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Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Night

In: English and Literature

Submitted By EWOODBURN
Words 761
Pages 4
Thesis

This poem at first glance is a simple depiction of someone on a beautiful winter journey and is often taken for granted. When studied closely it offers many interpretations using lovely and inviting descriptions of a beautiful picture but through dark elements of a cold, wintry scene lends a vast inventory of possible meanings. This poem reminds us of wanting to enjoy pleasures in life but concludes with the responsibilities and obligations of reality that awaits us.

Setting
The first stanza tells us of a beautiful and tranquil setting laced with dark indications through interpretation by the reader. The reader envisions and is attracted to a perfect landscape with snow covering the forest and entices one to stop to enjoy without fear of being caught trespassing on another’s property.

The second stanza alludes to the darkness often associated with bleakness or gloom as well as the solitude of a winters night. This may be interpreted as depression or simply a desire to lose himself from the routine of everyday life. The woods may even be a metaphor representing risk, opportunity, or signifying the questions of life or the afterlife.

The woods are located outside of the village, on the edge of civilization. The traveler is separated for a moment in time from society who would probably not approve of stopping in the dark and in the snow. The narrator indicated this would not be advised as the second stanza includes the response from the horse and the lack of a farmhouse nearby.
The response of the horse highlights certain dilemmas the traveler faces. The first being the beauty of the scene disregarding the practical concern of his surroundings and conditions he is in. Another is the attraction of the unknown, the mystery, the danger that may be associated with such circumstances.

The poem describes a state of solitude. When alone, not being seen, being able to watch unnoticed have certain temptations. This state of solitude requires decisions. Many times a simple reminder of the direction needed will assist in determining which path is taken as referenced in the poem by the horses gestures. Title
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening draws the reader to one’s simple and delightful encounter with nature. The title in itself can offer the interpretation of the reader as simply a peaceful and desirable place, or represent ordinary people who have unnoticed beauty or importance that goes ignored by others around them. The title of the poem gives an invitation and lures the reader. The reader becomes inquisitive of what is special about woods on a snowy evening or why stop. It sets the reader up to explore the narrators story and opens the interpretation for each reader to apply individually.

Theme of Poem
Though the poem paints a peaceful and simple journey, inviting the reader to be engulfed in such beauty and or enjoyment, reminds us that life is full of obligations yet to be faced and dealt with. The reader is also reminded that along the path are many choices to be made and even when necessary reminders of ’the right thing to do’ as is indicative with the horse’s harness bells shaking and the pull of influences around us in everyday life like the ’easy wind and downy flake’.

Narrator
The reader does not know if the narrator, who is the traveler, is a man or women or even if a person at all. However, the common acceptance is that it is a man, Robert Frost himself. The first stanza indicates the traveler is narrating the scene as it unfolds. The poem is written throughout in first person.

Narrator’s feeling of poem
The narrator may be eluding to the fact that to rest too long while it is snowing can cause one to lose direction which could be deadly. Another interpretation may be to remind one not to give up on prudence and self-preservation. The final two lines repeat a message of unwillingness to give up. It does not necessarily indicate a burden but maybe a perseverance to continue in one’s achievements.

This poem speaks of enjoying pleasures of life, but concludes with the knowledge that there is work to be done and the reader presumes the traveler continued on to do them.
The poem seems to be stating that it is all right to enjoy the special moments in life, but if one makes a promise, he should not compromise it with the things he enjoys, even if the activities seem better than working.

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