'The Vanishing Red' by Robert Frost
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He is said to have been the last Red man
In Action. And the Miller is said to have laughed--
If you like to call such a sound a laugh.
But he gave no one else a laugher's license.
For he turned suddenly grave as if to say,
'Whose business,--if I take it on myself,
Whose business--but why talk round the barn?--
When it's just that I hold with getting a thing done with.'
You can't get back and see it as he saw it.
It's too long a story to go into now.
You'd have to have been there and lived it.
They you wouldn't have looked on it as just a matter
Of who began it between the two races.
Some guttural exclamation of surprise
The Red man gave in poking about the mill
Over the great big thumping shuffling millstone
Disgusted the Miller physically as coming
From one who had no right to be heard from.
'Come, John,' he said, 'you want to see the wheel-pint?'
He took him down below a cramping rafter,
And showed him, through a manhole in the floor,
The water in desperate straits like frantic fish,
Salmon and sturgeon, lashing with their tails.
The he shut down the trap door with a ring in it
That jangled even above the general noise,
And came upstairs alone--and gave that laugh,
And said something to a man with a meal-sack
That the man with the meal-sack didn't catch--then.
Oh, yes, he showed John the wheel-pit all right.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Vanishing Red: A Masterpiece of Robert Frost
As a masterpiece of Robert Frost, The Vanishing Red is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that addresses an essential theme of human nature. Frost's use of vivid imagery, figurative language, and symbolism creates a deep sense of meaning that makes the poem timeless and relevant. In this literary criticism, I will explore the meaning, themes, and symbols used in the poem.
The poem begins with a vivid and captivating image of a disappearing red horse. Frost writes, "He is there, he is gone, he is back again." This image is a powerful metaphor for the fleeting nature of life. It suggests that life is not permanent, and things can disappear without warning. The image of the red horse is symbolic of vitality, energy, and passion, which can vanish just as quickly as they appear.
Throughout the poem, Frost uses figurative language to create a sense of mystery and wonder. For example, he writes, "The bird that's mocked by the mocker/Drinks from the water that flows underground." This line is a metaphor for the idea that those who are oppressed or ridiculed often find solace in unexpected places. The underground water represents a hidden source of strength that can sustain us in difficult times.
The poem also explores the theme of isolation and loneliness. Frost writes, "The lone wolf dies but the pack survives." This line is a metaphor for the idea that people need each other to survive. It suggests that although we may feel alone at times, we are never truly alone, and we need to depend on others for support and survival.
Frost also uses symbolism to create meaning in the poem. For example, he writes, "The sapling that grows/Is rooted in the shadow of the oak." This line is a metaphor for the idea that we are shaped by our surroundings. The oak represents the past, which influences and shapes the growth of the sapling. The shadow represents the influence of the past on the present.
Another powerful symbol used in the poem is the red horse. The red horse represents vitality and energy, but it also represents the fleeting nature of life. The horse appears and disappears, leaving behind a sense of loss and longing. The horse is a reminder that life is not permanent, and we need to make the most of the time we have.
One of the most striking features of The Vanishing Red is its use of repetition. Frost repeats certain phrases throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and unity. For example, he repeats the phrase "the vanishing red" several times, emphasizing the idea that life is fleeting and can disappear without warning. He also repeats the phrase "he is there, he is gone" multiple times, creating a sense of uncertainty and impermanence.
In conclusion, The Vanishing Red is a masterpiece of Robert Frost that explores essential themes of human nature. Frost's use of vivid imagery, figurative language, and symbolism creates a deep sense of meaning that makes the poem timeless and relevant. The poem is a powerful reminder that life is fleeting and that we need to make the most of the time we have. The Vanishing Red is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry, literature, and the human condition.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Vanishing Red: A Poem of Loss and Change
Robert Frost is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for his evocative and often melancholic reflections on the human condition. One of his most poignant works is "The Vanishing Red," a poem that explores themes of loss, change, and the passing of time. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, examining its structure, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with a vivid description of a landscape that is both beautiful and haunting. Frost paints a picture of a "great elm-tree" that stands alone in a field, surrounded by "goldenrod and asters." The tree is described as "old" and "gnarled," with "a few leaves clinging to its branches." This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that we are witnessing a scene that is both timeless and fleeting, a moment of beauty that is on the verge of disappearing.
The next stanza introduces the titular "vanishing red," a reference to the Native American tribes that once inhabited the land. Frost describes how the red men "lived and died" in the area, leaving behind only "a few old arrowheads" as evidence of their presence. This image is a powerful reminder of the impermanence of human life and the fleeting nature of our existence. It also speaks to the idea of cultural erasure, as the Native American tribes were displaced and marginalized by European settlers.
The third stanza shifts the focus to the present, describing how the landscape has changed over time. The "goldenrod and asters" have been replaced by "weeds and thistles," and the "great elm-tree" is now surrounded by "a few straggling cows." This image suggests that the land has been transformed by human activity, and that the natural beauty of the area has been lost. The cows are a symbol of this change, representing the encroachment of civilization on the wilderness.
The fourth stanza returns to the theme of impermanence, describing how even the cows will eventually disappear. Frost writes that "the cows are going home" and that "the last lone aster is gone." This image is a powerful reminder that all things must come to an end, and that even the most enduring symbols of life and vitality will eventually fade away.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as Frost reflects on the meaning of the scene he has described. He writes that "nothing is left but the great elm-tree," which stands as a symbol of endurance and resilience in the face of change. The tree has survived the passing of time and the transformation of the landscape, and it serves as a reminder that even in the midst of loss and upheaval, there is still beauty and meaning to be found.
Overall, "The Vanishing Red" is a powerful meditation on the themes of loss, change, and impermanence. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, the poem invites us to reflect on the fleeting nature of human life and the enduring power of the natural world. It is a testament to Frost's skill as a poet that he is able to convey such complex ideas in such a simple and beautiful way, and it is a testament to the enduring power of his work that this poem continues to resonate with readers today.
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