Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening - Robert Frost

1.   List all the things that Frost sees. Rank them in the order that you would find them attractive.

• Stops in a woods while snow is falling
• Snowflakes falling around him
• A frozen lake
• The horse he is riding
• Harness bells

2.   What are the images and ideas that Frost reflects upon when he has stopped?

Frost reflects upon the beauty of nature – in particular the wonder of winter in an isolated forest. On a deeper level, Frost also touches on the idea of journeying and the reasons that drive us and keep us from stopping. More importantly, however, Frost emphasises the need to sometimes stop on one’s journey and take in one’s surroundings – both physical and emotional. He indicates that it is important to take something from a journey, and to grow and learn from one’s travels, rather than just using them to get from one destination to another.

3.   Imagine that you are Frost. Write what you would say to your wife when you returned home from your journey.

If I were Frost returning home after the journey described in the poem, I think I would describe the sheer, natural beauty of the wintery woods, as it seems that these images had the most significant impact on Frost during his journey. Perhaps I would talk of the feeling of tranquillity and maybe a sense of wonderment that seemed to engulf Frost as he stopped on his travels, at some unknown place, simply to marvel at the world around him.

4.   Is there a deeper meaning to the poem? What do you think it is?

On the surface, the poem appears to describe a journey, something we all have to take on, and the many reason why we take on the tasks and persist on continuing. However, on a deeper level, I think Frost touches the need to perhaps stop on ones travels ad take in one’s surroundings. He indicates that it is important to take something from a journey, and to grow and learn from one’s travels, rather than just using them to get from one destination to another.

5.   Comment on the use of three poetic devices in the poem. (Especially the use of rhyming and repetition in the last line).

• The rhyming pattern used throughout the poem, creates a lilting, almost song-like rhythm to the piece – adding to the description of natural beauty in the poem.
• Frost’s use of imagery is also extremely effective in conveying his message of appreciating ones surroundings and experiences while on a journey
• In the last stanza, Frost uses some alliteration when describing the woods, and this word choice conjures up the secluded, closed environment – full of unknown wonders - that the woods provide. 

6.   The poem draws attention to two conflicting desires: the desire to be alone and to explore mysterious, challenging or even dangerous places, thoughts or objects, and the desire to a sociable person who responds to the company of others. Trace these ideas through the poem.

The first of the two conflicting ideas – the desire to be alone and to explore – is clearly conveyed by Frost’s need to stop, in a unknown wood, simply to watch the beauty of winter as snow falls on the surrounding trees. However, in the last stanza, the desire to be sociable and respond to the company of others overtakes the need to explore, as Frost continues on his journey homewards, without stopping, to keep his promises to his loved ones.

7.   What aspects of the journey are being emphasised?

The most emphasised aspect of this journey is perhaps Frost’s desire to stop and explore; rather than continuing forward, without looking back. His need to take in what he is experiencing and learn something from these experiences.

8.   Explain why this poem does or does not appeal to you. Justify your answer with quotes from the poem.

In my opinion, this poem is extremely appealing because: it utilises descriptive and beautiful language; and also conveys a very meaningful message that can be applied to all human beings.