the greatest poets of his time, and for this reason, he is remembered fondly.
Legacy and Reception
Robert Frost was one of the twentieth century’s most influential and beloved poets. He used his incredible talent to build a bridge between literature and the everyday life of an average person, while simultaneously exploring complex themes. He is well-known and often quoted for his reflections on nature, mortality, and the struggles of life. Additionally, Frost’s works have been adapted into many modern pieces of media, including films, operas, and musicals.
In addition to literary recognition, Frost heavily impacted the twentieth century literary world. He was a professor at Amherst College, Bread Loaf School of English, and Harvard University. He also served as a visiting professor at Dartmouth College, as well as the University of Michigan. Each of these colleges, as well as many others, are now home to Frost symposia and literary studies.
Robert Frost’s posthumous reputation for peace and serenity is a reflection of his individual works and the combined force of them. Much more than his influence on twentieth century literature, Frost is known for writing powerfully insightful poems that are simultaneously timeless and reflective. His works are powerful yet beautiful in their simplicity.