'Love and A Question' by Robert Lee Frost


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A stranger came to the door at eve,
And he spoke the bridegroom fair.
He bore a green-white stick in his hand,
And, for all burden, care.
He asked with the eyes more than the lips
For a shelter for the night,
And he turned and looked at the road afar
Without a window light.

The bridegroom came forth into the porch
With, 'Let us look at the sky,
And question what of the night to be,
Stranger, you and I.'
The woodbine leaves littered the yard,
The woodbine berries were blue,
Autumn, yes, winter was in the wind;
'Stranger, I wish I knew.'

Within, the bride in the dusk alone
Bent over the open fire,
Her face rose-red with the glowing coal
And the thought of the heart's desire.

The bridegroom looked at the weary road,
Yet saw but her within,
And wished her heart in a case of gold
And pinned with a silver pin.

The bridegroom thought it little to give
A dole of bread, a purse,
A heartfelt prayer for the poor of God,
Or for the rich a curse;

But whether or not a man was asked
To mar the love of two
By harboring woe in the bridal house,
The bridegroom wished he knew.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Love and A Question by Robert Frost: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever been in a situation where you were faced with a difficult decision that could potentially have a huge impact on your life? Have you ever been torn between two choices, both equally appealing and yet both equally daunting? If you have, then you can relate to Robert Frost's poem "Poetry, Love and A Question."

Frost's poem is a beautiful meditation on life, love, and the choices we make. It tells the story of a young man who is faced with a choice between two women, both of whom he loves equally. The poem is divided into three parts, each one exploring a different aspect of the young man's dilemma.

Part I: Poetry

In the first part of the poem, Frost explores the role of poetry in the young man's life. The young man is described as a lover of poetry, someone who finds solace and comfort in the words of great poets. He is someone who believes that poetry has the power to illuminate the world and reveal its hidden truths.

Frost begins the poem with the lines:

"A voice said, Look me in the stars
And tell me truly, men of earth,
If all the soul-and-body scars
Were not too much to pay for birth."

These lines are a call to the young man to look beyond the superficialities of life and to see the deeper truths that lie beneath the surface. They are a reminder that life is full of pain and suffering, but that this pain is necessary for growth and development.

The young man's love of poetry is an extension of his desire to understand the world around him. He sees poetry as a way to make sense of the chaos and confusion of life. He is someone who is constantly searching for meaning and purpose, and he believes that poetry can provide him with the answers he seeks.

Part II: Love

In the second part of the poem, Frost explores the role of love in the young man's life. The young man is torn between two women, both of whom he loves deeply. He is unable to choose between them, and this indecision is tearing him apart.

Frost describes the two women in vivid detail, painting a picture of two very different but equally attractive women. The first woman is described as "fair and sweet," while the second is described as "dark and sweet." Both women are equally desirable, and the young man is unable to choose between them.

Frost captures the agony of the young man's dilemma in the lines:

"He thought of her far and on
Till morning, and all day again.
And he thought of her on and on
With every pulse of pain."

These lines are a testament to the power of love and the torment that it can bring. The young man is consumed by his love for these two women, and he is unable to find peace until he makes a decision.

Part III: A Question

In the final part of the poem, Frost poses a question to the young man. He asks the young man to consider what he would do if he were faced with a choice between two equally desirable but mutually exclusive paths in life.

The question is a powerful one, and it forces the young man to confront the reality of his situation. He is forced to make a decision, to choose between two paths that are equally appealing but that lead in very different directions.

Frost captures the weight of the decision in the lines:

"Two fairies it was
On a still summer day
Came forth in the woods
With the flower of May."

These lines are a reminder that life is full of choices, and that the choices we make can have a profound impact on our lives. The young man is faced with a choice between two paths, and he must choose wisely if he wants to find happiness and fulfillment.

Conclusion

"Poetry, Love and A Question" is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores some of the most profound questions of human existence. It is a meditation on life, love, and the choices we make, and it speaks to the universal experiences that we all share.

Frost's writing is beautiful and evocative, and he captures the essence of the young man's dilemma with stunning clarity. He reminds us that life is full of difficult choices, and that the choices we make can have a profound impact on our lives.

If you are looking for a profound and thought-provoking poem that will challenge and inspire you, look no further than "Poetry, Love and A Question" by Robert Frost. It is a true masterpiece of poetry, and a testament to the power of the written word.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Love and A Question: A Masterpiece by Robert Lee Frost

Robert Lee Frost, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his profound and thought-provoking works. His poem "Love and A Question" is a masterpiece that explores the complexities of love and the moral dilemmas that arise in relationships. In this article, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and literary devices to understand its significance and relevance in today's world.

The poem begins with a description of a couple who are deeply in love. They are walking together in the woods, enjoying each other's company. The speaker describes the scene in vivid detail, using sensory imagery to create a picture in the reader's mind. He talks about the "soft sound of the scythe in the swathe of the meadow" and the "sweet scent of the hay" that fills the air. The couple is so engrossed in each other that they are oblivious to the world around them.

However, the idyllic scene is interrupted by a moral dilemma that the speaker poses to the reader. He asks, "A voice said, Look me in the stars / And tell me truly, men of earth, / If all the soul-and-body scars / Were not too much to pay for birth." This question challenges the couple's love and raises the issue of sacrifice. Is their love strong enough to endure the hardships that life may bring? Would they be willing to make sacrifices for each other?

The speaker then goes on to describe the couple's reaction to the question. The woman is hesitant and unsure, while the man is confident and resolute. He declares that he would gladly bear any scars for the sake of his love. The woman, on the other hand, is more cautious. She is aware of the risks and uncertainties of life and is not sure if she is ready to make such a commitment.

The poem's structure is simple yet effective. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. This gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to read and remember. The use of enjambment, where a sentence or phrase runs over into the next line, creates a sense of continuity and flow.

The poem's literary devices are also noteworthy. Frost uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the couple's surroundings. He talks about the "swathe of the meadow" and the "sweet scent of the hay" to evoke the senses of sight and smell. He also uses personification to give life to the objects in the poem. The "voice" that poses the moral dilemma is given a human quality, making it seem like a character in the poem.

The poem's themes are universal and timeless. Love, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas are issues that have plagued humanity since the beginning of time. The poem raises important questions about the nature of love and the sacrifices that come with it. It asks us to consider whether love is worth the risks and uncertainties of life.

In today's world, where relationships are often superficial and short-lived, Frost's poem serves as a reminder of the true meaning of love. It challenges us to think deeply about our relationships and the sacrifices we are willing to make for the people we love. It reminds us that love is not just about the good times but also about the challenges and hardships that come with it.

In conclusion, "Love and A Question" is a masterpiece that explores the complexities of love and the moral dilemmas that arise in relationships. Frost's use of imagery, personification, and literary devices creates a vivid and memorable poem that challenges us to think deeply about the nature of love. Its themes are universal and timeless, making it relevant even today. It is a poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry.

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