Robert Frost is renowned as one of the greatest American poets of the twentieth century. His work has been praised for its exquisite use of language, conveying meaningful and timeless messages to its readers. But who is Robert Frost compared to?
When it comes to American poets, Frost stands tall. He stands in stark contrast to many other twentieth century poets such as Walt Whitman, whose work often presented more abstract themes. Whereas Whitman expressed spiritual and philosophical ideas, Frost’s work was more direct and relatable, allowing readers to easily grasp the meaning of his poetry, even when reading it for the first time.
When looking at Frost compared to other famous American poets, it is easy to see the differences in their writing styles. Frost’s tendency for folkloric storytelling set his writing apart from, for example, the modernism expressed by T.S. Eliot, who wrote with a more abstract approach. Similarly, Frost’s writing often focused on everyday life and frequently utilized metaphors, unlike Robert Lowell, whose poems often wrote with a more confessional approach.
Comparing Frost to other prestigious writers around the world reveals further differences. Frost’s character-driven stories and relatable themes stand in contrast to the works of U.K. poet John Keats, whose odes are full of complex metaphors and flowery language. Frost’s works can also be contrasted with Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney, whose writing carried a distinctly political agenda. While Frost certainly tackled political issues in some of his works, it was not a primary focus like Heaney’s.
In conclusion, it is clear that Robert Frost stands out from the crowd of other well-known poets from the twentieth century. His work is uniquely reflective and accessible, making him one of the most admired poets of all time.
Relatable Subject Matter
When looking at the work of Robert Frost compared to other American writers, it is obvious that Frost had a talent for crafting verse that people could relate to. For example, Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” is widely known for articulating the internal struggle of decision-making that nearly everyone experiences. In contrast, the poet E.E. Cummings often wrote surrealist poetry, which nearly everyone can appreciate yet few feel a direct connection to. Additionally, while Edgar Allan Poe wrote often of psychological horror and insanity, Frost focused on sorrow and despair in his works.
Frost himself said, “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.” So it stands to reason that his works were so successful for their emotional resonance. Rather than being swept away by the fantastical, readers found solace in Frost’s understanding of love, mortality, and grief—themes which still remain acutely relevant today.
He was able to illustrate complex human emotions and relationships in simple language, yet never oversimplified his words. Frost made sure to always use language that was both concise and evocative, allowing his readers to connect deeply with his subject matter.
Furthermore, he often explored the tension between responsibility and freedom—a dichotomy that continues to haunt many individuals. He was able to make readers feel that they weren’t alone, due to his ability to expressing such common struggles to perfection in his poetry. No matter how bleak a situation may be, Frost always made sure to leave his readers with a sliver of hope.
Themes Across Time
Although Robert Frost was writing decades ago, his thoughts on life still remain. The themes and ideas presented in Frost’s works have an incredible staying power, which can perhaps be attributed to his down-to-earth approach to poetry. Frost never shied away from tackling tough topics, such as the difficulty of fully understanding another’s experience, the grief of lost friends, and the struggle of being an individual.
Unlike other poets who focused more on philosophical themes, Frost instead chose to write about everyday life and struggles. His works often convey a rueful sense of loss, conveying a wistful wisdom which can still be applicable to modern life. Furthermore Frost often wrote about the beauty of nature, describing its simplicity with vivid detail.
As such, Frost’s work still remains relevant to this day. His works continue to be studied, analyzed, and taught in classrooms around the world. His timeless messages, whether simple or complex, continue to resonate with readers today. There is no doubt that Robert Frost will live on in the annals of literature for generations to come.
Unique Writing Style
A major factor that distinguishes Frost from other poets is his style of writing. Rather than writing in iambic pentameter, like many of his literary predecessors, Frost opted for more traditional rhyme patterns and structured stanzas. He also often employed the use of folkloric storytelling, while interspersing his works with clever metaphors.
Frost was a master wordsmith in every sense of the word: often utilizing simple language but packing it with immense meaning, conveying complex ideas in crips and concise verses. Numerous critics have noted that Frost’s brilliance often lies in his ability to articulate what other writers find difficult to vocalize through poetry. He was able to make the ordinary appear extraordinary, and the extraordinary appear ordinary.
Rather than relying on complex imagery, Frost was able to excel at expressing his ideas with minimalistic language. His masterful use of everyday words often left readers taken aback by the sheer complexity of his works, yet never overly verbose or pompous.
To cap it all off, Frost also mastered the use of poetic irony to great success. Frost’s ironic twists drove much of his work, and continue to inspire readers around the world today.
Frost’s Legacy
Robert Frost stands as one of the greatest poets of the twentieth century. Much of Frost’s success lies in his ability to connect with people through his writing, by touching on everyday life and consequently, what it means to be human. He was able to communicate complex ideas, while also giving readers something to take away from his works.
Frost’s works are a timeless testament to the power of words and their capacity to leave an indelible impression. Although Frost’s life ended nearly fifty years ago, his works remain ever-relevant and his legacy continues to transcend generations. His works are read and valued not only in pedagogical settings, but also for their beautifully-articulated insight into human nature.
Robert Frost remains one of the most beloved and respected poets in the world, and for good reason. His works are considered among some of the best-loved in American literature, and his insights into life and human nature remain timeless.
