In this section of the poem, it almost seems as if the character unexpectedly wanted life to desire him or her to enter it, as the poem suggests the grass wanted to be worn down. The author further establishes the setting as, in the second stanza, it states, “Then took the other, as just as fair, / And having perhaps the better claim, / Because it was grassy and wanted wear…”. Here, Frost again outlines his tone as he demonstrates the character’s rational contemplation and, eventually, regret. This suggests that the story takes place in the middle of autumn, most likely, contributing to the sense that time is running out-as in life-for the character. The phrase “a yellow wood” may be a symbolism of the color the trees radiated. In the poem, he states, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood…”. The use of such devices again add to the connection between the reader and the character-forcing Frost’s message to become even more insightful.Īnother literary aspect Frost utilizes to express his tone in setting. Frost strengthens the reader’s figurative presence in the poem by presenting such diction and setting of two roads. This characterization helps to bridge the gap between the reader and the character, allowing the poem to communicate a deeper meaning. Later in the poem, the author reveals the attributes and personality of the main character as he or she ponders past life choices. Frost establishes this theme with a depiction of two paths in the woods. The poem describes the problems and choices one must take in life, and how those specific decisions impact that person. Robert Frost’s work The Road Not Taken conveys a very simple, yet pensive theme. This is an ambiguous poem that allows the readers to think about choices they make in life. This is an excellent example of theme in the poem ‘Road Not Taken’. The theme is not stated explicitly in the text, but instead is expressed through the characters’ actions, words, and thoughts. A poem or text can have more than one theme. Usually the theme of a work of literature can be stated in one word, such as “love” or“sadness”. As a literary device, the theme of a poem lies in the meaning of the story it tells.It is the central topic or idea explored in a text. Frost presents how sometimes we have to make a decision without being able to know or see clearly how life-changing that decision will be.In this essay I will be looking for examples of poetic devices such as theme, imagey and tone, in the poem created by Robert Frost ‘The Road Not Taken’. The poem is not about the road taken, but about the road not taken. But he knows that in reality, that is unlikely to happen.
He tells himself that he will come back and take the other road. He thinks the path he decides to take is not as used as the other, but really, the paths are about the same and the fallen leaves on both look very nice and fresh. The narrator wonders about his lost opportunities as his choice takes him to one future and leaves another behind. Frost focuses on how our choices and hopes play a large role in our life. The narrator takes the road that has not been used, which illustrates that he was willing to try something different. The narrator looks down one path as far as he can see but decides to take the other.
This stanza presents the dilemma of having to make a choice where both the options seem appealing. In the poem, the narrator, a conflicted traveller, describes how he has come to a split in a road through a “yellow wood” where he wishes he could travel both routes, but at the same time, he realizes that traveling through both roads is not a practical choice. Published in 1916, this poem in many ways epitomizes the importance of following your own path in society, and how one cannot find their own potential if one follows someone else’s way. “The Road Not Taken” is one of poet Robert Frost’s most elegant and popular works. The Road Not Taken BY ROBERT FROSTĪnd that has made all the difference. Frost has illustrated this with beautiful imagery of paths, a traveler, and a yellow wood. The poem puts forward the point that no matter what choice one may make, even a good choice, one will still look back and wonder what would have happened with a different decision. “The Road Not Taken” is one of Robert Frost’s most popular and memorable works published in 1916.