It is commonly known that Mending Wall, the poem written by Robert Frost, was published in 1914 in his anthology of poems, North of Boston. Within the poem, Frost presents a complex narrative moments of a neighbor and himself, discussing the walls that divide their land. By looking at the poem, it’s quite evident why it has become one of Frost’s most renowned and famous works. Written in traditional blank verse form, the poem contains a great mix of both sound and sense, allowing the reader to grasp Frost’s meaning without the need of long and drawn-out descriptions.
Mending Wall was one of the many poems Frost wrote while living in England between 1912 and 1915. Frost had been invited by the American poet Ezra Pound to come to England, where Frost had his first success with several of his poems get published. This success had a great impact on Frost, who decided to stay in England for another three years and compose some of his most memorable works while living there.
The main theme of Mending Wall revolves around the idea of keeping up walls that have become broken through the passage of time. The neighbor explains to the narrator that it is important to fix the broken wall in order to prevent people from trespassing. Frost uses this concept to explore the idea of repairing relationships and building bridges, rather than keeping them apart. The poem therefore reflects Frost’s own thoughts and beliefs about dealing with conflict.
Frost’s portrayal of the neighbor in Mending Wall creates an interesting paradox. On the one hand, he is set up as a kind, sensible man who is aware that repairing relationships is beneficial for all involved, yet on the other, he is also a stubborn man who refuses to doubt the importance of the wall. This tension between maintaining relationships and protecting oneself is something that Frost still speaks to us to this day.
Frost’s Writing Style
The style Robert Frost uses in his poems, including Mending Wall, is unique in its simplicity. His short and powerful lines, such as “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,” have become some of the most memorable lines in American poetry. Frost often explores the topics of human nature, morality, and timelessness, and these themes are present even in his early works. By looking at Mending Wall, readers can see this style and the messages present, allowing them to appreciate the poem even more.
Frost’s use of imagery is also remarkable in Mending Wall. He elegantly chooses his words to paint a vivid picture for the reader. For example, he describes the stones and boulders as “their ancient station,” and the narrator as having “fancy of fury and argument.” This type of imagery forces readers to think about the poem more deeply, nurturing their imagination and creating a much richer experience.
Mending Walls is a perfect example of how a great poem can be written with few words. The poem only has 44 lines, yet Frost is able to craft a narrative that captivates our attention and leads us to a timeless lesson. This is what makes Frost’s writing style so effective, and it is no wonder he was so successful and respected in his time and still is today.
Conclusion in the Poem
At the end of the poem, Frost presents us with a conclusion that is both reassuring and perplexing. Although the walls are eventually mended in the New England manner, between them and the narrator, there is a sense that the walls will break up again in some way. This conveys Frost’s idea that people must be mindful of the need for maintaining relationships, understanding that it is not without its faults and imperfections.
The poem also forces us to reflect on our own relationships. Though Frost never explicitly states it, Mending Wall serves as a reminder that no matter how much we may want to keep something, in most cases it’s better to mend and keep together than it is to break apart. The poem forces us to look at the walls we have built for ourselves, and ask ourselves if they are worth the effort of maintaining them.
Impact of The Poem
Mending Wall has had a tremendous impact on the scholarly community, proving to be one of the most popular and studied poems of Robert Frost’s works. Frost’s skillful use of language, imagery, and themes, lightly coated with humor has made Mending Wall an enduring piece of literature, something that speaks to the modern reader as much as it did in 1914 when it was first published.
The poem has become a symbol of connection and understanding, of being able to transcend the walls that divide us and come to a mutual agreement. Frost expresses this in the poem with the aim of fostering a friendship between the narrator and his neighbor, while also illustrating the drawbacks of having a wall between them. The poem, therefore, speaks to all of us, reminding us of the importance of building bridges and connecting with one another.
The poem has also served to inspire others in the realms of literature and theater. Various adaptations of the poem have been conducted, with some of the most famous ones being a play by Norman Mailer and the musical Inherit the Wind. It appears that Frost’s words have been able to transcend time and touch the hearts of many generations.
Frost’s Legacy
Mending Wall played a pivotal part in the creation of Robert Frost’s legacy, which has made him one of the most beloved and respected poets of all time. His works are a prime example of how the power of words can make us think and reflect on our place in the world. Also, by looking at the success of his poems, it is evident why he deservedly earned the title of America’s Poet Laureate.
His impact is still felt to this day, and many of his works have been referenced in modern media, most notably with the hit song No Man Is An Island by the band Coldplay, which takes heavy inspiration from Mending Wall. This is a testament to the longevity of Frost’s writing and the lessons he imparted to the world with his works.
The lesson of Mending Wall is clear and timeless. The poem compels readers to look at their relationships and think about what is important to maintain, and why it is important. Frost serves as a voice of reason, reminding us that although we may want to, we cannot keep everything apart. Mending Wall teaches us that there is a need for compromise, understanding, and respect, in order for us all to be a part of the same world, together.
Analysis on Frost’s Writing Style
Robert Frost’s writing style is both complex and simple at the same time. He is able to convey deep, meaningful messages without the need for heavy descriptions or long, drawn-out explanations. His use of imagery is also remarkable, allowing readers to create vivid memories of the moments described in his works.
Frost also often utilizes repetitive language to his advantage, as can be seen in Mending Wall. Through the poem, Frost manages to express his thoughts and beliefs about maintaining relationships and building bridges with only 44 lines. By expressing his ideas in simple and memorable terms, Frost has created a masterpiece that speaks to the hearts of many.
Frost’s style of writing also lends itself well to comedic moments. Despite the heaviness of topics such as dealing with conflict, Frost is not afraid to make light of the situation. He is able to find the humor in every-day experiences and write about it without coming off as overly serious or preachy.
Through his works, Robert Frost has earned a well-deserved spot in the pantheon of great poets. His style of writing is not only effective, but it has stood the test of time. Frost’s writing has been able to transcend generations, allowing both young and old to think and reflect on the topics presented. This is why Frost is still relevant and highly respected today.
Effect of Robert Frost’s Poems
The influence that Robert Frost has had on the literary community cannot be overstated. Through his works, Frost was able to capture the minds and hearts of readers with few words. His unique way of expressing himself has provided inspiration and insight to future writers, and has served as a reminder of why we write in the first place.
By looking at the success of his poems, it is easy to see why Frost is still remembered and respected to this day. His works, especially Mending Wall, continue to captivate readers and force them to think about their relationships, the walls they have built, and how necessary it is to repair them. Frost’s powerful messages and simple yet complex writing style act as a reminder for us all, to always strive for connecting with one another, instead of staying apart.
Frost’s works also remind us of the power of literature. We can use words to not only entertain and educate, but to also set standards and challenge conventions. Through his works, Frost has been able to fulfill this mission, presenting us with stories that speak of our humanity, as well as our flaws and struggles.
Robert Frost’s legacy will always live on through his works. His writing style has affected and influenced readers for generations, and it still manages to touch us today. His works remind us of the importance of understanding, of respecting boundaries, and of building bridges in order to become part of the same world, together.
