Answer: The repetition of the last line “And miles to go before I sleep” emphasizes the speaker’s sense of duty and obligation, and creates a contrast between the peacefulness of the woods and the demands of his journey.
Explanation: The poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost describes a traveler who pauses to admire a wintry woodland scene, and uses imagery, personification, and repetition to convey his thoughts and feelings. The last stanza of the poem reads:
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.
The repetition of the last line “And miles to go before I sleep” has several effects on the meaning and tone of the poem. First, it emphasizes the speaker’s sense of duty and obligation, as he reminds himself that he cannot linger in the woods but must continue his journey and fulfill his responsibilities. The word “promises” suggests that he has made some commitments or agreements that he cannot break, and that he values his honor and integrity. The word “miles” implies that he has a long way to go before he reaches his destination, and that his journey is not easy or comfortable.
Second, the repetition creates a contrast between the peacefulness of the woods and the demands of his journey. The woods are described as “lovely, dark and deep”, which suggests that they are beautiful, mysterious, and inviting. The speaker seems to be drawn to them, as he finds them soothing and relaxing. However, he also recognizes that they are not his place, and that he has to leave them behind. The phrase “before I sleep” can be interpreted literally or metaphorically. Literally, it means that he has to travel for a long time before he can rest for the night. Metaphorically, it can mean that he has to live his life fully before he dies. In either case, the repetition suggests that he is aware of his mortality and his limitations.
Third, the repetition creates a musical and rhythmic effect that enhances the mood and tone of the poem. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter with a rhyme scheme of aaba bbcb ccdc dddd, which gives it a regular and harmonious sound. The repetition of the last line adds to this effect by creating a rhyme within a rhyme (sleep/sleep) and by echoing the previous line (keep/sleep). The repetition also slows down the pace of the poem, as if the speaker is reluctant to leave the woods or is falling into a trance. The sound of the words “miles” and “sleep” also create a soft and soothing effect, as they contain long vowels and consonants that require little effort to pronounce. The repetition thus reinforces the theme of the poem, which is the tension between the attraction of nature and the call of duty.
Hope this helps, and have a great day! =)