'Love And A Question' by Robert Frost


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A Boy's Will1915A 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 Masterpiece of Complex Emotions

When it comes to contemporary poetry, Robert Frost is a name that immediately comes to mind for his exceptional ability to intertwine the complexity of human emotions with the simplicity of everyday life. His poem, Poetry, Love And A Question, is a masterpiece in this regard, capturing the intricate nuances of love, marriage, and commitment.

At the outset, the poem seems to be a simple narrative of two lovers, but as one delves deeper into its lines, Frost's skill becomes evident in painting a complex tapestry of emotions. The narrative begins with a young couple in love, walking in a garden, contemplating their future together. The man proposes to the woman, who agrees to marry him, but only under a condition. She asks him if he will take upon himself the responsibility of her sister as well, who has been left alone after their parents' death.

The theme of responsibility and commitment is central to the poem, as the man is faced with a dilemma. He has to choose between his love for the woman and his duty towards her sister. Frost captures the complexity of this situation, as the man struggles to make a decision, torn between his love and sense of responsibility. The poem raises the question of whether love can survive in the face of such practical considerations.

The poem's title itself, Poetry, Love And A Question, is essential in understanding the poem's themes. Frost believes that poetry and love are intertwined, as both deal with emotions that cannot be expressed in words. The question the poem raises is whether love can survive when practical considerations are involved.

Frost's use of language is also noteworthy. He employs various literary devices, including metaphors and allusions, to create a rich tapestry of emotions. For instance, the "garden" symbolizes the couple's love, which is beautiful and pure, much like a garden. However, the "wall" that separates the garden from the outside world symbolizes the practical considerations that threaten to destroy their love. Similarly, the "ferryman" alludes to the Greek myth of Charon, who ferries souls across the river Styx to the underworld, symbolizing the man's struggle to make a decision that will affect the rest of his life.

Moreover, Frost's use of rhyme and rhythm adds to the poem's musicality, making it a joy to read. The poem's structure is also noteworthy, as it consists of four stanzas, each with four lines, and a refrain at the end of each stanza. The refrain, "Oh, when to the heart of man," reinforces the central theme of the poem, reminding the reader of the question that the poem raises.

In conclusion, Poetry, Love And A Question is a masterpiece of contemporary poetry that captures the complexity of human emotions. Frost's use of language, literary devices, and structure makes the poem a joy to read, while its themes of love, marriage, and commitment make it a timeless classic. The poem raises questions that are relevant even today, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Love And A Question: A Masterpiece by Robert Frost

Robert Frost is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Among his many masterpieces, "Love and a Question" stands out as a shining example of his poetic genius. This poem is a beautiful exploration of love, morality, and the human condition, and it is a testament to Frost's ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through simple yet powerful language.

The poem tells the story of a young couple who are deeply in love and are about to be married. However, on the night before their wedding, a stranger comes to their door and asks for help. The man is in desperate need of money to save his wife's life, and he begs the couple to give him the funds he needs. The young man is torn between his love for his fiancée and his sense of duty to help a fellow human being. In the end, he decides to give the stranger the money, and the couple's love is put to the test.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the story. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the characters. We learn that the young couple is deeply in love and that they are about to be married. The language in this stanza is simple and straightforward, but it conveys a sense of warmth and intimacy that draws the reader into the story.

The second stanza is where the conflict arises. The stranger comes to the couple's door and begs for help. He tells them that his wife is dying and that he needs money to save her. The young man is torn between his love for his fiancée and his sense of duty to help a fellow human being. The language in this stanza is more complex and emotional, as Frost explores the conflicting emotions that the young man is feeling. The use of rhetorical questions, such as "What was the nature of the guest's request?" and "What was there to do for damage?" adds to the sense of tension and uncertainty.

The third stanza is the climax of the poem. The young man decides to give the stranger the money, despite the objections of his fiancée. The language in this stanza is powerful and evocative, as Frost describes the young man's inner turmoil and the intensity of his love for his fiancée. The use of metaphors, such as "the heart's a bloody pump" and "the heart's a battered pump," adds to the emotional impact of the poem.

One of the most striking aspects of "Love and a Question" is the way in which Frost explores the themes of love and morality. The poem raises important questions about the nature of love and the obligations that we have to our fellow human beings. Is it possible to love someone deeply and still do the right thing? Can we be true to our own moral code and still be true to the people we love? These are complex questions, and Frost does not offer easy answers. Instead, he invites the reader to reflect on these issues and to consider their own values and beliefs.

Another notable feature of the poem is the way in which Frost uses language to convey complex emotions and ideas. His use of metaphors, rhetorical questions, and vivid imagery creates a rich and evocative world that draws the reader in and immerses them in the story. The language is simple yet powerful, and it conveys a sense of intimacy and emotional depth that is rare in modern poetry.

In conclusion, "Love and a Question" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a beautiful exploration of love, morality, and the human condition, and it is a testament to Robert Frost's poetic genius. The poem invites the reader to reflect on important questions about the nature of love and the obligations that we have to our fellow human beings. It is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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