Carpe Diem In Robert Frost's Two Tramps In Mud Time

The idea of carpe diem, seize the day, is seen in many works of literature. Many people use this as a mantra, believing that it is important to stop and take in the little things that can go unnoticed in life. Some people also believe that people should try, whenever possible, to help each other out. In “Two Tramps in Mud Time”, Robert Frost shows the idea of carpe diem as well as how we should take of other people.

It is clear that the narrator enjoys cutting wood from the start of the poem. He is not doing it for pay, just for his own enjoyment. While he is chopping, he pauses to take in the sights of the day. He begins to notice every detail, even the smaller ones, such as the weather and the wildlife surrounding him. It is in these observations that he is showing how he seizes the day. Choosing to cut wood during his free time, gives him time to stop and look at the things people often ignore when focused on a task.

While he is out chopping, two men approach the narrator looking for work. He takes note that these men are only out for work, but continues about his task. For a second, the narrator starts to believe that the two men are judging him. After the two men stand around silently, the narrator begins to think about their situation. He knows that these two are merely doing this for money, not for enjoyment like he is. Looking closer at the scenario, he knows that when it comes down to it, these two men need to do this more than he does. However, this doesn’t have to influence his decision. He could still decide to keep chopping and just let the two be on their way, in search of another job.
A big decision now rests with the narrator.

On one hand, he can decide to continue chopping wood, enjoying his time spent doing what he loves. While on the other hand he can choose to let these two men, whom he does not know, chop the wood for him to earn a little money. Choosing to continue it himself could be construed as a selfish act, even though in his mind it would be solely in the interest of carpe diem. Whereas choosing to help these two strangers would be an act of compassion. Ultimately he decides to let them take over chopping the wood. He knows that although he loves doing it, they need it more than he does at this time, and chooses to help them out.

It is possible to live the mantra of carpe diem, as well as help others. Even though the narrator in this story had to stop doing what he loved, helping two strangers along their way is another way of seizing the day. Although “Two Tramps in Mud Time” slightly pits the idea of carpe diem versus helping one another, it can also be seen as showing how the two can become the same

thing.