Robert Frost Tricky

Robert Frost is one of the most prolific poets of his time. Although his works were first published in England, then later in America, he is considered a great American author. One of his greatest poems is “A Road Not Taken”. This poem has sparked numerous of debates over itself. “On one occasion [Frost] told an audience: ‘You have to be careful of that one; it's a tricky poem—very tricky’” (Finger 479). Many (whether it be teachers, students, scholars, or philosophers) dispute the meaning and symbolism of this poem. Some argue that the poem is literal, and is simply about walking through the woods. However, others believe that the poem itself is a metaphor for life. No matter which side is being debated, however, the poem is critically acclaimed

But upon further examination, Frost says that one road has “perhaps the better claim / Because it was grassy and wanted wear” (7-8). The narrator, who is unsure “if [they] shall ever come back” (15) chooses the path “less traveled by / And that [made] all the difference” (19-20). Many people, students and teachers alike, are stumped by majority of this poem. Eisiminger taught this poem, and a student of his asked, "How can there be a less traveled road…if both roads are worn 'really about the same?" (183). Many people will stop at this literal meaning of the poem, and assume that the poem is specifically telling the story of this lone traveler in the woods. Or, maybe this poem is simply telling a story about a man and his indecisiveness. But, in order to receive the true meaning of the poem, one must delve into the implied, or metaphorical, meaning. There are many “theories” behind the metaphorical meaning of “The Road Not Taken. Some are simple explanations, but many are extreme and absurd. One such example of the highly absurd is the explanation that “The Road Not

The two viewpoints about the poem are both credible. One viewpoint is that The Road Not Taken should be taken literally, while the other viewpoint about the poem is that it is all a metaphor. Both viewpoints, however, are partially right. As with any poem, or any work of art, there is both a literal and metaphorical meaning behind the work. Most people see the literal meaning of poems. It takes a certain amount of intelligence to discern the metaphorical meaning. Once discovered, the poem is opened up in a new