The Signature Work of a Legendary American Poet

Robert Frost, an American poet born in San Francisco, California, was widely regarded for his genuine representations of country life and his knowledge of American everyday speech. Furthermore, in his poetry he utilizes this idyllic imagery and colloquial language to illustrate social themes. A key example of the use of this strategy within Frost’s body of work is his signature poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.”

In the poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is about a man who on a dark evening stops his sleigh to watch the snow falling in the woods. He is concerned that he is on someone else’s property but enjoying the moment of peace in the woods, he then realizes that he knows the owner who lives in town and can continue enjoying the magnificent time of being in this silence. He knows that he is on someone else’s property and the rules are being broken here. This brings to light the larger issue of individuals and groups not following rules or laws design to protect them merely because they believe no one is looking.

His horse is confused as to why they are stopping in the middle of the woods on one of the darkest days as the man is enjoying the frozen lake and snow. The horse seems to symbolize the human conscience and the drive to do the right thing for the good of society even in tough circumstances. The horse’s role in snapping the man back into reality could represent are necessity to take stock of both the morality and the effects of our actions.

The man clearly likes the woods although he knows he has many miles of road ahead of him and other obligations to fulfill. In the ending of the poem it’s as if he knows the woods are depressing and peaceful but he does not want to end up dead without completing his duties in life. He is going to make the best of it for the upcoming days that are approaching. The dilemma of the writer highlights the appeal of short term indulgence at the risk of long term peril. The man’s decision to keep moving forward and fulfill his responsibilities seems to speak volumes about Frost’s belief in the importance of people taking seriously their obligations to society, even when it seems difficult or it appears no one will know the difference.

The beauty in the scene Frost depicts seamlessly paints a picture that is open to many interpretations while giving way to the underlying cautionary message that it reveals. Frost’s employment of powerfully vivid phrases and artful use of symbolism are useful tactics in provoking his reader. Frost uses a similar strategy in most of his other poetry but few can argue that he hits mark with such beauty as he does in “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.”