“Design” by Robert Frost: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Design” by Robert Frost

“Design” by Robert Frost, first published in 1936 as part of his collection “A Further Range”, is a masterful exploration of the human experience, delving into themes of fate, free will, and the interconnectedness of life. With qualities of concise language, clever imagery, and a nuanced tone, “Design” presents a seemingly simple yet profoundly complex meditation on the nature of existence. The poem’s use of a white moth, a white spider, and a white flower to explore the idea of design in the natural world is a testament to Frost’s skillful craftsmanship, inviting readers to ponder the intricate web of life and our place within it.

Text: “Design” by Robert Frost

I found a dimpled spider, fat and white,
On a white heal-all, holding up a moth
Like a white piece of rigid satin cloth–
Assorted characters of death and blight
Mixed ready to begin the morning right,
Like the ingredients of a witches’ broth–
A snow-drop spider, a flower like a froth,
And dead wings carried like a paper kite.

What had that flower to do with being white,
The wayside blue and innocent heal-all?
What brought the kindred spider to that height,
Then steered the white moth thither in the night?
What but design of darkness to appall?–
If design govern in a thing so small.

Annotations: “Design” by Robert Frost

Text: “Design” by Robert Frost	Annotations
I found a dimpled spider, fat and white,	The speaker discovers a spider on a flower, describing it as “fat and white.”
On a white heal-all, holding up a moth	The spider is positioned on a heal-all flower, holding a moth.
Like a white piece of rigid satin cloth–	The moth is likened to a piece of white satin cloth.
Assorted characters of death and blight	The scene is described as containing various symbols of death and decay.
Mixed ready to begin the morning right,	The imagery suggests a sinister atmosphere preparing for the day ahead.
Like the ingredients of a witches’ broth–	The scene is compared to the components of a potion used in witchcraft.
A snow-drop spider, a flower like a froth,	Additional elements of the scene are described, including a snow-drop spider and frothy flowers.
And dead wings carried like a paper kite.	The image of dead wings being carried is compared to a paper kite.
What had that flower to do with being white,	The speaker questions the significance of the flower being white.
The wayside blue and innocent heal-all?	The heal-all flower is described as blue and innocent.
What brought the kindred spider to that height,	The speaker questions why the spider is on the flower.
Then steered the white moth thither in the night?	The speaker wonders what guided the moth to the flower at night.
What but design of darkness to appall?–	The poem suggests a sinister purpose behind the arrangement of these elements.
If design govern in a thing so small.	The final line reflects on the concept of design or purpose in even the smallest details of nature.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Design” by Robert Frost

Literary/Poetic Device	Example	Explanation
Allusion	“witches’ broth”	Reference to a potion used in witchcraft, creating an atmosphere of mystery and foreboding.
Assonance	“snow-drop spider”	The repetition of the “o” sound creates a musical effect and draws attention to the spider’s delicate appearance.
Consonance	“ready to begin”	Repetition of the “d” sound creates a sense of anticipation and readiness.
Enjambment	“On a white heal-all, holding up a moth / Like a white piece of rigid satin cloth–“	The continuation of a phrase over line breaks creates a sense of flow and visual continuity.
Hyperbole	“Assorted characters of death and blight”	Exaggeration to emphasize the unsettling nature of the scene and the presence of death.
Imagery	“fat and white spider,” “white moth,” “rigid satin cloth,” “dead wings carried like a paper kite”	Vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses, creating a clear mental image of the scene.
Irony	The description of the seemingly innocent scene of a spider on a flower holding a moth contrasts with the underlying sinister tone.	The speaker observes a scene that appears innocent but carries dark implications, adding layers of meaning to the poem.
Metaphor	“Like the ingredients of a witches’ broth”	Comparing the scene to the components of a witch’s potion, emphasizing its eerie quality.
Onomatopoeia	“dimpled spider”	The word “dimpled” suggests the appearance of the spider, adding texture to the description.
Oxymoron	“Assorted characters of death and blight”	Combining contradictory terms to emphasize the unsettling nature of the scene.
Paradox	“Design of darkness to appall”	Contradictory statement emphasizing the sinister intention behind the seemingly natural arrangement.
Personification	“What brought the kindred spider to that height”	Assigning human-like qualities of relationship to the spider and flower, implying a connection between them.
Repetition	“white” is repeated multiple times throughout the poem	Emphasizing the significance of the color white in the scene and its associations with purity and death.
Simile	“Like a white piece of rigid satin cloth–“	Comparing the moth to a piece of cloth, highlighting its appearance and texture.
Symbolism	The spider, moth, and flower symbolize various aspects of nature and death.	Each element carries symbolic significance, representing broader themes of life, death, and the natural order.
Synecdoche	“dead wings”	Using a part to represent the whole, emphasizing the moth’s mortality and fragility.
Tone	The tone of the poem is ominous and contemplative, as the speaker reflects on the dark aspects of nature.	The overall mood of the poem is somber and introspective, inviting readers to contemplate the deeper meaning behind the scene.
Understatement	The simplicity of the language contrasts with the complexity of the themes	The straightforward language belies the depth of meaning and complexity of the scene, creating a sense of understated unease.
Wordplay	The title “Design”	The title plays with the idea of intentional arrangement in nature, prompting readers to consider the purpose behind seemingly random occurrences.

Themes: “Design” by Robert Frost

1. Nature’s Cruelty and Indifference: One prominent theme in “Design” is the portrayal of nature as indifferent and even cruel. Frost presents a scene where a seemingly innocent spider is holding a moth on a flower, creating an image of death and decay. The description of “Assorted characters of death and blight” and the comparison to a “witches’ broth” evoke a sense of darkness and malevolence within the natural world. This theme is reinforced by the speaker’s contemplation of the purpose behind such arrangements, suggesting a design of darkness that appalls. Despite the beauty of the white flower and the delicate moth, their encounter ends in death, highlighting nature’s indifference to life and its relentless cycle of creation and destruction.
2. The Ambiguity of Design and Purpose: Another theme explored in “Design” is the ambiguity surrounding the concept of design and purpose in nature. The speaker questions the significance of the spider, moth, and flower being brought together in such a manner, suggesting a deliberate arrangement with sinister implications. The repetition of the word “white” and the description of the scene as if it were carefully crafted underscore the idea of design, but the speaker ultimately concludes with uncertainty, pondering whether design governs even in the smallest details of nature. This theme invites readers to consider the complexity of nature and the mysteries that lie beyond human comprehension.
3. The Duality of Innocence and Malevolence: “Design” also explores the duality between innocence and malevolence, particularly in the context of the natural world. The poem presents seemingly innocent elements—a white flower, a moth, and a spider—yet juxtaposes them in a way that suggests darker undertones. The innocence of the white flower and the delicate moth is contrasted with the predatory nature of the spider, creating a tension between beauty and danger. This theme is reinforced by the description of the moth’s dead wings carried like a paper kite, symbolizing the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. Through this duality, Frost highlights the complexities of nature and the inherent tension between life and death.
4. Human Reflection on Nature’s Mysteries: Finally, “Design” reflects the human inclination to reflect on the mysteries of nature and seek meaning in seemingly random occurrences. The speaker’s contemplation of the scene—a spider holding a moth on a flower—reveals a desire to understand the underlying purpose or design behind such arrangements. This theme is evident in lines such as “What brought the kindred spider to that height” and “What but design of darkness to appall?,” where the speaker grapples with existential questions about the nature of existence and the role of design in shaping the world. Through this introspection, Frost invites readers to ponder the complexities of the natural world and the limitations of human understanding when confronted with its mysteries.

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “Design” by Robert Frost

Theory	Interpretation	Example	Explanation
Symbolism	The poem is rich in symbols that represent death, innocence, and darkness.	The spider, moth, and heal-all flower symbolize death, innocence, and purity respectively.	Frost uses these symbols to explore the idea of design and intention in nature, questioning whether there is a larger purpose or governing force behind the intricate web of life and death.
Naturalism	The poem presents a bleak and deterministic view of nature, where life and death are intertwined.	The “assorted characters of death and blight” and “dead wings carried like a paper kite” illustrate the natural world’s indifference to life.	Frost’s poem highlights the natural world’s amoral and unforgiving nature, where life and death coexist and are inescapably linked.
Existentialism	The poem raises questions about the purpose and meaning of life, encouraging the reader to ponder the existence of a larger design or governing force.	The speaker’s rhetorical questions (“What had that flower to do with being white…?”, “What but design of darkness to appall?”) illustrate the search for meaning and purpose.	Frost’s poem invites the reader to confront the possibility that there may be no inherent design or purpose in life, leaving us to create our own meaning in an uncertain world.

Critical Questions about “Design” by Robert Frost

• Question 1: What is the speaker’s attitude towards the natural world, and how does this attitude relate to the concept of “design”?
• The speaker’s attitude towards the natural world is one of curiosity and skepticism, as evident in the lines “What had that flower to do with being white, / The wayside blue and innocent heal-all?” (Frost 5-6). The speaker seems to be questioning the purpose or intention behind the natural world’s arrangements, implying a sense of detachment or even disillusionment. This attitude is central to the poem’s exploration of “design,” as the speaker wonders whether there is a governing force or intention behind the intricate web of life and death.
• Question 2: How does the poem’s use of imagery and symbolism contribute to its themes of death, innocence, and design?
• The poem’s use of imagery and symbolism is crucial in conveying its themes, as seen in the lines “A snow-drop spider, a flower like a froth, / And dead wings carried like a paper kite” (Frost 7-8). The snow-drop spider and heal-all flower symbolize death and innocence, respectively, while the dead wings evoke a sense of fragility and mortality. These images, along with the “dimpled spider” and “white piece of rigid satin cloth” (Frost 1-2), create a vivid and unsettling picture of life and death intertwined, underscoring the speaker’s questions about design and intention.
• Question 3: What is the significance of the speaker’s final question, “What but design of darkness to appall?” (Frost 14), and how does it relate to the poem’s overall message?
• The speaker’s final question, “What but design of darkness to appall?” (Frost 14), is a rhetorical one, implying that the natural world’s arrangements may be governed by a “design of darkness” that is beyond human comprehension. This question resonates with the poem’s overall message, suggesting that the natural world is indifferent to human life and that our existence may be subject to forces beyond our control. The use of “appall” also implies a sense of horror or dismay, highlighting the speaker’s ambivalence towards the natural world and its mysterious designs.

Literary Works Similar to “Design” by Robert Frost

1. “The Second Coming” by W.B. Yeats – This poem delves into themes of chaos, darkness, and the idea of an impending apocalyptic event. Like “Design,” it explores the presence of evil and foreboding in the world.
2. “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley – While not directly addressing the themes of evil or fate, this poem reflects on the transience of power and the inevitable decline of empires. It shares a sense of irony and contemplation about the nature of existence, akin to Frost’s work.
3. “The Hollow Men” by T.S. Eliot – This poem explores themes of emptiness, disillusionment, and the frailty of human existence. It shares with “Design” a sense of desolation and the presence of malevolent forces.
4. “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge – This epic poem explores themes of sin, redemption, and the supernatural. Like “Design,” it contains elements of darkness and explores the consequences of human actions.
5. “A Poison Tree” by William Blake – This poem explores the theme of repressed anger and the destructive power of holding onto grudges. It shares with “Design” a sense of darkness and the potential for evil within human nature.

Suggested Readings: “Design” by Robert Frost

• Murphy, James. “A thing so small”: The Nature of Meter in Robert Frost’s” Design.” Modernism/modernity 14.2 (2007): 309-328.
• Ingebretsen, Edward J. “‘Design of darkness to appall’: Religious Terror in the Poetry of Robert Frost.” The Robert Frost Review 3 (1993): 50-57.
• Holland, Norman N. “The Brain of Robert Frost.” New Literary History 15.2 (1984): 365-385.
• Munk, Linda, and Linda Munk. “Robert Frost: The Design of Violence.” The Trivial Sublime: Theology and American Poetics (1992): 107-118.

Representative Quotations “Design” by Robert Frost

Quotation	Context and Theoretical Perspective
“I found a dimpled spider, fat and white, / On a white heal-all, holding up a moth / Like a white piece of rigid satin cloth”	The speaker describes a scene where a spider, a heal-all flower, and a moth are juxtaposed. The whiteness of the spider, flower, and moth creates an eerie atmosphere. From a theoretical perspective, this imagery evokes a sense of symbolism, suggesting themes of purity, death, and the interconnectedness of life and death.
“Assorted characters of death and blight / Mixed ready to begin the morning right, / Like the ingredients of a witches’ broth”	The speaker observes the scene as if it were a concoction of death and decay, likening it to a witches’ broth. This metaphor emphasizes the ominous nature of the scene. From a theoretical perspective, this imagery could be interpreted through a lens of existentialism, highlighting the randomness and absurdity of existence, where life and death coexist in a chaotic manner.
“What had that flower to do with being white, / The wayside blue and innocent heal-all?”	The speaker questions the significance of the white flower (heal-all) in the context of its surroundings. This line reflects on the arbitrary nature of existence and the puzzling coexistence of innocence and death. From a theoretical perspective, this reflects existentialist themes of questioning the meaning and purpose behind seemingly random events in life.
“What brought the kindred spider to that height, / Then steered the white moth thither in the night?”	The speaker wonders about the forces or “design” behind the spider’s actions and the moth’s fate. This line suggests a sense of inevitability or predetermined fate, implying that there might be a hidden order or design governing even the smallest occurrences in nature. From a theoretical perspective, this raises questions about determinism versus free will and the existence of a higher power or cosmic order.
“What but design of darkness to appall?– / If design govern in a thing so small.”	The speaker concludes by suggesting that the scene is governed by a malevolent “design of darkness.” This final statement underscores the eerie and unsettling nature of the scene, implying that even the smallest details of existence may be orchestrated by sinister forces. From a theoretical perspective, this echoes themes of nihilism, suggesting that life is ultimately governed by forces beyond human comprehension, leading to a sense of existential dread and despair.