Aesthetic Quality in "The Design" by Robert Frost

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Recommended: The Nature And Elements of Poetry

Aesthetic quality is the most important characteristic of a poem. Poetry is an art form, and as painters use colours and techniques to define their works, a poet uses language. Symbolism, metaphors, and knowledge of past works, are the ingredients in which all forms of art are comprised. No matter what form art chooses it will leave a lasting impression on those considering it. In the case of the poet, the author must paint a picture in our minds, with the intention that we may question, remember, and appreciate, the beauty of what the poem is trying to say. An excellent example of aesthetic quality in a poem would be that of Robert Frost's Design. This Poem encompasses various forms of aesthetic dimensions, from the selection of colours in the poem, to the choice of words. Frost explores the age-old enigma of fate, while rhythmically drawing the reader in, obliging them to take notice and ponder the questions he is purposing. Robert Frost is a master of the metaphor, and after reading Design for the first time, I was compelled to examine the poem for a deeper meaning.

The First question I found myself asking, was in response to Frost's use (or lack) of colours in the Poem. In most cases colour adds beauty to a poem. Did Frost attempt purposely to completely remove this aspect? If so, does it make the poem more memorable to the reader because he did? This is an important question to ask due to the fact that Frost chose white as the key colour of his poem. White is not usually considered a colour, and by removing colour from the spider, (an insect which is normally considered as black or red), the moth, (which can be white on occasion), and the heal-all, (a flower that is normally considered blue or violet) Frost gives inc...

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...s not answer the inquiry of fate and coincidence, he explores the hidden aspects of the question, and inspires the reader to carry on the quest for truth. The dimensions of the poem are limitless, the imagery is beautiful, and the aesthetic quality is abundant. Frost leaves the poem open for interpretation, and offers boundless possibilities to the questions raised. After sitting down with Design I realized that this poem was much more then it appeared, and that it held more beauty then I ever imagined. In studying Design I realized that a poem are not just a few whimsical words, but a puzzle of the greatest importance; bringing light to ideas and similes never before imagined. Poetry is one of the greatest representations of aesthetic quality available. After all a painter can only use so many colours to demonstrate beauty, a poet's metaphorical choices are endless.

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