New England poet, Robert Frost, is often best remembered for his most famous poem, ‘The Road Not Taken,’ written in 1915. So, when did Frost write this renowned classic?
The poem was first published in the August issue of a magazine called The Atlantic Monthly in 1915. In its first edition, Frost was paid a paltry sum of $15.00, however the poem soon became a staple of many American poems in the 20th century and beyond. It was even regarded as one of the most popular American poems of the 20th century.
The great poem was included in Frost’s first collection of poems titled Mountain Interval, which was published in 1916. Though the poem was written in 1915, it wasn’t until it was included in Frost’s collection of poems that it was made known to the public.
The poem is uniquely known for its exploration of fateful decisions, and with its interpretation often becoming subjects of debates. The road Frost had taken in this poem reflects his personality of open-mindedness, risk taking and commitment. Many academics have related it to the questioning of life decisions and paths we need to take.
‘The Road Not Taken’ is centered around two roads, both of which provide different experiences. The protagonist must select one of the roads and they represent decisions which we all must make in life. Frost cleverly uses the choice of going down these two roads to symbolise the decision making process so that he can encourage readers to take actions boldly in life.
For generations, Frost’s masterpiece has grown to be an inspiring and powerful poem for readers of all ages. The powerful words of Frost, coupled with his amazing description has also made this poem a favorite for many teachers, students, readers and book lovers.
Exploring Robert Frost’s Inspiration for the Poem
Many experts suggest that the main inspiration behind Frost’s poem was an excursion that the poet went on with his friend Edward Thomas. The two decided to take off a day from their regular activities, cutting through the woods, and came across a fork in the road.
Interestingly, Thomas wanted to take the right path, whilst Frost was intrigued by the left path. Frost felt that Thomas took the right route as a matter of convenience and observation. This was the prime inspiration for the poem as it explores the idea of choice-making and its consequences.
In exploring his poem, Frost adds courageousness and commitment to take the left path. He thought that the left path showed that what had mattered to him more than the path travelled was just the making of the decision itself.
Frost mused about what could have happened if he had taken the left path, rather than the right one. This theme of decision making, understanding and being able to trust oneself is what made the poem more special than just the development of a story.
Influence of Robert Frost’s Biography
Robert Frost’s own life experiences have influenced a great deal of his oeuvre. ‘The Road Not Taken’ was certainly no exception, as during the poet’s early years he often changed residence, lived in poverty and suffered as a result of ill health.
Frost thus began to contemplate on his own individual challenges, as he had to make choices which were difficult and sometimes hurtful; however, he had to take in his stride and take on any relevant challenges that befall him.
The poet has often expressed that, when asked what road to take in life, he chose the one less traveled. Consequently, this break from tradition to pursue an independent path often led him to many opportunities which he had never even thought of before.
Another factor which influenced Frost’s writing was that he was an educated and independent thinker. Moreover, he had experience a series of career shifts, eventually leading him to focus on writing poetry fulltime and making a comfortable living thereafter.
The poet is also known for exploring aspects of rural life in New England and providing a fresh perspective about his work; thus ‘The Road Not Taken’ can be understood as a symbolic play on one’s independent decision-making process, and the confidence to take on the roads less traversed.
The Impact of ‘The Road Not Taken’
Since the poem was published, the overall impact of ‘The Road Not Taken’ has been quite evident. It was widely accepted, and later reprinted in many anthologies and school textbooks around the world.
It has also been said that the poem was alluding to the American Dream, which inspired millions of people to pursue their dreams, even if it meant taking the road not taken. Through his stirring poetic words, Frost has inspired readers to take risks and follow their dreams with reasoned effort.
The poem has also been identified as having a great impact on conferences and meetings, as it encourages participants to think outside the box to create something new by taking a risk, a chance to explore the unknown, to dare and be different.
The resonation of the poem has been long lasting and timeless ever since it was first published. Its poignant message of being courageous and overcoming obstacles to venture on the unknown path is a vital lesson for many young readers.
Reception of Frost’s Famed Poem
Since its publication in 1915, Frost’s iconic poem has been both praised and criticized by literary experts. Many have described the work as inspiring and evocative, as it has repeatedly grabbed the attention of the public.
In an early review of Frost’s collection Mountain Interval, which included ‘The Road Not Taken,’ Edmund Clarence Stedman regarded the poem very highly, writing that “the little lyric, ‘The Road Not Taken’ is one of the most apt poetic expressions of individual isolation and sorrowful courage that could be found.”
On the other hand, other noted Frost critics such as R.P. Blackmur has expressed disapproval about the poem. He argued that the poem was not an act of courage, but instead was concerning a mere inconsequential act.
Furthermore, some of Frost’s fellow poets have noted the poem to be overdone, stating that it implements too much abstraction in the poem to explore a lack of courage or boldness in making a decision.
Robert Frost’s Legacy
Robert Frost’s famous poem certainly has influenced millions of readers over the century, and made its way into many popular culture references. ‘The Road Not Taken’ has been referred to in multimedia formats like Oscar winning movies and plays.
The poem has also been quoted by many noted personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Barack Obama. It has been translated into other languages and discussed in many philosophical journals.
Without a doubt, Frost’s poem has generated a lasting legacy in the world of literature and arts. Its admiration and celebration are still ongoing and the masterful poem will live among readers for years to come.
