'Misgiving' by Robert Lee Frost
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All crying, 'We will go with you, O Wind!'
The foliage follow him, leaf and stem;
But a sleep oppresses them as they go,
And they end by bidding them as they go,
And they end by bidding him stay with them.
Since ever they flung abroad in spring
The leaves had promised themselves this flight,
Who now would fain seek sheltering wall,
Or thicket, or hollow place for the night.
And now they answer his summoning blast
With an ever vaguer and vaguer stir,
Or at utmost a little reluctant whirl
That drops them no further than where they were.
I only hope that when I am free
As they are free to go in quest
Of the knowledge beyond the bounds of life
It may not seem better to me to rest.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Analysis of Robert Frost’s “Misgiving”
Robert Frost’s “Misgiving” is a poem that leaves readers with many questions and possibilities, but at the same time, it offers a clear image of a person who should overcome their fear of the unknown. In this short yet powerful work, Frost portrays the experience of a speaker, who is gazing out of a window on a snowy night, and feels both drawn to and repelled by the “fascination” of the outside world. The speaker is torn between the comforts of home and the allure of exploration, between the familiar and the unknown, and ultimately, between life and death. Through the use of vivid imagery, personification, and symbolism, Frost creates a rich and complex work that invites readers to reflect on their own fears, desires, and mortality.
The first striking feature of “Misgiving” is its use of figurative language, which brings the scene to life and sets the tone for the poem. The opening lines, “All crying, ‘We will go with you,’ O Wind” (1), immediately personify the wind as a companion or a leader, calling out to the speaker and urging them to follow. The wind is not merely a force of nature, but a sentient being that speaks to the speaker’s longing for adventure and escape. The repetition of “we will go with you” emphasizes the wind’s persuasive power and suggests that the speaker is not alone in their desire to leave the house. The image of the “windy night” (2) is further enhanced by the simile “The leaves unsatisfied about their state” (3), which compares the restless movement of the leaves to a group of dissatisfied individuals who are seeking a better life. The leaves, like the speaker, are caught between the safety of their current position and the possibility of a more fulfilling existence.
The next stanza continues to develop the sense of conflict and ambivalence that characterizes the speaker’s experience. The speaker describes the “moon gone down” (5), which signals the onset of darkness and the unknown. The moon is often associated with light and guidance, but its absence here suggests a loss of direction and certainty. The speaker feels “lost” (6) and “bewildered” (7), unsure of where to turn or what to expect. The repetition of “lost” emphasizes the speaker’s sense of disorientation and the urgency of their situation. The personification of the “night” as a “great dark bird” (8) adds to the ominous and threatening atmosphere that surrounds the speaker. The bird is a predator that can swoop down and capture its prey at any moment, and its presence suggests that danger is lurking in the darkness.
As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more introspective and reflective, pondering the meaning of life and death. The lines “I do not count the hours I spend / In wandering by the sea” (9-10) suggest that the speaker is not merely concerned with physical escape, but with the search for a deeper understanding of existence. The sea is often associated with eternity and the infinite, and the speaker’s wandering suggests a desire to transcend the limits of mortal life. However, the speaker is also aware of the fragility and transience of life, as expressed in the lines “The light that filters through the window / Is life itself, the good man’s fortune” (11-12). Here, the light is a metaphor for life, and the fact that it is filtered through the window suggests that it is fragile and fleeting. The reference to the “good man’s fortune” implies that life is a gift that should be treasured and appreciated, but also suggests that it is subject to the whims of fate.
One of the most powerful images in the poem is the speaker’s vision of death as a “huge bird” that is “circling in the sky” (13-14). The bird is a symbol of death that recurs throughout Frost’s poetry, and here it represents the ultimate unknown that the speaker is both curious about and afraid of. The bird’s “hollow cry” (15) is a haunting and mournful sound that suggests the inevitability of death, and the fact that it is “echoing” (15) suggests that it is a universal experience that is common to all. The lines “It is something else / That holds me back” (16-17) suggest that the speaker’s fear is not merely of death, but of the unknown and the uncertain. The speaker is torn between the lure of the outside world and the safety of home, and the fact that they are “held” (17) suggests that they are immobilized by their indecision.
The final stanza of the poem offers a resolution of sorts, as the speaker acknowledges their fear and accepts the reality of their situation. The lines “I leave you, O you / Mountains and sea and sky” (18-19) suggest that the speaker has made a decision to stay where they are and to accept the limitations of their life. The repetition of “you” suggests a sense of detachment and resignation, as if the speaker has come to terms with the fact that the outside world is not for them. The final line, “Boundless and bare / The lone and level sands stretch far away” (20), is a reference to Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Ozymandias,” and suggests that even the most powerful and impressive achievements are subject to the ravages of time. The sands are “boundless and bare” in contrast to the “mountains and sea and sky” that the speaker has left behind, and the fact that they “stretch far away” suggests the vastness and emptiness of the world outside.
In conclusion, Robert Frost’s “Misgiving” is a poignant and powerful exploration of the human experience of fear, ambivalence, and mortality. Through vivid imagery, personification, and symbolism, Frost creates a rich and complex work that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make. The speaker’s struggle between the comforts of home and the lure of adventure, between the familiar and the unknown, is a universal one that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem’s final lines suggest that life is both limited and precious, and that ultimately, the decision to embrace or reject the unknown is one that each person must make for themselves.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Misgiving: A Deeper Look into Robert Frost's Masterpiece
Robert Frost, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his works. His poem, "Misgiving," is no exception. This classic piece of literature is a profound exploration of the human psyche, and it delves into the complexities of human relationships, particularly the relationship between a father and his son.
The poem begins with a description of a father and son who are out on a fishing trip. The father is described as being "old" and "grizzled," while the son is "young and strong." The setting is serene, with the lake being "still" and the trees "looming" in the background. However, despite the peaceful surroundings, there is an underlying tension between the father and son.
The father is portrayed as being distant and unapproachable, while the son is eager to connect with him. The son tries to initiate conversation, but the father responds with short, curt answers. The son is left feeling frustrated and confused, unsure of how to bridge the gap between them.
As the poem progresses, the tension between the father and son becomes more pronounced. The father becomes increasingly irritable, and the son becomes more desperate to connect with him. The son tries to engage the father in conversation, but the father responds with hostility, telling him to "be still."
The son's frustration reaches a boiling point, and he lashes out at the father, accusing him of being "hard and cold." The father responds by telling the son that he is "too young to know" and that he will understand when he is older. The son is left feeling even more isolated and alone, unable to understand why his father is so distant.
The poem ends with the father and son returning home, their relationship still strained and unresolved. The son is left with a sense of "misgiving," unsure of how to move forward with his father.
At its core, "Misgiving" is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships. It highlights the difficulties that can arise between parents and children, particularly when there is a significant age gap. The father is portrayed as being distant and unapproachable, while the son is eager to connect with him. This dynamic is one that many people can relate to, as it is a common experience in families.
The poem also touches on the theme of communication, or lack thereof. The father and son struggle to communicate with each other, with the father being particularly closed off. This lack of communication leads to tension and frustration, and ultimately, a sense of misgiving.
Another theme that is explored in the poem is the passage of time. The father tells the son that he is "too young to know" and that he will understand when he is older. This highlights the idea that understanding and wisdom come with age and experience. It also suggests that the father may have regrets about his own relationship with his father, and that he is trying to prevent his son from making the same mistakes.
The language and imagery used in the poem are also worth noting. Frost's use of words like "grizzled" and "looming" create a sense of foreboding and unease. The stillness of the lake and the trees also add to the sense of tension and unease. The language used to describe the father and son is also significant, with the father being described as "old" and "grizzled," while the son is "young and strong." This contrast highlights the generational divide between them, and the difficulties that can arise as a result.
In conclusion, "Misgiving" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of human relationships. It highlights the difficulties that can arise between parents and children, particularly when there is a significant age gap. The poem also touches on the themes of communication and the passage of time. Frost's use of language and imagery creates a sense of tension and unease, adding to the overall impact of the poem. "Misgiving" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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