Robert Frost, writing as the narrator in the poems “Birches” and “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is comfortable in the countryside and portrays an enjoyment of nature on the surface. When these poems are examined more in depth the narrator becomes much more complex, showing that there is a deeper and darker undertone to the pleasant words and cadences of the poems. The narrator has experienced pain and sorrow during his life and finds that his suffering makes the contemplation of death both fascinating and tempting. Also, the narrator has considered the peacefulness of death but has decided to pursue life and the choices that one faces along the path of life. Initially the poems “Birches” and “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” show the narrator as a simple man of the countryside. “Birches” is set “too far from town to learn baseball” (25). This suggests a place far from town and set deep in the country. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is set in a remote woods, far from any homes. Each location in the settings of the poems is remote and far from city life. This suggests that the narrator is accustomed to the countryside and its way of life and that he most likely enjoys this type of life. The narrator also has an appreciation of nature. This is immediately evident in the fact that each poem is centered on nature and uses the themes of nature to establish the narrator’s points. Each poem involves an interaction with nature, such as a ride in the woods and swinging from birch branches. Beyond the interactions with nature, the natural also works to mark moments of emotional significance to the narrator. “Birches” recalls a fond memory of swinging from birch branches and also brings to view the narrator’s desire to experience that freedom again, “So was I once myself a swinger of birches./ And so I dream of going back to be” (41-42). The narrator also takes a moment to dwell on solitude and a contemplation of life in “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” Each poem focuses on a moment in nature and the feelings that the moment evoked in the narrator. “Birches” is both reminiscent of boyhood memories and is also contemplative of the hardships of life. The narrator wishes that the birch branches that he sees had been bent by a boy swinging on the branches rather than having been bent by ice. The narrator uses this image of ice to suggest the cruelty of the world, as well as showing that his hopes and desires are not always met. Frost writes, “But I was going to say when Truth broke in/ With all her matter-of-fact about the ice-storm,/ I should prefer to have some boy bend them” (21-23). The previous lines expressed the cold, damaging affects of ice and how it permanently damages the branches of the tree, perhaps symbolizing the pain and suffering a person experiences in life. The act of swinging from the birch branches is portrayed as being joyful, playful, and innocent. This evokes memories of innocence and happiness. This symbolizes a fond memory for the narrator. “Then he flung outward, feet first, with a swish,/ Kicking his way down through the air to the ground,” demonstrates the freedom and excitement that the narrator finds in the memory of boyhood (39-40). However, the poem goes on to make allusions towards how difficult and confusing life has become. Frost writes, “And life is too much like a pathless wood” (44). This line suggests that the narrator has experienced confusion, suffering, and doubt in life and that it is too late to go back to the innocence of boyhood. The narrator contemplates the peacefulness of death but he decides to pursue life. The narrator explains his contemplation, “May no fate willfully misunderstand me/ And have grant what I wish and snatch me away/ Not to return. Earth’s the right place for love” (50-52). This poem suggests the complexity of life overall, and also reveals that the author has experienced pain and loss, joy and beauty, and has chosen to take that life for what it is. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” has a more solemn and subdued tone than “Birches.” This tone suggests that the author is contemplating a moment of great meaning to him. The woods are quiet, creating an eerie and surreal atmosphere, “The only other sound’s the sweep/ Of easy wind and downy flake” (10-11). The tone and the images of snow suggest the coldness of death, as well as the peace of death. “The darkest evening of the year,” suggests that this is a special moment of solitude for the narrator (8). The narrator has stopped in the woods in order to contemplate death. Frost writes, “The woods are lovely, dark and deep,/ But I have promises to keep,” suggesting that he finds death to be enticing but he must go on living (13-14). The repetition of “And miles to go before I sleep” also suggests that the narrator has a long life he is meant to live yet before he can “sleep” or die (15-16). The repetition also suggests that the narrator is trying to convince himself that he is meant to go on living. This poem is much darker, more directly contemplating death than “Birches” does. However, both poems end with the decision to carry on with life, suggesting that the narrator is perseverant. The poems “Birches” and “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” paint a picture of a man who has endured great suffering and tries to not be obvious about showing it. The poems are both pretty and appear to portray serene pictures on the surface. However, when the lines are examined more deeply the symbols of ice, snow, and cold begin to display a fascination with death. The narrator appears to be a solitary person, comfortable with living in the country, and who exhibits an appreciation of nature. The narrator is both reminiscent and present in the moment in the poems. Perhaps most important though is that in each poem the narrator contemplates death but chooses life.