Question

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening- Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
How would you describe the tone of the poem? What words create that feeling or tone?
This poem is often read as an extended metaphor. What could it be? Choose a big metaphor and explain the following in the context of your big metaphor. Be prepared to share.
a. Woods. What are they? Who could own them?
b. Horse. What/who could it represent?
c. Woods and frozen lake.
d. Snow
e. Promises to keep.
f. Miles to go.
g. Sleep
h. darkest evening of the year
Please explain why.

Answer 1

The tone of the poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" is contemplative and reflective. Words like "darkest evening," "lovely, dark, and deep woods," and the repetition of "And miles to go before I sleep" create a sense of introspection, mystery, and the weight of responsibilities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The big metaphor within this poem is often interpreted as an allegory for life's journey and the human experience. Each element in the poem contributes to this overarching metaphor: the woods symbolize life's unknown or challenging aspects, the horse represents a sense of responsibility or obligation, and the frozen lake and snow denote the challenges and obstacles one encounters. The promises to keep and miles to go symbolize the duties, commitments, or goals one has yet to fulfill before finding rest or peace.

The "woods" could represent the unknown, daunting, or challenging aspects of life. These woods might metaphorically belong to anyone facing uncertainty or difficult situations. The owner might symbolize fate, destiny, or the unknown future that each person encounters.

The "horse" could represent the responsibilities, obligations, or duties that individuals carry in their lives. It might signify societal expectations, duties to oneself or others, or even the burden of obligations that one feels compelled to fulfill.

The "woods and frozen lake" along with the "darkest evening of the year" symbolize the harshness and challenges encountered during life's journey. They might represent obstacles, difficulties, or moments of struggle faced by individuals.

The "snow" might symbolize the burdens or challenges that accumulate over time, adding to the weight one carries. It could represent the accumulated responsibilities or the passage of time itself.

The phrase "promises to keep" indicates unfulfilled commitments, responsibilities, or obligations that the speaker feels compelled to honor. It represents the duties or promises yet to be fulfilled before finding closure or rest.

"Miles to go before I sleep" suggests that there is still a significant journey or tasks ahead before finding respite or rest. It signifies the continued responsibilities and obligations that the speaker must fulfill before finding peace.