'Not To Keep' by Robert Frost


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They sent him back to her. The letter came
Saying... And she could have him. And before
She could be sure there was no hidden ill
Under the formal writing, he was in her sight,
Living. They gave him back to her alive
How else? They are not known to send the dead
And not disfigured visibly. His face?
His hands? She had to look, and ask,
"What was it, dear?" And she had given all
And still she had all they had they the lucky!
Wasn't she glad now? Everything seemed won,
And all the rest for them permissible ease.
She had to ask, "What was it, dear?"

"Enough,"
Yet not enough. A bullet through and through,
High in the breast. Nothing but what good care
And medicine and rest, and you a week,
Can cure me of to go again." The same
Grim giving to do over for them both.
She dared no more than ask him with her eyes
How was it with him for a second trial.
And with his eyes he asked her not to ask.
They had given him back to her, but not to keep.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Not To Keep: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Robert Frost’s “Not To Keep” is a poem that captures the essence of love and loss. It speaks to the idea that everything we love will eventually slip away from us, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't love anyway. The poem is comprised of three stanzas, each with its own unique message and meaning. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem's structure, language, and imagery to uncover the true importance of "Not To Keep."

Poem Structure

The structure of "Not To Keep" is relatively simple. The poem is made up of three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The simplicity of the structure is purposeful, as it allows the reader to focus on the message and meaning of the poem without any distractions.

Language

Frost’s use of language is a vital aspect of the poem. The language is straightforward, yet poignant. The poem's first line, "They would not find me changed from him they knew," is an example of this. The line is straightforward, but the use of the word "changed" is what gives it its emotional weight.

The second stanza is where Frost's language really shines. The line, "And both were come into the world again, -" is powerful. The use of the word "again" suggests that the two lovers have been reincarnated, and have found each other once more. The line is both beautiful and tragic, as it suggests that even in death, love can still find a way.

Imagery

The imagery in "Not To Keep" is also crucial to the poem's message. The first stanza is full of imagery that suggests the passing of time. The line, "The sun was gone and the moon was coming down," is an excellent example of this. The imagery suggests that the moment is fleeting and that time is passing quickly.

The second stanza is where the imagery becomes more emotional. The line, "Heart cried another's heart nigh to forget," suggests that the lovers have moved on from one another, but their hearts still ache for what once was. The imagery is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

The final stanza is where the imagery becomes the most crucial. The line, "Weeping willow with your tears running down, / Why do you always weep and frown?" is an excellent example of this. The imagery of the weeping willow tree is powerful. The tree is a symbol of mourning and loss, and the fact that it is weeping suggests that loss is a universal experience.

Interpretation

The interpretation of "Not To Keep" is complex. The poem speaks to the idea that everything we love will eventually slip away, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't love anyway. The poem is optimistic in some ways, yet pessimistic in others.

The first stanza suggests that the speaker has moved on from a lover, yet the language suggests that the speaker still feels connected to the lover in some way. The second stanza suggests that the lovers have found each other once more, yet it is in death. The final stanza suggests that loss is universal, and that even nature mourns.

Ultimately, "Not To Keep" is a poem that speaks to the human experience. It suggests that love and loss are inevitable, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't love anyway. The poem is both beautiful and tragic, and it is a testament to Frost's skill as a poet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Not To Keep" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience. The poem's structure, language, and imagery are all crucial to its message, and each element works together to create a poem that is both beautiful and tragic. Frost's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to his skill as a poet. "Not To Keep" is a poem that will resonate with readers for generations to come, as it speaks to the universal experiences of love and loss.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Not To Keep: A Masterpiece by Robert Frost

Robert Frost, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his works. His poem, "Not To Keep," is a masterpiece that explores the themes of love, loss, and acceptance. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, telling her that he will not keep her "longer than for an hour." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is aware of the impermanence of their relationship. He knows that their time together is limited, and he wants to make the most of it.

The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker reveals the reason for his decision to let go of his lover. He says that he does not want to keep her "to make a broken heart." This line suggests that the speaker is aware of the pain that comes with holding onto something that is not meant to be. He does not want to hurt his lover by prolonging their relationship when he knows that it will eventually end.

In the third stanza, the speaker acknowledges the beauty of their time together. He says that he will "remember" their moments of happiness, but he will not try to hold onto them. This line suggests that the speaker is accepting of the fact that their relationship is temporary. He knows that their memories will stay with him, even after their time together has ended.

The fourth stanza is where the poem takes a philosophical turn. The speaker says that he will not keep his lover "to gather flowers." This line suggests that the speaker is aware of the fleeting nature of life. He knows that time is precious, and he does not want to waste it on things that do not matter in the grand scheme of things. Instead, he wants to focus on the things that truly matter, such as love and human connection.

In the fifth stanza, the speaker acknowledges the pain that comes with letting go of someone you love. He says that he will "let the petals fall," which suggests that he is willing to accept the pain that comes with saying goodbye. This line also suggests that the speaker is aware of the beauty that can come from pain. He knows that letting go of his lover will be difficult, but he is willing to do it because he knows that it is the right thing to do.

The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker reveals his ultimate goal. He says that he will not keep his lover "to try to keep them." This line suggests that the speaker is aware of the futility of trying to hold onto something that is not meant to be. He knows that love cannot be forced, and that sometimes the best thing to do is to let go. By doing so, he hopes to find peace and acceptance in his heart.

In conclusion, "Not To Keep" is a masterpiece that explores the themes of love, loss, and acceptance. Through his use of language and imagery, Robert Frost captures the essence of human emotions and experiences in a way that is both beautiful and profound. The poem reminds us that life is fleeting, and that we should cherish the moments of happiness that we have, even if they are temporary. It also reminds us that sometimes the best thing to do is to let go of the things that we love, in order to find peace and acceptance in our hearts.

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