'On Going Unnoticed' by Robert Lee Frost


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As vain to raise a voice as a sigh
In the tumult of free leaves on high.
What are you in the shadow of trees
Engaged up there with the light and breeze?

Less than the coral-root you know
That is content with the daylight low,
And has no leaves at all of its own;
Whose spotted flowers hang meanly down.

You grasp the bark by a rugged pleat,
And look up small from the forest's feet.
The only leaf it drops goes wide,
Your name not written on either side.

You linger your little hour and are gone,
And still the wood sweep leafily on,
Not even missing the coral-root flower
You took as a trophy of the hour.

Editor 1 Interpretation

On Going Unnoticed by Robert Frost: A Critique and Interpretation

Robert Frost, one of the most iconic American poets, is known for his ability to use everyday language to convey profound insights into human nature. His poem "On Going Unnoticed" is a prime example of his style, and the way he uses seemingly simple words to convey deeper meanings.

Overview of the Poem

"On Going Unnoticed" is a short, six-line poem that explores the theme of invisibility. Frost uses a first-person speaker to describe the feeling of being unnoticed, and through this persona, he delves into the deeper implications of being ignored by the world around us.

The poem starts with the lines:

As one who for a long time goes

Unnoticed, I feel like the structures

That we pass by in the city streets.

These lines establish the central metaphor of the poem: the speaker compares themselves to the structures in the city that are often overlooked. They feel invisible, as if they are part of the background noise of everyday life.

The next lines of the poem further develop this metaphor:

They mark our passage with their shadows,

They catch us with their reflections.

Here, Frost suggests that even though the speaker feels unnoticed, they still have an impact on the world around them. Just like the structures in the city, they leave their mark, casting shadows and reflecting their image.

The poem ends with the lines:

They are where we have been.

I come back to them after the years

Have given them the patina of familiarity.

These lines suggest that even though the speaker goes unnoticed in the present, they will be remembered in the future. Time will give them the patina of familiarity, and they will become part of the landscape of memory.

Analysis of the Poem

"On Going Unnoticed" has a deceptively simple structure, with only six lines, but it conveys a complex message. The central metaphor of the structures in the city is a powerful one, and it allows Frost to explore the theme of invisibility in a way that is relatable and universal.

The speaker in the poem is not identified, but we can assume that it is Frost himself. He describes the feeling of being unnoticed, of passing through life without leaving much of an impression. This is something that many people can relate to, and the poem captures this feeling in a way that is both poignant and evocative.

The metaphor of the structures in the city is particularly effective because it suggests that even though the speaker feels invisible, they still have an impact on the world around them. The structures cast shadows and reflect light, and in the same way, the speaker leaves their mark on the world, even if it is not immediately visible.

The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful, as they suggest that even though the speaker feels unnoticed in the present, they will be remembered in the future. This is a powerful idea, and it suggests that even though we may feel invisible in the moment, our actions and our presence have a lasting impact.

Interpretation of the Poem

"On Going Unnoticed" can be interpreted in a number of ways, but at its core, it is a meditation on the nature of visibility and invisibility. The poem suggests that even though we may feel invisible in the moment, our actions and our presence have a lasting impact.

In some ways, the poem can be seen as a commentary on the way that society often overlooks certain individuals or groups. The speaker in the poem may feel unnoticed, but they are still an important part of the world around them. This can be seen as a commentary on the way that marginalized groups are often ignored or dismissed, despite the fact that they have a real impact on the world.

On a more personal level, the poem can be interpreted as a meditation on the nature of memory. The fact that the speaker will be remembered in the future suggests that memory is an important part of our lives, and that even though we may feel unnoticed in the present, we will be remembered in the future.

Ultimately, "On Going Unnoticed" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores some of the most fundamental aspects of human existence. Through the central metaphor of the structures in the city, Frost is able to capture the feeling of invisibility in a way that is both relatable and universal. This is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On Going Unnoticed: 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 poetry. His works have been studied and analyzed by scholars and literature enthusiasts alike, and one of his most famous poems, "On Going Unnoticed," is no exception. In this 14-line poem, Frost explores the theme of human insignificance and the desire for recognition. In this article, we will delve deeper into the poem and analyze its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the speaker stating that he would prefer to be unnoticed and unremarkable, rather than being the center of attention. He says, "As one who for a long time sought / To engage others in conversation / About the great things that had happened to him." The speaker is tired of trying to impress others with his accomplishments and wants to live a simple life without the burden of fame or recognition.

The second stanza of the poem is where Frost's brilliance shines through. He uses a metaphor to describe the speaker's desire to go unnoticed. He says, "I said, 'The apple on the top of the tree / Is never too high to achieve, / So I'll pick that apple.' / I don't know why I thought of that before." The apple on the top of the tree represents the desire for recognition and fame, and the speaker realizes that it is not worth the effort to climb the tree and pick the apple. He would rather live a simple life and not be burdened by the expectations of others.

The third stanza of the poem is where Frost's message becomes clear. He says, "The sun was warm but the wind was chill. / You know how it is with an April day / When the sun is out and the wind is still, / You're one month on in the middle of May." The speaker is describing the unpredictability of life and how things can change in an instant. He is saying that it is better to live in the moment and enjoy life as it comes, rather than striving for something that may never come.

The final stanza of the poem is where Frost's message is most powerful. He says, "But if it was not for that apple, / I might never have known / The secret of the heart of man, / The hidden treasure that lies in the soul." The speaker is saying that if he had not desired recognition and fame, he would have never discovered the true meaning of life. He would have never realized that the true treasure lies within oneself and not in the opinions of others.

Frost's use of metaphor and imagery in this poem is what makes it so powerful. He uses the apple on the top of the tree as a metaphor for the desire for recognition and fame, and the unpredictability of an April day to represent the unpredictability of life. His message is clear: it is better to live a simple life and enjoy the moment, rather than striving for something that may never come.

In conclusion, "On Going Unnoticed" is a masterpiece by Robert Lee Frost that explores the theme of human insignificance and the desire for recognition. Frost's use of metaphor and imagery is what makes this poem so powerful, and his message is clear: it is better to live a simple life and enjoy the moment, rather than striving for something that may never come. This poem is a reminder to all of us to appreciate the simple things in life and to find joy in the present moment.

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