Mending Wall: Progression Vs Traditionalism

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Throughout history, people have been afraid of changing the way they think or feel. One is raised to believe in certain things but there comes a time in life when change is necessary. Because of the fact that change is met with intransigence many find it difficult to think progressively. Many are often opposed with the fact that they must change their views in order to keep up with society’s standards because of this there is a difference between progression and traditionalism. These two forms of forces are present in our society but are constantly at contrast with each other. Robert Frost’s poem Mending Wall, presents the theme of progression and traditionalism through a neighbors that struggle to understand each other.
The ongoing battle between progression and …show more content…

Such a conflict builds tension between traditional and progressive views in society. The narrator knows that the two will never be able to advance positively with such a barrier in their way, and he would like to “put a notion in his head” in order for the neighbor to realize so. This is the narrator’s lunge to challenge the norms of society and instill a sense of progression into his acquaintance’s mindset. Although it is met with denial, it could be the instigator of a positive change. The narrator would also like to share ideas with his neighbor, feeling like such a combination can assist in their prosperity. However, unless the neighbor chooses to participate, the narrator’s “apple trees will never get across and eat the cones” of the neighbor’s household.Because of the barrier, any possibility of advancement in society fails to function. Questioning the status quo, the narrator seems to be the only one who understands how beneficial progression could be. Therefore, communication is a problem between the people of tradition views and of progressive views, as they both fail to exist with each

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