Mending Wall
Introduction
Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall," first published in 1914 in his second
collection of poetry, "North of Boston," is one of his most celebrated works. This
poem explores the themes of boundaries, relationships, and the human condition and
remains relevant today. Through its deceptively simple narrative, Frost explores
the complexities of human interactions and the contradictions in our need for both
separation and connection.
About the Author: Robert Frost
Robert Frost (1874-1963) is a renowned American poet known for his poetic
depictions of rural New England life and his exploration of complex social themes.
He was born in San Francisco, and he moved to Massachusetts at age 11. Frost
attended Dartmouth and Harvard but didn't earn a degree. His poetry, characterized
by simple language and rich imagery, includes famous works like "The Road Not
Taken" and "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." A four-time Pulitzer Prize
winner, Frost's influence on American literature is profound.
Summary and Narrative
The poem begins with the speaker's assertion that "Something there is that doesn’t
love a wall," setting a tone of questioning and curiosity. This line introduces the
idea that natural forces work against the wall, symbolizing a natural hatred
towards barriers. The speaker describes how every year, he and his neighbor meet to
repair the wall that separates their properties. They meticulously replace the
fallen stones, even though the speaker has doubts about the necessity of this
ritual.
The neighbor, however, is steadfast in his belief that "Good fences make good
neighbors." This wisdom, handed down from his father, is a tradition that is
perhaps outdated. The speaker challenges this notion, pondering why they need a
wall at all when there are no livestock to contain, only trees that do not invade
upon each other's space. Despite his musings, the neighbor remains unmoved, holding
onto his long-held belief.
Themes and Symbolism
Robert Frost explores themes of boundaries, isolation, tradition versus change,
nature versus human effort, and communication and misunderstanding. The wall
symbolizes both physical and emotional boundaries. While the neighbor clings to the
adage "Good fences make good neighbors," showing a commitment to tradition, the
speaker's questioning attitude represents an open-minded perspective. Natural
forces like frost and ground swelling work to dismantle the wall, which suggests
that nature is opposed to artificial separations. The poem also highlights how
certain beliefs can hinder meaningful dialogue and understanding, as seen in the
neighbor's resistance to the speaker's attempts to discuss the wall's purpose.
Tone and Mood
The tone of "Mending Wall" is contemplative and, at times, humorous. The speaker's
reflections are tinged with irony, particularly when he considers the absurdity of
mending a wall that serves no practical purpose. This irony is a deeper critique of
unquestioned traditions. The mood is one of quiet introspection, as the speaker
grapples with the complex relationship between separation and connection.
Literary Devices
Frost employs several literary devices to enhance the poem's themes and tone:
Imagery:
Vivid descriptions, such as the "frozen-ground-swell," bring the rural setting to
life and emphasize the physicality of mending the wall.
Metaphor:
The wall serves as a metaphor for the boundaries in our lives, and mending it
symbolizes the effort to maintain these separations.
Repetition:
The repeated phrase "Good fences make good neighbors" underscores the neighbor's
unwavering belie.
Personification:
Natural elements are personified, aligning them with the speaker's view that
barriers are unnatural.
Conclusion
"Mending Wall" is an exploration of human relationships and the paradoxical desire
for both separation and connection. Through its simple narrative, the poem invites
readers to reflect on the boundaries they create in their own lives and the reasons
behind them. In questioning the necessity of walls both literally and figuratively,
Frost encourages us to reconsider the ways we relate to one another.
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