Introduction: “Stopping by Woods on Snowy Evening”
Every person faces a dual conflict in life, much like Frost’s poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” On one hand, there are the allurements of pleasures, luxuries, and the enjoyments of life, while on the other hand, there is the burden of mundane responsibilities to bear. This dual conflict ensures that a person is mindful of their obligations, such as caring for home, family, and children. In the poem, Frost captures the universal struggle between the enticements of the world, full of luxuries, pleasures, and the beauty of nature, and the weight of daily responsibilities. There are numerous opportunities that might lead one to engage in actions not considered moral, yet seem “lovely, dark and deep” (Stopping by Woods 13). However, the sense of the burden of mundane responsibilities acts as a restraint, preventing excessive indulgence. Frost himself grapples with this dual conflict, contemplating whether to linger in the enchanting beauty of nature or move forward to fulfill his “promises” (14) in his poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.”
Pleasure in “Stopping by Woods on Snowy Evening”
The pleasures of nature unfold as the poet traverses through the woods, particularly on “the darkest evening of the year” (8), signifying December 21, the longest night. Commencing with the inquiry “Whose woods are these I think I know” (1), the poet suggests that he is alone, engaged in a soliloquy, perhaps acquainted with the owner of the woods and possibly on good terms with them. Being alone, he can enjoy the surroundings freely, as the owner would not witness him “stopping” (2) to inquire about his presence in the forest at this late hour.
Since such solitary moments in nature are infrequent for the poet, it becomes an unusual experience for his little horse as well. The horse, accustomed to traveling only when there is a farmhouse nearby, finds it peculiar to “stop without a farmhouse near” (6), especially at night. Similar to the poet’s awareness of this departure from his routine, the horse also senses that his owner has never stopped in such a place at this hour. The setting, described as “lovely, dark and deep” (12), with an “easy wind and downy flake” (11), entices both the poet and his horse to savor the atmosphere.
In this introspective moment, the little horse “gives his harness bells a shake” (9), questioning if his master has made an error in deviating from their usual routine. However, it becomes evident that the poet’s intention is to appreciate the beauty of the woods, acknowledging that they are “lovely, dark and deep” (13), and he desires to fully immerse himself in this enchanting experience.
Frost’s depiction reveals a conflict within the human mind, including Frost’s own, as it grapples with the attraction to what is lovely and the simultaneous struggle to resist its allure. The forest, often associated with isolation and potential evil in biblical contexts, creates a sinister yet captivating atmosphere. This conflict is a recurring theme as individuals navigate the juxtaposition of attraction and the self-discipline needed to resist it.
Conflict in Pleasure in “Stopping by Woods on Snowy Evening”
On the other side of the conflict in “Pleasure in Stopping by Woods on Snowy Evening” lies the burden of responsibilities that an individual carries. Two crucial character traits of a responsible person are highlighted: one’s commitment to their words and the extent to which they go to fulfill promises. A responsible individual rests only when they have met their moral obligation of keeping their word and doing everything within their capacity to honor their commitments. Frost exemplifies these traits, declaring, “But I have promises to keep” (14), emphasizing his awareness that, despite the allure of the “lovely, dark and deep” woods (13), he is bound by promises he cannot disregard.
The second character trait involves recognizing the obligation to travel “miles to go” (15) in order to uphold one’s promises. This moral responsibility takes precedence over the alluring beauty of nature, and Frost reinforces this commitment by reminding himself twice that he has “miles to go” (15) before he can rest. The conflict in Frost’s mind tilts in favor of his mundane responsibilities, despite the captivating attractions and enticements of nature represented by the solitude in the “lovely, dark and deep” woods (13). Frost redirects his attention, acknowledging the more significant tasks in his life.
The shaking of the harness bells by his horse serves as a symbolic gesture, indicating the animal’s loyalty and reminding Frost of his responsibility. This subtle interaction underscores the internal conflict Frost experiences as he navigates between the enchantment of nature and the steadfast commitment to his duties and promises.
Conclusion: Pleasure in “Stopping by Woods on Snowy Evening”
In short, mundane responsibilities carry a profound commitment that must be honored for one to navigate life successfully. The poet, a dedicated individual, doesn’t indulge in the allure of the dark and enchanting forest. Upon stopping, he swiftly realizes the crucial tasks awaiting him at home and the promises he must fulfill. Despite the tempting beauty of the woods and his knowledge of the owner whose “house is in the village though” (2), his responsibility as a committed person takes precedence. Responding to the unspoken call of his horse and the resounding call of his conscience, he chooses to leave, emphasizing both his commitment and responsibility. The poem, beginning with a curious inquiry in “I think I know” (1), concludes by affirming that he indeed knows what he must accomplish before he can “sleep” (16). This juxtaposition of inquiry and affirmation enhances the poem’s beauty, portraying the poet’s journey from uncertainty to a clear sense of purpose and responsibility.
Works Cited: “Stopping by Woods on Snowy Evening”
Frost, Robert. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” 1951. Poetry Foundation, 19 June 2013, http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/171621.
Three Relevant Questions: “Stopping by Woods on Snowy Evening”
- In “Stopping by Woods on Snowy Evening,” how does the poet navigate the dual conflict between the enchanting allure of nature’s beauty and the weight of mundane responsibilities, and what choices does he make during his journey through the woods?
- How does Robert Frost employ the setting and the character of the poet’s horse in “Stopping by Woods on Snowy Evening” to convey the tension between the captivating scene of nature’s beauty and the responsibilities that weigh on the traveler?
- Within the context of “Stopping by Woods on Snowy Evening,” what symbolic significance do the woods hold, and how does the poet reconcile the conflict between the captivating allure of the scene and his sense of duty and obligation?
