Since we have been learning about poetry and the messages poets try to convey to their readers, please read Robert Frost's famous poem below. In your own words, share your thoughts on the meaning behind this poem. The summary will need to be at least one paragraph with five sentences or more. Remember, this is your own interpretation so there is not a "right" or "wrong" answer.
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
There are several different ways to interpret this poem. "The Road Not Taken" is a poem about someone who is "standing" at a fork in the road-so to speak. This person has the option to take either option. He is saddened to say that he took the one that no one else takes, and it "has made all the difference" in his life. This is one of my favorite poems; I'm glad you gave us this opportunity to interpret it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughts! In your interpretation, I like that you mentioned that the individual in the poem seems to be "standing at a fork in the road." I believe that is a great way to explain it. He is determining which path to take and whatever decision he chooses to make will essentially change his life forever. I think we are all forced to make so many decisions throughout life and the choices we have made has lead us to where we are today and the individuals we have become today. I, too, enjoy this poem as well as many other poems by Robert Frost.
DeleteThe speaker begins by talking about two paths that look equally enticing. He wishes he could travel both, but has to choose one. He chooses the less traveled path and ends by saying it has made all the difference. I love this poem because I identify with its message of choosing your own path in life. I have chosen a less traveled path in my life, and I have an older nonconformist brother who has chosen a very, very little traveled path. It has not been easy, but he has had some amazing experiences among the thorns and weeds. I'm proud of him for choosing his own path and carving it out for himself. I don't think he'd be happy on the well traveled path. It's made all the difference for him.
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DeleteThat is a great interpretation! I appreciate that you added a personal side to the summary as well. I can identify with the message of choosing your own path in life as well, even if it is not always the one everyone else may take. It can definitely be tough to stand out and make your own path in life so it shows that your brother has courage. I also think this poem sends a good lesson in the fact that just because everyone else seems to be doing it, (i.e. choosing the path most taken, as opposed to the one least traveled) doesn't necessarily mean it is the right choice to be make. Thank you for sharing your analysis of the poem.
DeleteI have to say this is one of my favorite of Frost's poems. This poem to me is about decision. We all make decisions and, most of the time, we must choose only one. I have heard interpretations that assume that the decision made was the "right" one, but I don't see it. He was only going the way he chose himself, instead of what most people did.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a great poem. This poem definitely focuses on the individual making a decision on which path to take in life. I also enjoy Robert Frost's, "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" as well. I am sure you have heard of that one too. Thank you for your interpretation.
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