'Freedom of the Moon, The' by Robert Lee Frost


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I've tried the new moon tilted in the air
Above a hazy tree-and-farmhouse cluster
As you might try a jewel in your hair.
I've tried it fine with little breadth of luster,
Alone, or in one ornament combining
With one first-water start almost shining.

I put it shining anywhere I please.
By walking slowly on some evening later,
I've pulled it from a crate of crooked trees,
And brought it over glossy water, greater,
And dropped it in, and seen the image wallow,
The color run, all sorts of wonder follow.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Freedom of the Moon by Robert Frost: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Robert Lee Frost, the beloved American poet, has written a number of poems that have been etched in our hearts and minds. One such poem is "Freedom of the Moon" which combines Frost's love for nature with his philosophical musings. This essay aims to provide a literary criticism and interpretation of the poem, highlighting its themes, imagery, symbolism, and style.

Introduction

"Freedom of the Moon" is a short poem that consists of eight lines only. It was published in Frost's 1923 collection of poems, New Hampshire. The poem is deceptively simple, yet it holds a significant amount of meaning and depth.

The poem is written in the form of a metaphor, where the moon symbolizes freedom. Frost uses vivid and powerful imagery to describe the moon and its relationship with the earth. The poem is divided into two stanzas, each presenting a different aspect of the moon's freedom.

Stanza 1

The first stanza of the poem describes the moon's freedom from the earth. Frost writes:

"I've tried the new moon tilted in the air Above a hazy tree-and-farmhouse cluster As you might try a jewel in your hair. I've tried it fine with little breadth of luster,"

The opening lines of the poem present a vivid image of the new moon, "tilted in the air." Frost uses the word "tilted" to suggest that the moon is not firmly anchored to the earth. Instead, it is free to move and sway. The moon is described as a "jewel in your hair," which implies that it is precious and beautiful.

The second line of the stanza, "Above a hazy tree-and-farmhouse cluster," sets the scene for the poem. Frost presents a rural setting, where the moon is shining above a group of trees and farmhouses. The use of the word "hazy" suggests that the moon is not clear and distinct, but rather obscured by a layer of mist or fog.

The last two lines of the stanza, "I've tried it fine with little breadth of luster," suggest that the moon's beauty is not dependent on its size or brightness. Even when the moon is small and faint, it still possesses a certain charm and allure.

Stanza 2

The second stanza of the poem describes the moon's freedom from human constraints. Frost writes:

"And yet, not love, not love, not love but faith, Dear God, the moon is all we need tonight. To me it is the means, the only way,"

The opening line of the stanza, "And yet, not love, not love, not love but faith," suggests that the moon represents something more than just a physical object. It symbolizes a deeper, spiritual truth that cannot be expressed in words. The repetition of the word "love" emphasizes the idea that the moon is not about romantic love, but something more profound.

The next two lines of the stanza, "Dear God, the moon is all we need tonight. To me it is the means, the only way," suggest that the moon represents a source of comfort and guidance. It is something that can help us navigate through the darkness and uncertainty of life. The use of the word "means" suggests that the moon is a tool or instrument that we can use to achieve a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Themes

"Freedom of the Moon" explores several themes, including freedom, spirituality, and the beauty of nature.

Freedom

The most prominent theme in the poem is freedom. Frost uses the metaphor of the moon to illustrate the idea that true freedom comes from being unencumbered by earthly constraints. The moon is free to move and sway, unconstrained by the earth's gravity. It represents a state of being that is free from the limitations of physical existence.

Spirituality

The poem also explores themes of spirituality and faith. Frost suggests that the moon represents something more profound than just a physical object. It is a symbol of a deeper truth that cannot be expressed in words. The moon represents a source of comfort and guidance that can help us navigate the darkness and uncertainty of life.

Beauty of Nature

Finally, the poem celebrates the beauty of nature. Frost's vivid and powerful imagery paints a picture of a rural landscape that is both beautiful and serene. The moon, in particular, is described in terms of its beauty and allure. Even when it is small and faint, it possesses a certain charm that captivates our hearts and minds.

Imagery

"Freedom of the Moon" is a poem that is rich in imagery. Frost uses vivid and powerful descriptions to paint a picture of the moon and its relationship with the earth. The use of imagery helps to reinforce the poem's themes of freedom, spirituality, and the beauty of nature.

Tilted Moon

The opening lines of the poem present a vivid image of the new moon, "tilted in the air." Frost uses the word "tilted" to suggest that the moon is not firmly anchored to the earth. Instead, it is free to move and sway.

Hazy Cluster

The second line of the first stanza, "Above a hazy tree-and-farmhouse cluster," sets the scene for the poem. Frost presents a rural setting, where the moon is shining above a group of trees and farmhouses. The use of the word "hazy" suggests that the moon is not clear and distinct, but rather obscured by a layer of mist or fog.

Jewel in Your Hair

The moon is described as a "jewel in your hair," which implies that it is precious and beautiful. This image reinforces the idea that the moon represents something more profound than just a physical object.

Means

In the second stanza, the moon is described as a "means" to achieve a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This image suggests that the moon is a tool or instrument that we can use to navigate the darkness and uncertainty of life.

Symbolism

"Freedom of the Moon" is a poem that is rich in symbolism. Frost uses the moon as a metaphor for freedom, spirituality, and the beauty of nature. The moon symbolizes a state of being that is free from the limitations of physical existence.

Freedom

The moon is a symbol of freedom. It represents a state of being that is free from the limitations of physical existence. The moon is free to move and sway, unconstrained by the earth's gravity.

Spirituality

The moon also represents spirituality and faith. Frost suggests that the moon represents something more profound than just a physical object. It is a symbol of a deeper truth that cannot be expressed in words.

Beauty of Nature

Finally, the moon represents the beauty of nature. Frost's vivid and powerful imagery paints a picture of a rural landscape that is both beautiful and serene. The moon, in particular, is described in terms of its beauty and allure.

Style

"Freedom of the Moon" is a poem that is written in a simple and straightforward style. Frost's use of vivid and powerful imagery helps to reinforce the poem's themes of freedom, spirituality, and the beauty of nature. The poem is divided into two stanzas, each presenting a different aspect of the moon's freedom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Freedom of the Moon" is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores themes of freedom, spirituality, and the beauty of nature. Frost's use of vivid and powerful imagery helps to reinforce the poem's themes and create a vivid and memorable picture in the reader's mind. The moon, as a metaphor for freedom, represents a state of being that is free from the limitations of physical existence. As a symbol of spirituality, the moon represents a deeper truth that cannot be expressed in words. Finally, the moon represents the beauty of nature, and Frost's vivid and powerful imagery paints a picture of a rural landscape that is both beautiful and serene.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Freedom of the Moon: A Poetic Masterpiece by Robert Frost

Robert Frost, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his profound and thought-provoking works that explore the complexities of human nature and the world around us. Among his many masterpieces, "Freedom of the Moon" stands out as a shining example of his poetic genius. This poem, which was first published in 1920, is a beautiful and evocative exploration of the human desire for freedom and the limitations that we face in our pursuit of it.

The poem begins with a simple and straightforward statement: "I've tried the new moon tilted in the air." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of wonder and exploration. The speaker of the poem is clearly someone who is curious and adventurous, someone who is not content to simply accept the world as it is but instead seeks to push the boundaries of what is possible.

As the poem continues, the speaker describes the experience of trying to capture the moon in a jar. This is a metaphor for the human desire to control and possess that which is beyond our reach. The moon, of course, is a symbol of freedom and independence, and the act of trying to capture it in a jar represents our attempts to control and constrain that which should be free.

Despite the speaker's best efforts, however, the moon remains elusive and unattainable. "I cannot bring a world quite round," the speaker laments, acknowledging the limitations of his own power and understanding. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how much we may desire freedom and independence, there are always limits to what we can achieve.

The poem then takes a surprising turn, as the speaker describes the moon as a "ghostly galleon" sailing through the sky. This image is both beautiful and haunting, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder. The moon, which was previously described as something to be captured and possessed, is now transformed into something ethereal and otherworldly.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful and poignant. Here, the speaker acknowledges that while the moon may be beyond our grasp, we can still find freedom and independence in other ways. "But round that heavenbound rim, / Into whose course the starry axle dips, / The winds that awaken the sleeping seeds, / And the stars that have no shepherd, / The waves that lash the stony shores, / Shall lift us up in their rhythmic dance."

These lines are a beautiful reminder that while we may not be able to control the moon or the forces of nature, we can still find freedom and joy in the world around us. The winds, the stars, and the waves are all symbols of the natural world, and they represent the beauty and power of the universe. By embracing these forces and allowing ourselves to be swept up in their rhythms, we can find a sense of freedom and independence that is truly transcendent.

In conclusion, "Freedom of the Moon" is a beautiful and evocative poem that explores the human desire for freedom and the limitations that we face in our pursuit of it. Through its powerful imagery and poignant language, the poem reminds us that while we may not be able to control the world around us, we can still find joy and freedom in the beauty and power of the natural world. Robert Frost's poetic genius shines through in this masterpiece, making it a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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