preview

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Decent Essays

Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is a poem that gives off different feelings the more times one re-reads it. At a first glance, it seems like a simple momentary encounter for the speaker with beautiful Mother Nature, who stops to enjoy it before returning to the long journey that awaits him. However, with the second read, as one thinks more deeply, it becomes clear that the poem is actually illustrating the speaker’s journey through life. The unforeseen stopping depicts a point in life, where the speaker debates whether he wants to continue on with life or not. The poem turns from being a transparent fancy for nature to a more dramatic one, which possesses deep significance. While nature is beautiful, the speaker is …show more content…

The horse reminds him of the promises that he must keep and thus is symbolic of the logical part of a mind.
The last two lines “And miles to go before I sleep” repeat to emphasize the idea that though the woods are luring, there are still promises that need to be kept. Metaphorically speaking, the word “miles” could mean places, destinations or even tasks that require attention. The repetition makes one notice the significance of the line, which ultimately stresses the point that the speaker must give up this beauty for reality. His conscience makes him realize, that the utopia he is experiencing is short-lived. His obligations outweigh his personal indulgences, and so he repeats this mantra to himself, in order to focus back on what is important. The man is constrained by the obligations to his job, family and society. Consequently, all these obligations prevent him from realizing, how they are holding him back from living a more pleasurable life.
In conclusion, Robert Frost, through his poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” presents a traveler’s momentary encounter with Mother Nature. He illustrates a striking and a meaningful picture, with the use of imagery, symbolism and repetition, of what a person experiences whilst observing the beauty of nature. As the narrator gets back to his senses, he recognizes that he must finish his duties and keep his promises. Although,

Get Access