'A Cliff Dwelling' by Robert Frost
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There sandy seems the golden sky
And golden seems the sandy plain.
No habitation meets the eye
Unless in the horizon rim,
Some halfway up the limestone wall,
That spot of black is not a stain
Or shadow, but a cavern hole,
Where someone used to climb and crawl
To rest from his besetting fears.
I see the callus on his soul
The disappearing last of him
And of his race starvation slim,
Oh years ago -- ten thousand years.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Cliff Dwelling by Robert Frost: A Masterpiece of Imagery and Symbolism
As I read through Robert Frost's poem, A Cliff Dwelling, I was swept away by the masterful imagery and symbolism that he employs to convey a sense of place and history. Frost is known for his ability to create vivid and evocative landscapes in his poetry, and this poem is certainly no exception. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the many layers of meaning and significance that Frost imbues into this remarkable work.
The Setting: A Place of Beauty and Mystery
The poem is set in a remote and rugged landscape, described in the opening lines as "a remote western slope, / With the sunset for a background" (lines 1-2). The use of the word "remote" immediately creates a sense of distance and isolation, suggesting that this is a place that is hard to reach and perhaps even inhospitable. The reference to the "western slope" suggests that we are in the American West, a region that was still largely wild and unsettled when Frost wrote this poem in 1920.
The setting is further described as a "cliff dwelling," a term that refers to the ancient dwellings built into the sides of cliffs by Native American tribes. These structures are often found in the Southwest, particularly in places like Mesa Verde and Canyon de Chelly. The use of this term immediately creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, suggesting that this is a place with a rich and ancient history.
The Imagery: A Feast for the Senses
In typical Frostian fashion, the poem is rich with vivid and evocative imagery that brings the setting to life. For example, in lines 3-4, Frost describes the "canyons dim and blue" that lie below the cliff dwelling. This image creates a sense of depth and mystery, as though we are looking into an abyss that is both beautiful and a little frightening.
Throughout the poem, Frost uses imagery to convey a sense of the passage of time and the cycles of nature. In lines 5-6, he describes the "great peaks" that "glow with light / Out of the west." This image suggests the end of the day, and the approaching night. Later in the poem, he describes the "snowy owl's boding cry" (line 14), which suggests the coming of winter and the end of another year.
Another striking image in the poem is the description of the cliff dwelling itself. In lines 7-8, Frost writes:
And now and then a crumbling to the ground Is whispered by the falling of a stone;
This image creates a sense of fragility and impermanence, reminding us that even the most impressive human creations will eventually succumb to the ravages of time.
The Symbolism: Layers of Meaning
As with much of Frost's work, the poem is rich with symbolism that invites multiple interpretations. One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the cliff dwelling itself. As mentioned earlier, this structure is a symbol of the ancient Native American tribes that once inhabited this region. However, it can also be seen as a symbol of human ingenuity and adaptability. By building homes into the sides of cliffs, these tribes were able to create shelter in a rugged and inhospitable landscape. This symbol reminds us of the resilience and resourcefulness of human beings, even in the face of great adversity.
Another important symbol in the poem is the natural landscape itself. Frost uses the image of the canyons and peaks to convey a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the natural world. However, this landscape can also be seen as a symbol of the passage of time and the impermanence of human existence. Just as the peaks and canyons will endure long after the cliff dwellings have crumbled to dust, so too will the natural world continue to evolve and change long after we are gone.
The Theme: The Tension Between Past and Present
One of the central themes of the poem is the tension between past and present. Frost is clearly fascinated by the ancient cliff dwellings and the people who built them, but he is also acutely aware of the passing of time and the impermanence of human creations. This tension is evident throughout the poem, as Frost shifts back and forth between descriptions of the ancient cliff dwellings and the natural landscape that surrounds them.
At the heart of this tension is the question of what it means to be human in a world that is constantly changing. The cliff dwellings are a symbol of the human desire for permanence and stability, but they are also a reminder that all things must eventually pass away. Frost seems to be suggesting that we must find a way to reconcile ourselves to this reality, to accept the impermanence of human existence and find meaning in the present moment.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of American Poetry
In conclusion, A Cliff Dwelling is a masterpiece of American poetry that showcases Robert Frost's remarkable talent for evocative imagery and deep symbolism. Through his descriptions of a remote and rugged landscape and the ancient cliff dwellings that dot its slopes, Frost invites us to contemplate the tension between past and present, between permanence and impermanence. This poem is a powerful reminder of the beauty and mystery of the natural world, and of the resilience and adaptability of human beings in the face of great challenges. It is a work that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Cliff Dwelling: A Poem of Nature and Human Existence
Robert Frost, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his profound and insightful observations of human nature and the natural world. His poem, A Cliff Dwelling, is a perfect example of his ability to weave together these two themes in a way that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
The poem begins with a description of a cliff dwelling, a structure built into the side of a cliff by ancient peoples. Frost describes the dwelling as "a house built on a ledge / Where anyone passing along that way / Might hear its history told / By the rocks and the fossils there." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the relationship between humans and the natural world.
As the poem continues, Frost describes the dwelling in more detail, noting the "rough-hewn stones" and the "crumbling mortar" that hold it together. He also notes the "wind and weather" that have worn away at the structure over time. This description of the dwelling serves as a metaphor for human existence, which is also subject to the forces of nature and the passage of time.
Frost then shifts his focus to the people who once lived in the dwelling. He describes them as "a race that used / To build themselves nests in cliffs." He notes that they were "hardy and bold" and that they "knew how to live with nature." This description of the ancient people serves as a contrast to modern humans, who often seem to be at odds with the natural world.
The poem then takes a darker turn as Frost describes the fate of the ancient people who once lived in the dwelling. He notes that they "vanished from the earth" and that "no one knows why." This sudden disappearance serves as a reminder of the fragility of human existence and the impermanence of all things.
Despite this dark turn, the poem ends on a note of hope. Frost notes that the dwelling still stands, a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the ancient people who built it. He also notes that the dwelling is now home to "the birds and the squirrels," who have made it their own. This final image serves as a reminder that nature always finds a way to adapt and thrive, even in the face of human destruction.
Overall, A Cliff Dwelling is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between humans and the natural world. Frost's use of metaphor and imagery is masterful, and his message is both timely and timeless. As we continue to grapple with issues of climate change and environmental degradation, this poem serves as a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature and the consequences of failing to do so.
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