Robert Frost

4 Pages 914 Words

“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”
Robert Frost’s poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is an excellent example of one of his darker pieces of writing. However, it can be examined in a positive as well as negative light. One can interpret the poem not only by considering the meaning of the words Frost uses in a literal sense but also by considering them as symbols. Whether considering the literal meaning or even the symbolic significance, each stanza seems to be responsible for delivering vital information as the poem develops. In “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, Robert Frost’s wording interpreted literally is the positive breakdown of the poem whereas deciphering the verbiage as symbols of his dark feelings is the negative analysis.
Initially, the poem may convey more transcendental ideals and thus appearing to be understood on a literal level -- the positive side. In the first stanza, Frost is setting the scene and the mood by expressing the isolated local during a break in the travelers arduous journey; it is key to understand that this man does not want to be disturbed since he contentedly states, “He will not see me stopping here” (line 3). He stopped there to simply take a break and “To watch the woods fill up with snow” (line 4). The process of snow filling a wooded area is a time consuming event, therefore one is left to assume that the traveler is an avid admirer of this natural occurrence and would be content viewing the event in it’s entirety. It is also possible to consider the usage of words “fill up” as sending a positive feeling; possibly to be filled up in the sense that there is an abundance of love, joy or happiness in his life. Nevertheless, from the first verse, one may deduce that Frost’s message in the poem is going to be a positive one about the awe and beauty of nature.
In the following verses, through the horse by his side, there is a humorous yet const...