'Come In' by Robert Frost
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As I came to the edge of the woods,
Thrush music -- hark!
Now if it was dusk outside,
Inside it was dark.
Too dark in the woods for a bird
By sleight of wing
To better its perch for the night,
Though it still could sing.
The last of the light of the sun
That had died in the west
Still lived for one song more
In a thrush's breast.
Far in the pillared dark
Thrush music went --
Almost like a call to come in
To the dark and lament.
But no, I was out for stars;
I would not come in.
I meant not even if asked;
And I hadn't been.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Come In: A Poem Analysis
Robert Frost is one of the most revered American poets of the 20th century. He is known for his ability to capture the complexities of human existence in simple yet profound language. One of his most celebrated poems is "Come In," which was published in his 1928 collection, "West-Running Brook." In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at "Come In," exploring its themes, symbolism, and meaning, as well as its place in Frost's body of work.
Poem Overview
Before delving into the specifics of "Come In," let's take a moment to appreciate the poem's structure and form. "Come In" is a short poem, consisting of only eight lines. It is written in unrhymed iambic tetrameter, which means that each line contains four iambs, or metrical feet, with each foot consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. The result is a rhythm that mimics natural speech while also creating a sense of momentum and urgency.
The poem is addressed directly to the reader, with the speaker inviting them to enter a space that is safe, warm, and welcoming. The language is simple and straightforward, yet the imagery is vivid and evocative, conjuring up a sense of comfort and security that is both physical and emotional.
Themes and Symbolism
On the surface, "Come In" appears to be a simple invitation to enter a cozy room and escape the cold winter weather outside. However, as with many of Frost's poems, there is much more going on beneath the surface.
One of the most prominent themes in "Come In" is that of isolation and loneliness. The speaker is reaching out to the reader, inviting them to join them in a space that is both physically and emotionally intimate. The image of the "stormy night" outside reinforces this sense of isolation, suggesting that the reader is alone and vulnerable in the face of the elements. By offering a warm and welcoming refuge, the speaker is offering a lifeline to someone who may be struggling with feelings of disconnection and despair.
Another key theme in "Come In" is that of community and connection. The speaker's invitation is not just an act of kindness; it is also a call to join a larger community of people who share a sense of warmth and camaraderie. The use of the word "we" in the final line reinforces this sense of communal belonging, suggesting that the speaker and the reader are part of a larger group of people who have come together in a spirit of shared comfort and support.
The symbolism in "Come In" is also significant. The image of the warm fire burning in the hearth is a classic symbol of home and hearth, representing the idea of safety, security, and comfort. The fact that the fire is "bright" and "burning" suggests that it is not just a physical source of warmth, but also a symbol of emotional and spiritual nourishment.
Similarly, the image of the "half-lit room" is a powerful symbol of the duality of human experience. The room is both dark and light, suggesting that life is both beautiful and challenging, that there are moments of joy and moments of darkness. The fact that the room is only "half-lit" suggests that there is still much that is unknown and mysterious, underscoring the idea that life is a journey of discovery and exploration.
Interpretation
So what does "Come In" mean? As with many of Frost's poems, there is no one definitive answer. However, we can offer a few possible interpretations.
One possible interpretation is that "Come In" is a poem about the power of human connection. The speaker is inviting the reader to join them in a space of warmth and comfort, offering a sense of safety and belonging that may be lacking in their lives. By doing so, the speaker is suggesting that we are all part of a larger community of people who share a common humanity, and that by reaching out to one another, we can find meaning, purpose, and joy in our lives.
Another interpretation is that "Come In" is a poem about the importance of finding refuge in the face of adversity. The stormy night outside represents the many challenges and difficulties we face in life, from physical hardships to emotional struggles. By offering a sanctuary from the storm, the speaker is suggesting that we all need a safe space to retreat to in times of crisis, a place where we can rest and recharge before facing the world again.
Finally, "Come In" can be seen as a poem about the power of language and communication. The poem is written in simple, direct language, yet it is filled with rich imagery and evocative symbolism. By using language to create a sense of warmth and intimacy, the speaker is suggesting that words have the power to transform our experience of the world, to create connections where there were none before, and to offer hope and comfort where there was once only darkness.
Conclusion
"Come In" is a deceptively simple poem that offers a powerful message of hope, connection, and comfort. Through its vivid imagery, evocative symbolism, and simple yet profound language, the poem invites us to join a community of people who share a sense of warmth and belonging, and to find refuge in a world that can often seem cold, cruel, and indifferent. As with all great poetry, "Come In" offers a window into the human condition, reminding us that we are all in this together, and that by reaching out to one another, we can find meaning, purpose, and joy in our lives. So if you're feeling lost, alone, or afraid, just remember the words of Robert Frost: "Come In."
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Come In: A Poem of Invitation and Hospitality
Robert Frost’s “Come In” is a poem that invites the reader into a warm and welcoming space. The poem is a call to enter, to be a part of something, to share in the warmth and comfort of a home. It is a poem that speaks to the human need for connection and community, and it does so in a way that is both simple and profound.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing an unknown visitor, saying “As I came to the edge of the woods, / Thrush music -- hark!”. The use of the word “Thrush” immediately sets the scene in nature, and the use of the word “hark” suggests that the speaker is listening intently to the sounds of the forest. The speaker is not alone, and the visitor is invited to join in the experience of nature.
The next line, “Now if it was dusk outside, / Inside it was dark,” sets up a contrast between the outside world and the inside world. The darkness inside the house suggests a sense of mystery and intrigue, and the reader is left wondering what lies within. The use of the word “if” also suggests that the time of day is not important, and that the invitation is open at any time.
The next few lines of the poem describe the speaker’s actions as they enter the house. They light a lamp, and the light illuminates the room. The use of the word “illumine” suggests that the light is not just bright, but it is also transformative. The light changes the atmosphere of the room, and it creates a sense of warmth and comfort.
The speaker then addresses the visitor directly, saying “Come in, -- / I’ll light the fire.” The use of the word “fire” is significant, as it suggests a sense of warmth and comfort. The fire is a symbol of hospitality, and it is a way of welcoming the visitor into the home. The use of the word “I’ll” also suggests that the speaker is taking an active role in the hospitality, and that they are eager to make the visitor feel welcome.
The next few lines of the poem describe the process of starting the fire. The speaker gathers wood, and they use a match to light the kindling. The use of the word “kindling” is significant, as it suggests that the fire is not just a source of warmth, but it is also a source of light. The fire illuminates the room, and it creates a sense of intimacy and connection.
The next few lines of the poem describe the speaker’s actions as they tend to the fire. They add more wood, and they adjust the logs to create a steady flame. The use of the word “steady” is significant, as it suggests that the fire is not just a source of warmth and light, but it is also a source of stability and security. The fire is a symbol of home, and it creates a sense of belonging and comfort.
The final lines of the poem describe the speaker’s invitation to the visitor. They say “You come too.” The use of the word “too” is significant, as it suggests that the visitor is not just welcome, but they are also expected. The invitation is not just a polite gesture, but it is a genuine expression of hospitality and friendship.
The poem ends with the speaker saying “I will be glad of you.” The use of the word “glad” is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is not just willing to tolerate the visitor, but they are genuinely happy to have them there. The visitor is not just a guest, but they are a part of the community. The use of the word “you” is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker is addressing the reader directly. The reader is not just a passive observer, but they are an active participant in the poem.
In conclusion, Robert Frost’s “Come In” is a poem that speaks to the human need for connection and community. The poem is a call to enter, to be a part of something, to share in the warmth and comfort of a home. The use of nature imagery, the contrast between the outside world and the inside world, and the symbolism of the fire all contribute to the sense of hospitality and welcome that the poem conveys. The poem is a reminder that we all need a place to belong, and that we all have a role to play in creating a sense of community and connection.
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