'Provide, Provide' by Robert Frost

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To wash the steps with pail and rag,
Was once the beauty Abishag,The picture pride of Hollywood.
Too many fall from great and good
For you to doubt the likelihood.Die early and avoid the fate.
Or if predestined to die late,
Make up your mind to die in state.Make the whole stock exchange your own!
If need be occupy a throne,
Where nobody can call you crone.Some have relied on what they knew;
Others on simply being true.
What worked for them might work for you.No memory of having starred
Atones for later disregard,
Or keeps the end from being hard.Better to go down dignified
With boughten friendship at your side
Than none at all. Provide, provide!

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Provide, Provide" by Robert Frost: A Study of Life's Ironies

Robert Frost is known for his ability to capture the essence of life's complexities and convey them in simple, yet profound ways. His poem "Provide, Provide" is a perfect example of this, as it explores the ironies of life and the inevitability of death. In this literary criticism, we will examine the themes, symbolism, and literary devices used in this poem to gain a better understanding of its meaning.

The Themes of Life and Death

One of the most prominent themes in "Provide, Provide" is the contrast between life and death. Frost acknowledges the inevitability of death, but also suggests that life must go on. He writes:

The witch that came (the withered hag)
To wash the steps with pail and rag,
Was once the beauty Abishag,
The picture pride of Hollywood.
Too many fall from great and good
For you to doubt the likelihood.

This stanza highlights the irony of life's fleeting nature. Abishag, the once-beautiful Hollywood starlet, is now reduced to a withered hag washing steps. This is juxtaposed with the line, "Too many fall from great and good," which suggests that even the most successful and famous people are not immune to the ravages of time and the inevitability of death.

Frost also explores the idea of legacy and the impact that individuals have on the world. He writes:

No memory of having starred
Atones for later disregard
Or keeps the end from being hard.

This stanza suggests that even if we achieve great things in life, they will not necessarily be remembered or appreciated after we are gone. The line "Or keeps the end from being hard" implies that death is a difficult and painful experience, regardless of what we have accomplished in life.

The Use of Symbolism

Frost uses a number of symbols in "Provide, Provide" to convey his message. One of the most notable is the image of the "withered hag" washing steps. This symbolizes the decay and decline that comes with old age and the passage of time. It also highlights the transience of fame and beauty, and the idea that nothing lasts forever.

Another important symbol in the poem is the "walled-up girl" who is "kept from lovers that might have won her." This symbolizes the restrictions and limitations that society places on individuals, particularly women. The idea of a "walled-up girl" suggests that women are often trapped and unable to fully express themselves or pursue their desires.

Finally, the image of the "temple" that is "reared for fame" is also significant. This symbolizes the human desire for recognition and the pursuit of greatness. The fact that the temple is "remote" and "unseen" suggests that achieving fame and recognition is difficult and often unattainable.

Literary Devices

Frost uses a number of literary devices in "Provide, Provide" to enhance the poem's meaning and impact. One of the most notable is the use of rhyme and meter. The poem follows a strict ABAB rhyme scheme and is written in iambic tetrameter. This gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easier to remember. The use of rhyme also adds to the poem's sense of irony, as the rhyming words often emphasize the contrast between life and death.

Another important literary device in the poem is the use of repetition. The phrase "Provide, provide" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the idea that life must go on, even in the face of death. The repetition of this phrase also underscores the poem's sense of inevitability and the idea that we cannot escape our fate.

Conclusion

In "Provide, Provide," Robert Frost explores the themes of life and death, legacy, and the pursuit of greatness. He uses a number of symbols and literary devices to convey his message, highlighting the ironies of life and the inevitability of death. Through his masterful use of language and imagery, Frost reminds us that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time we have. "Provide, Provide" is a powerful and poignant poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Provide, Provide: A Masterpiece by Robert Frost

Robert Frost, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was known for his ability to capture the essence of human experience in his poetry. His works often explored the complexities of life, death, and the human condition. One of his most famous poems, "Provide, Provide," is a masterpiece that delves into the themes of mortality, greed, and the inevitability of change.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing a wealthy man, urging him to "provide" for his future. The speaker tells the man that he must prepare for the inevitable end of his life, and that he must accumulate wealth and possessions to ensure his legacy. The speaker uses a series of metaphors to illustrate his point, comparing the man's life to a ship sailing towards a distant shore, and his wealth to a "nest egg" that will sustain him in his old age.

However, as the poem progresses, the speaker's tone becomes increasingly cynical. He suggests that the man's pursuit of wealth and power is ultimately futile, and that he will never be able to escape the inevitability of death. The speaker uses the metaphor of a "blackbird" to represent death, suggesting that it is always lurking in the shadows, waiting to claim its next victim.

The poem's final stanza is perhaps its most powerful. The speaker suggests that the man's pursuit of wealth and power is ultimately meaningless, and that he should instead focus on living a life of purpose and meaning. He tells the man that he should "provide" for his soul, rather than his material possessions, and that he should seek out the things that truly matter in life.

Overall, "Provide, Provide" is a powerful meditation on the human condition. It explores the themes of mortality, greed, and the search for meaning in life, and does so with a masterful use of language and metaphor. The poem's message is clear: we must all confront our own mortality, and we must strive to live lives that are meaningful and fulfilling, rather than simply accumulating wealth and possessions.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of metaphor. Frost uses a series of vivid and powerful metaphors to illustrate his point, comparing the man's life to a ship sailing towards a distant shore, and his wealth to a "nest egg" that will sustain him in his old age. These metaphors are not only beautiful and evocative, but they also serve to deepen the poem's meaning, highlighting the fragility of human life and the fleeting nature of material possessions.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of tone. The speaker's tone begins as one of urgency and concern, as he urges the man to "provide" for his future. However, as the poem progresses, the tone becomes increasingly cynical and even mocking, as the speaker suggests that the man's pursuit of wealth and power is ultimately futile. This shift in tone serves to underscore the poem's central message, highlighting the emptiness of a life spent pursuing material possessions at the expense of one's soul.

Finally, the poem's final stanza is perhaps its most powerful. Here, the speaker suggests that the man's pursuit of wealth and power is ultimately meaningless, and that he should instead focus on living a life of purpose and meaning. This message is both profound and deeply moving, reminding us that the things that truly matter in life are not material possessions, but rather the relationships we form, the experiences we have, and the impact we make on the world around us.

In conclusion, "Provide, Provide" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, exploring the themes of mortality, greed, and the search for meaning in life with a masterful use of language and metaphor. Its message is clear and powerful, reminding us that we must all confront our own mortality, and that we must strive to live lives that are meaningful and fulfilling, rather than simply accumulating wealth and possessions. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, this message is more important than ever, reminding us to focus on the things that truly matter in life, and to live each day with purpose and intention.

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