Robert Frost

Many people have big dreams, but never carry them out. Numerous people have a wealth of knowledge in them that never comes out. Robert Frost had both and shared both. His character was passionate, persistent, determined, and humble. He continued to write poems full of beauty even when his children died in his arms. The beauty the resonated from his poems shows the deep wellspring in his soul that could never be quenched.

Robert Frost was born in 1874 in San Francisco, California, to William and Isabelle Frost. His mother had a degree in teaching and from a young age ‘Frost was exposed to a world of books’. (Online literature) His father, getting his degrees in teaching and journalism continued in those roles until the lure of money through gambling and drink led him away. This caused financial problems for the Frosts until the family moved to New England in 1885. His mother began teaching at the local school, which helped with the financial problems. Unfortunately, he lacked enthusiasm for his studies during his younger years, but gained it during college and graduated valedictorian and class poet of the year in 1892. His passion for poetry continued to grow and his works continue to find a place in our hearts to this day.

Throughout Robert’s life, many amusing, sad, interesting and even shameful things peppered his poems. Robert tried his hand at teaching but was unable to become any good at it. He then went to chicken farming but had to quit because of health problems. The Mending Wall and Hyla Brook were inspired by the death of his oldest son and youngest daughter. Ezra Pound was a main influence in getting many of his works published in newspapers, magazines and pamphlets. Many people started taking notice of him and wanted him to speak and give his poems at occasions, but for a while he refused because he was very shy of speaking, (Notable biographies). Eventually he conquered his shyness and became a well asked for speaker. His life was saddened by the death of four of his six children but this never dampened his spirit when writing the poems we love so well.

Frost was awarded many medals and recognitions among which are: The Pulitzer Prize, which he was awarded four times. The American Academy of Poet, New York University, Huntington Harvard Foundation, Congressional God Medal, Edward MacDowell Medal, as well as becoming the Poetry consultant for the Library of Congress. His most famous works consist of: Stopping By The Woods, A Snowy Evening, and the Road Not Taken. (Frost Friends) Fire and Ice, Nothing Gold Can Stay, Birches, After Apple-Picking, The Death of the Hired Man, Home Burial, and Mending Wall. (Frost Friends) His poems remain exhilarating, sad, funny and deep because of the willingness of Frost to allow us into his life as a chicken farmer, poet, father, husband and teacher. His greatest work though is The Road Not Taken.

The poems written by Robert Frost convey so much depth and life. Frost thought that conversation could be poetry if it was ordered. He carried out his idea and changed poetry from ordinary to fresh and invigorating. The messages in his poems carry meaning that touch and inspire old and young alike. The kind of poetry he wrote was clear poetry, not vague and unknown but simple and yet elegant. He has impacted many people with his heartfelt poems and stanzas as with a struggle in his heart he wrote, “Two roads diverged in a wood and I, I took the road less traveled and it has made all the difference.” (Online Literature) His example in clear, simple and powerful poems has made all the difference.