Final answer:
Building a fence in literature symbolizes various concepts, including separation, protection, or the setting of boundaries. The context, such as in Robert Frost's 'Mending Wall,' suggests metaphors for human relationships, while in other scenarios, it represents practical defense or sociopolitical divides.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rose's request to build a fence in literature often symbolizes a desire for separation, protection, or setting boundaries between people or ideas. In the context of the texts provided, a fence can represent different things based on the narrative.
For example, in Robert Frost's "Mending Wall," the act of rebuilding a fence each year between neighbors serves as a metaphor for the barriers that people erect between each other, hinting at themes of isolation and the inherent human desire for boundaries, even when they may not be necessary.
The poem suggests a nuanced perspective on human relationships and the complexities of interaction and privacy.
Significance of Building a Fence
In contrast, when looking at other texts, building a fence may carry a different connotation.
For instance, it could be about establishing safety and creating a personal space, as seen in the excerpt describing a settlement protected from the outside world by timbers and solid doors. In this scenario, the fence or wall serves as a practical defense mechanism against potential dangers and intruders.
Meanwhile, in the discussion of border walls in a modern context, the fence becomes a point of contention, reflecting political, social, and ethical divides, as it affects both human life and environmental concerns, indicating that the fence's representation can shift with perspective and setting.