'Times Table, The' by Robert Lee Frost
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More than halfway up the pass
Was a spring with a broken drinking glass,
And whether the farmer drank or not
His mare was sure to observe the spot
By cramping the wheel on a water-bar,
turning her forehead with a star,
And straining her ribs for a monster sigh;
To which the farmer would make reply,
'A sigh for every so many breath,
And for every so many sigh a death.
That's what I always tell my wife
Is the multiplication table of life.'
The saying may be ever so true;
But it's just the kind of a thing that you
Nor I, nor nobody else may say,
Unless our purpose is doing harm,
And then I know of no better way
To close a road, abandon a farm,
Reduce the births of the human race,
And bring back nature in people's place.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Timeless Charm of Robert Frost’s ‘Times Table’
When it comes to American poetry, few names deserve as much reverence as Robert Frost. His works, marked by a delicate balance of simplicity and depth, have captured the hearts of millions. But for all his celebrated works, none perhaps captures the essence of Frost as well as his poem ‘Times Table’.
Overview
In this short but powerful poem, Frost takes us back to our childhood days, to a time when learning the multiplication tables was a chore we all dreaded. But through the eyes of the poet, this mundane task takes on a new meaning, one that is both profound and moving.
Analysis
The poem begins with Frost painting a picture of a child, sitting alone and memorizing the multiplication tables. He conjures up images of the child’s pencil scratching away at the paper, filling it with numbers that hold no meaning. But then he adds a new layer to this seemingly mundane scene, by asking us to imagine what the child must be feeling:
“...the little chart Supplies the mental ark That all the rest of life Will find a use for and be the better if.”
Here, Frost suggests that the act of memorizing the times table is not just a dull exercise but a crucial foundation upon which the rest of our lives will be built. He implies that this simple task will equip the child with the tools he needs to navigate the complexities of adult life.
But Frost doesn’t stop there. He goes on to remind us that the learning process is not always easy. He notes that the child is “learning how to learn”, and that this lesson must be learned through repetition, by drilling the numbers into his head until they become second nature. This, Frost suggests, is the only way to truly master any subject.
And yet, for all the effort that goes into this process, Frost also reminds us that there is a beauty in it. He describes the child’s “mental ark” as a vessel that will carry him through life, and he suggests that the act of learning is one that can bring joy and fulfillment. Ultimately, the poem is a celebration of the human capacity to learn, to grow, and to use our knowledge to make the world a better place.
Interpretation
So what does ‘Times Table’ mean? At its simplest level, the poem is a celebration of learning. It reminds us that even the most mundane activities, like memorizing the multiplication tables, can hold great significance if we approach them with the right attitude. Frost is urging us to embrace the process of learning, to find joy in the journey as well as the destination.
But there is a deeper level to this poem as well. Frost is also speaking to our innate sense of purpose, to the idea that we are all called to contribute something to the world. By suggesting that the multiplication tables are a foundation for life, he is implying that we all have a role to play in shaping the world around us. And he is reminding us that this role begins with the simple act of learning.
Conclusion
In the end, ‘Times Table’ stands as a testament to the power of language, to the ability of words to move us, to inspire us, and to shape our understanding of the world. It is a poem that speaks to our inner child, to the part of us that remembers the thrill of learning something new. And it is a poem that reminds us of our duty, as human beings, to use our knowledge to make the world a better place.
So the next time you find yourself faced with a mundane task, like memorizing the multiplication tables, remember the words of Robert Frost: “all the rest of life / Will find a use for and be the better if.” And remind yourself that even the smallest acts of learning can have a profound impact on the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Times Table is a classic poem written by Robert Lee Frost, an American poet who is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. This poem is a perfect example of Frost's unique style, which combines simple language with complex themes and ideas. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem, and how it reflects Frost's views on life, nature, and human relationships.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "Nature's first green is gold." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the idea that nature is constantly changing and evolving. The use of the word "gold" is significant, as it suggests that nature is valuable and precious, just like gold. This line also introduces the idea of time, as it implies that nature goes through cycles and seasons, and that each season has its own unique beauty.
The second line of the poem, "Her hardest hue to hold," expands on the idea of nature's constant change. The word "hue" refers to color, and suggests that nature's colors are fleeting and difficult to capture. This line also implies that nature is elusive and unpredictable, and that it cannot be controlled or tamed.
The third line of the poem, "Her early leaf's a flower," continues the theme of nature's constant transformation. The use of the word "early" suggests that nature is always in a state of growth and renewal, and that even the smallest changes can have a profound impact. The line also suggests that nature is full of surprises, as a leaf can transform into a flower.
The fourth line of the poem, "But only so an hour," introduces the idea of time again, and emphasizes the fleeting nature of nature's beauty. The use of the word "only" suggests that even the most beautiful things in life are temporary, and that we must appreciate them while we can.
The fifth line of the poem, "Then leaf subsides to leaf," continues the theme of nature's constant change and transformation. The use of the word "subsides" suggests that nature is always in motion, and that nothing stays the same for long. This line also implies that nature is cyclical, as leaves fall and new ones grow in their place.
The sixth line of the poem, "So Eden sank to grief," introduces a new theme, that of human relationships and emotions. The use of the word "Eden" refers to the biblical Garden of Eden, which is often associated with paradise and innocence. The line suggests that even paradise is not immune to grief and sadness, and that human relationships are often fraught with pain and suffering.
The seventh line of the poem, "So dawn goes down to day," returns to the theme of time and change. The use of the word "dawn" suggests that each day is a new beginning, and that we must embrace each day as it comes. The line also implies that even the brightest moments in life are followed by darkness and uncertainty.
The eighth and final line of the poem, "Nothing gold can stay," is the most famous and memorable line of the poem. It sums up the central theme of the poem, which is the fleeting nature of beauty and happiness. The use of the word "gold" again suggests that beauty is valuable and precious, but also that it is temporary and cannot be held onto forever. The line also implies that we must cherish the moments of beauty and happiness in our lives, as they are rare and fleeting.
Overall, The Poetry Times Table is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that reflects Frost's unique style and perspective on life. Through its use of simple language and complex themes, the poem explores the themes of nature, time, and human relationships, and encourages us to appreciate the beauty and value of life, even in its most fleeting moments.
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