Mending Wall: The Tone Through The Walls of Poetry

Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall" serves as a metaphorical exploration of the barriers that humans create in their lives. Through the walls that divide neighbors, Frost delves into the complexities of human relationships, addressing themes of tradition, isolation, and the innate desire for connection. Examining the poem's tone allows us to unravel the layers of meaning hidden within the text. This essay aims to analyze the tone of "Mending Wall" and its implications, highlighting the poem's underlying messages and the significance of its poetic devices.

A Barrier of Tradition: The Tone of Isolation

From the onset, the tone of "Mending Wall" presents a sense of isolation, emphasizing the barriers that separate individuals from one another. The speaker states, "Something there is that doesn't love a wall," highlighting a subtle discontent with the presence of the wall (Frost 1). This discontent is further reinforced through the repetition of the phrase "Good fences make good neighbors," which serves as a mantra throughout the poem (Frost 27). The tone here is one of resignation, suggesting that the speaker recognizes the futility of these barriers in fostering genuine human connections.

The tone of isolation is also evident in the speaker's description of the wall itself. The speaker describes the wall as "just another kind of outdoor game," implying that the act of wall-building is merely a superficial activity that fails to bridge the emotional gap between individuals (Frost 23). This tone highlights the emptiness and futility of the wall, emphasizing the isolation that it symbolizes.

The Tone of Frustration: Challenging the Status Quo

Beneath the surface, the tone of "Mending Wall" carries an undercurrent of frustration, challenging the status quo and questioning the necessity of these barriers. The repeated phrase "Good fences make good neighbors" takes on a sarcastic tone, suggesting the speaker's skepticism towards this popular belief (Frost 27). By employing a derisive tone, Frost showcases his discontent with the conformity and blind adherence to tradition that the wall represents.

The speaker's frustration is further emphasized through the portrayal of the neighbor. The neighbor embodies the traditionalist perspective, staunchly upholding the wall-building ritual. He says, "Good fences make good neighbors," in a tone devoid of questioning or doubt, highlighting his adherence to tradition and resistance to change (Frost 27). This contrasting tone between the speaker and the neighbor emphasizes the frustration felt by the speaker, who yearns for a deeper connection beyond the confines of the wall.

A Tone of Reflection: The Poetic Devices

The tone of "Mending Wall" is also shaped by its poetic devices, which lend a reflective and introspective quality to the poem. Frost employs enjambment throughout the poem, allowing the lines to flow seamlessly into one another, creating a contemplative tone. For example, Frost writes, "Before I built a wall I'd ask to know / What I was walling in or walling out" (Frost 32-33). The enjambment here forces the reader to pause and reflect on the significance of the wall, deepening the poem's tone of reflection.

Furthermore, the use of imagery adds to the reflective tone of the poem. Frost describes the gaps in the wall as "where they have left not one stone on a stone," painting a vivid picture of the crumbling barrier (Frost 31). This visual imagery evokes a sense of transience and impermanence, further emphasizing the futility of the wall and the need for human connection.

Conclusion: The Tone's Profound Implications

Through a careful analysis of the tone in "Mending Wall," it becomes evident that the poem goes beyond a simple depiction of wall-building. Frost's use of tone, infused with frustration, reflection, and isolation, reveals the deeper themes and messages hidden within the text. The tone reflects the futility of these barriers and the yearning for genuine human connections. Moreover, the poem's poetic devices enhance the reflective and introspective nature of the tone, allowing readers to delve deeper into the complexities of human relationships. "Mending Wall" serves as a reminder of the importance of breaking down barriers, both physical and metaphorical, in order to foster genuine connections and bridge the divide between individuals.