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  • Essay / Robert's Frosty Woods - Stopping at Woods on a Snowy Evening...

    Robert's Frosty WoodsThe mood of Robert Frost's "Stopping at Woods on a Snowy Evening" is cleverly set by saying “the only other sound is the sweep / of the easy wind and fluffy flake” (11-12). These lines convey the beautiful tranquility of solitude. Many critics claim that the dark woods of the poem symbolize death. It is equally valid to say that the poet describes the joy of experiencing a moment of peace; the relaxing mood of the poem as well as the awareness that the traveler must move forward provide contrary evidence to the interpretation that the woods symbolize death; . A calming, relaxing mood prevails in "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening". complete silence except for this beautiful sound there is no loud cacophony to imply the violence of death. The dominant visual imagery is that of a pretty winter scene; at one point, the woods are described as “beautiful, dark, and deep” (16). This visual scene further contributes to the restful atmosphere of the poem. The character's only companion is his horse; this adds a feeling of solitude to the poem which, combined with vivid imagery, shows the tranquility of a moment alone. The title "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening" implies that this is a visit to the woods as opposed to a final rest. place. If this were the final destination, the title "Stopping in the Woods" or "Stopping in the Woods" would be more appropriate. Because “the horse must find it strange / to stop without a farm nearby” (5-6), there must be some continuation of the journey; otherwise it would not seem strange to the horse to stop. The final lines “and the miles to go before I sleep, / and the miles to go before I sleep” (18-19) provide further evidence that there will be more to do in this journey; the scene depicted is only a place of rest. The interpretation of poetry is inherently personal due to the abstract nature of poetic language; what may be a valid interpretation for one reader may be completely meaningless to another.