The Life and Works of Robert Frost

Robert Frost was born in San Francisco, California in 1874, a lesser-known fact about the renowned poet. Despite his early years spent in small apartments in the city, Frost is most commonly associated with the natural landscapes of New England that inspired his poetry (Gerber 1967). His upbringing was marked by financial struggles and a tumultuous relationship with his father, while his mother instilled in him a deep love for the countryside. After his father's death, Frost moved with his family to Massachusetts where he faced various challenges but excelled in school, eventually earning a scholarship to Dartmouth in 1892. However, his plans took a different turn, leading him back home to support his family until he could marry his fiancé, Eleanor (Gerber 1967).

Despite facing many obstacles, Frost pursued his education at Harvard before dedicating himself to supporting his family. While trying his hand at farming on a property gifted by his grandfather, Frost's true passion for literature and writing began to emerge. His poetry often reflects his personal struggles and his profound connection to nature, particularly his theme of solitary wandering in the wilderness as a metaphor for self-discovery (Gerber 1967).

"The Road Not Taken"

"The Road Not Taken," one of Frost's notable poems written in 1915, explores the concept of making choices in life and the uncertainty that comes with it. The poem's setting in a yellow wood creates a serene and contemplative mood, inviting readers to reflect on the paths they choose to take. Frost's use of nature as a metaphor for life's journey resonates deeply, emphasizing the significance of individual choices and the inability to revisit past decisions.

The poem ends with the famous lines, "I took the road less traveled by / And that has made all the difference," prompting readers to consider the impact of their choices on their lives. Frost's cryptic message encourages individuals to trust their instincts and follow their own path, as it is the uniqueness of their choices that shapes their destiny (Finger 1978).

Works Cited

Finger, Larry L. “Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken’: A 1925 Letter Come to Light.” American Literature. Vol. 50, N. 3, (1978): 478-489.

Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.” New Enlarged Anthology of Robert Frost’s Poems. Louis Untermeyer. New York: Washington Square Press, 1971: 223.

Gerber, Philip L. Robert Frost. Boston: Twayne, 1967.

Monteiro, George. “Roads and Paths (Chapter 5).” Robert Frost & The New England Renaissance. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 1988: 44-53.