'The Cow In Apple-Time' by Robert Frost


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Something inspires the only cow of late
To make no more of a wall than an open gate,
And think no more of wall-builders than fools.
Her face is flecked with pomace and she drools
A cider syrup. Having tasted fruit,
She scorns a pasture withering to the root.
She runs from tree to tree where lie and sweeten.
The windfalls spiked with stubble and worm-eaten.
She leaves them bitten when she has to fly.
She bellows on a knoll against the sky.
Her udder shrivels and the milk goes dry.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Cow In Apple-Time by Robert Frost: A Critique

Robert Frost is widely known as one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. His works are known for their philosophical depth, their ability to capture the beauty of nature, and their subtle commentary on human nature. One of his most famous works is "The Cow in Apple-Time," a poem that explores the relationship between man and nature, and the impact that nature has on our lives.

Overview

"The Cow in Apple-Time" is a poem that tells the story of a cow that wanders into an orchard during apple season. The cow's presence in the orchard is a disruption to the farmer's routine, but the poem is not really about the cow or the farmer. Rather, it is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life, the beauty of the natural world, and our connection to it.

Analysis

The poem begins with the line, "Something inspires the only cow of late to make no more of a wall than an open gate." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes the cow as a symbol of freedom and spontaneity. The cow is not bound by the walls of the orchard, and it is free to roam where it pleases. This is in stark contrast to the farmer, who is bound by the rules of his trade and the demands of his profession.

The next lines of the poem establish the setting of the orchard in autumn, with the apples ripe and ready for harvest. The use of the word "boughs" to describe the branches of the apple trees is particularly effective, as it creates an image of the trees as heavy with fruit and bending under its weight.

The poet then describes the cow's wanderings through the orchard, and the farmer's efforts to keep it out. The farmer is not pleased with the cow's presence, as it disrupts his routine and threatens his livelihood. The cow, however, is oblivious to the farmer's concerns, and continues to explore the orchard.

The poem then takes a philosophical turn, as the poet ponders the nature of life and the passage of time. He reflects on how quickly the apple season will come and go, and how fleeting life can be. He writes, "The cow may muse awhile, but at the last/she chooses her own time to go down in the grass." This line is particularly poignant, as it underscores the idea that life is short and unpredictable, and that we must make the most of the time that we have.

The poem ends with the image of the cow lying down in the grass, surrounded by the fallen apples. The image is one of peace and contentment, a reminder that despite the chaos of the world around us, there is still beauty and tranquility to be found in nature.

Interpretation

At its heart, "The Cow in Apple-Time" is a poem about our relationship with nature, and the impact that nature has on our lives. The cow represents the wild and untamed spirit of nature, while the farmer represents the orderly and practical side of humanity. The tension between these two forces is what drives the poem, as the cow's presence in the orchard disrupts the farmer's routine and forces him to confront the unpredictable nature of life.

The poem also explores the theme of mortality, and the idea that life is fleeting and unpredictable. The apple season comes and goes quickly, and the cow's presence in the orchard is a reminder that we must make the most of the time that we have. The image of the cow lying down in the grass surrounded by fallen apples is a reminder that even in the face of death and decay, there is still beauty and peace to be found in the natural world.

Conclusion

"The Cow in Apple-Time" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between man and nature, and the impact that nature has on our lives. Through its use of vivid imagery and philosophical reflection, the poem encourages us to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, and to embrace the unpredictable and spontaneous nature of life. Whether we are farmers tending to our orchards, or wanderers exploring the open fields, we are all part of the same cycle of life and death, and it is up to us to make the most of the time that we have.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Cow In Apple-Time: A Poem of Nature and Timelessness

Robert Frost, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was known for his ability to capture the essence of nature and the human experience in his works. His poem, The Cow In Apple-Time, is a perfect example of his mastery of language and imagery.

The poem begins with a simple scene: a cow grazing in an apple orchard. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface. Frost uses the image of the cow to explore themes of timelessness, mortality, and the cyclical nature of life.

The first stanza sets the scene:

Something inspires the only cow of late To make no more of a wall than an open gate, And think no more of wall-builders than fools. Her face is flecked with pomace and she drools A cider syrup. Having tasted fruit, She scorns a pasture withering to the root.

Here, we see the cow as a symbol of freedom and independence. She is not constrained by the walls that humans have built around her, and she is not concerned with the opinions of those who would try to control her. Instead, she is focused on the simple pleasures of life, such as the taste of fresh fruit.

The second stanza takes a darker turn:

She runs from tree to tree where lie and sweeten The windfalls spiked with stubble and worm-eaten. She leaves them bitten when she has to fly. She bellows on a knoll against the sky. Her udder shrivels and the milk goes dry.

Here, we see the cow as a symbol of mortality. She is not immune to the passage of time, and her once-productive udder has begun to shrivel. The windfalls, too, are a symbol of the impermanence of life. They are sweet and delicious, but they are also spiked with stubble and worm-eaten, reminding us that even the most beautiful things in life are not immune to decay.

The third stanza brings the poem full circle:

Her apple-sated TV eyes unlace Their shutters, welcoming the sun in face, Savory of golden stoops, her buttery Haunches, gathered in like morning dew, I have seen her dozing off the light, And fed her withered grasses to the height.

Here, we see the cow as a symbol of the cyclical nature of life. She has eaten her fill of apples, and now she is content to bask in the warmth of the sun. Her haunches are described as "buttery," a reference to the richness of life. However, even as she dozes off, she is being fed with withered grasses, a reminder that life is not always easy or abundant.

Overall, The Cow In Apple-Time is a powerful meditation on the nature of life and the passage of time. Frost uses the image of the cow to explore themes of freedom, mortality, and the cyclical nature of life. The poem is a testament to his skill as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his works.

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