Symbols and Symbolism in the Poems of Robert Frost

Symbolism in the Poems of Robert Frost

Nature has inspired countless poets from primitive times to the present. They have used it as a metaphor for virtually all human emotions-his stormy brow, her sky blue eyes, as wild as a summer storm. Very few, however, have so masterfully crafted their verse to fully express the range of nature’s power and influence, or suited the tone of a poem to encompass both human nature and ‘true’ nature. This is true in the poetic works of Robert Frost. The aspects of nature that are continually demonstrated in the poems of Frost symbolize both the physical world and its changes, and the nature of humans.

It can easily be argued that Frost believed that little difference existed between humanity’s inner nature and the nature of the world which surrounded him. Time and again Frost personifies nature in human terms and points out the many ways in which what happens in an individual’s life is a reflection of what is occurs in the natural world. In fact, it can be said that this poet viewed nature as being separate from humanity only by the virtue by which humanity removes itself from the outside world. In other words, nature never leaves, humans are the ones to leave nature. Many of Frost’s poem clearly demonstrate the ways in which the peace of being fully juxtaposed to nature when a human steps outside their rigid human realm and learn to appreciate their natural surroundings.

Robert Frost has always been noted for his incredible poetry that is full of imagery, symbolism, tone, and depth. The depth in his poems appears to be most often portrayed through his use of symbolism, as this is one veritable way to give the reader something to dwell upon and examine. For example, if Fr...

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...deep.

But when was that ever a bar

To any watch they keep?

This poem portrays in a metaphorical manner the constant awareness by men that they must die; and it does this without appealing to the pity or horror acquainted with death. This poem leads the reader to contemplate the fast within the metaphor quite steadily.

Frost was a rural Yankee whose writings reflect everyday experiences-his own experiences, but was one who saw metaphorical dimensions in the everyday things he encountered. These everyday encounters held ground as his subject manner, combined with the rural setting of New England nature, seasons, weather and times of day. Frost’s goal was to write his poetry in such a way that it would cover familiar ground, but in an unfamiliar way or uncommon in expression.

Works Cited and Consulted

Frost and Nature, www.frostfriends.org