POEM
3.
Mending Wall
By
Robert Lee Frost
SUMMARY
"Mending
Wall" by Robert Frost is a reflective and thought-provoking lyric poem
that delves into the themes of human connection, tradition, and the boundaries
that exist between people. The poem unfolds as a dramatic monologue, with the
speaker conversing with his neighbor while they engage in the annual task of
repairing the stone wall that separates their properties.
The central
tension of the poem arises from the differing philosophies of the two
neighbors. One neighbor is a proponent of the old adage, "Good fences make
good neighbors," while the other questions the necessity of the wall,
suggesting that "Something there is that doesn't love a wall." This
philosophical divide becomes symbolic of the broader contrasts in human
relationships and the desire for separation versus the yearning for unity.
The speaker begins
by describing a force, an unnamed "something," that disrupts the
wall. This force causes the ground to swell, pushing the stones out of place
and creating gaps that are easily passable. The speaker reflects on the hunters
who have caused damage to the wall in pursuit of their quarry, emphasizing the
natural impermanence of boundaries in the face of external influences. These
gaps, however, are not apparent until the arrival of spring, the
"mending-time," when the neighbors unite to repair the wall.
As the neighbors
work side by side, the poem portrays the physical act of mending the wall as a
sort of outdoor game. Stones are passed between them, some as heavy as loaves
of bread, others as round as balls. The act of repairing the wall becomes a
shared ritual, highlighting their cooperative effort while subtly commenting on
the arbitrary nature of the divisions they maintain.
The speaker's
perspective becomes more introspective as he questions the necessity of the
wall. He points out that his apple orchard and his neighbor's pine trees will
never cross the boundary to encroach on each other's territory. The speaker's
curiosity grows, and he wonders aloud whether the adage "Good fences make
good neighbors" holds true. He humorously ponders whether cows might be a
valid reason for walls, but since neither of them keeps cows, this rationale
seems inadequate.
The speaker
contemplates the origins of the wall, asking what it is meant to enclose and
who it might offend. He asserts that there is an intangible force that resists
the idea of boundaries and wants them to come down. The mention of
"Elves" introduces a touch of whimsy, suggesting that even magical
beings are not bound by walls. However, the speaker refrains from imposing his
perspective on his neighbor, hoping that his neighbor might eventually question
the necessity of the wall himself.
The poem closes
with the neighbor's steadfast adherence to tradition. He is portrayed as a
"stone savage armed" who clings to the saying that "Good fences
make good neighbors." This repetition underscores the neighbor's refusal
to engage with the speaker's thoughts and reinforces the idea that the wall
serves as a physical and symbolic boundary that they continue to uphold despite
the speaker's contemplations.
In "Mending
Wall," Frost masterfully captures the complexities of human relationships
and the tension between tradition and change. The poem encourages readers to
reflect on the barriers they build between themselves and others, whether these
barriers are physical, emotional, or ideological. The act of mending the wall
becomes a metaphor for the ongoing negotiation between division and connection,
ultimately inviting readers to consider the value of both. Through its vivid
imagery and thought-provoking dialogue, "Mending Wall" remains a
timeless exploration of the human condition.
A.
Multiple Choice Questions.
1.
Robert Frost got his name from................
a) American poet
and Scottish general
b) Scottish poet
and American general
c) American poet
and German general
d) German poet and
American general
2.
Who were involved in mending the wall?
a) The hired men
by the speaker
b) The speaker and
his friend
c) The speaker's
friend
d) The speaker
himself
3.
Who owned the apple tree?
a) the speaker
b) the speaker's
friend
c) both the
speaker and his friend
d) none of the
above
4.
The poet talks about..............season again and again in the poem?
a) spring
b) summer
c) autumn
d) winter
5.
'Mending the Wall' is a good example of a.................
a) sonnet
b) lyric
c) dramatic
monologue
d) narrative poem
Extra
MCQs
1. "Mending
Wall" is a poem written by:
a) Robert Frost
b) William Wordsworth
c) Emily Dickinson
d) Langston Hughes
2.
What themes does "Mending Wall" explore?
a) Nature and animals
b) Love and romance
c) Human connection and boundaries
d) Technology and progress
3.
The poem is presented in the form of a:
a) Sonnet
b) Epic
c) Dramatic monologue
d) Limerick
4.
What is the central tension in the poem?
a) Conflict between two nations
b) Disagreement over property ownership
c) Philosophical divide between neighbors
d) Quest for adventure
5.
One neighbor believes in the idea that "Good fences make good
neighbors." What does the other neighbor question?
a) The value of friendship
b) The necessity of boundaries
c) The importance of wealth
d) The need for a larger property
6.
The disruption of the wall is caused by:
a) Strong winds
b) Earthquakes
c) An unnamed force
d) The hunters' actions
7.
When are the gaps in the wall most noticeable?
a) Winter
b) Spring
c) Summer
d) Autumn
8.
How is the act of mending the wall depicted in the poem?
a) A serious and somber task
b) A magical ritual
c) An outdoor game
d) A dangerous chore
9.
The speaker questions the neighbor's belief about walls and boundaries during
which season?
a) Spring
b) Summer
c) Autumn
d) Winter
10.
The speaker wonders if the mention of "Elves" could explain the force
behind the wall's disruptions. This introduces a touch of:
a) Sarcasm
b) Whimsy
c) Fear
d) Mystery
11.
The neighbor clings to the saying "Good fences make good neighbors"
out of:
a) Stubbornness
b) Fear of change
c) Respect for tradition
d) Rebellion
12.
The speaker uses what type of trees to represent himself and his neighbor?
a) Apple and pine
b) Oak and maple
c) Willow and cedar
d) Fir and spruce
13.
What does the speaker suggest about boundaries and barriers in human
relationships?
a) They are unnecessary
b) They are permanent
c) They are essential
d) They are easy to overcome
14.
The poem "Mending Wall" encourages readers to reflect on:
a) Political issues
b) Environmental concerns
c) Personal beliefs
d) Human connections and divisions
15.
The act of mending the wall serves as a metaphor for the ongoing negotiation
between:
a) Peace and war
b) Dreams and reality
c) Division and connection
d) Nature and civilization
B. Short
Questions
1.What
does the speaker mean by 'something there is that doesn't love, a wall?"
When the speaker
in "Mending Wall" utters the phrase, "Something there is that
doesn't love a wall," he is alluding to a force, both natural and
metaphorical, that seems to resist the idea of division and separation. This
force challenges the notion that "Good fences make good neighbors."
The speaker is suggesting that there's an innate impulse in the world that
opposes the erecting of barriers, whether physical or metaphorical.
This
"something" can be seen as the inexorable influence of nature or the
human spirit that strives for unity and interconnectedness. It's a force that
asserts itself through the disruption of the wall—ground swells and fallen
stones—as well as through the growth of trees and other natural elements that
defy human-made boundaries.
In a broader
context, the speaker is grappling with the deeper implications of isolation and
division. By invoking this mysterious force, the speaker is questioning the
necessity of the wall and pondering whether the act of dividing oneself from
others truly aligns with the universal forces that promote growth, connection,
and understanding. The phrase encapsulates the poem's exploration of the
tension between the human desire for separation and the forces that encourage
unity and mutual understanding.
2.
Why do two neighbors meet beyond the hill in spring?
The two neighbors
meet beyond the hill in spring as part of an annual tradition to repair the
stone wall that separates their properties. In Robert Frost's "Mending
Wall," spring is the "mending-time" when they come together to
mend the gaps and rebuild the wall that has been disrupted over the course of
the year.
This ritual
symbolizes the cooperative effort required to maintain boundaries and
connections. Beyond the practical aspect of repairing the wall, their meeting
signifies a shared acknowledgment of the cyclical nature of life, the changing
seasons, and the inevitability of both growth and disruption. It's a moment of
connection between two individuals who hold differing philosophies regarding
the wall but come together to uphold tradition.
The act of meeting
"beyond the hill" also underscores the idea of journeying beyond
one's immediate territory to engage with others. Spring, traditionally
associated with renewal, provides a backdrop for their renewal of contact and
shared responsibility. In this way, the spring meeting encapsulates the complex
interplay between division and unity, reflecting the human experience of
negotiating boundaries and relationships in the face of natural and
philosophical forces.
3.
Why does the speaker say there is no need for a wall in between two estates?
The speaker in
"Mending Wall" questions the need for a wall between the two estates
because he perceives a lack of practical justification for its existence. He
observes that the physical attributes of their respective properties—his apple
orchard and the neighbor's pine trees—make it unlikely that the two will
encroach upon each other's space. The speaker recognizes that nature itself has
already established a clear separation between their lands; his apple trees
will not venture into the neighbor's pine trees, and vice versa.
This notion
reflects the speaker's deeper philosophical stance that true boundaries are not
merely physical, but also stem from an understanding and respect for each
other's individuality. To him, the wall appears to be an unnecessary human
imposition, a relic of tradition rather than a practical necessity. His musings
echo his skepticism about the adage "Good fences make good
neighbors."
Through this
questioning, the speaker raises the broader idea that unity and neighborliness
can exist without rigid divisions, suggesting that a true understanding of one
another's differences negates the requirement for a physical barrier between
them.
4.
How does the neighbor justify the need for a wall?
The neighbor in
"Mending Wall" justifies the need for a wall by echoing the
well-known saying, "Good fences make good neighbors." He insists on
the necessity of maintaining the wall as a way to uphold tradition and to keep
a clear delineation between their respective properties. To the neighbor, the
wall represents a physical barrier that preserves individual boundaries and
prevents potential conflicts.
The neighbor's
perspective reflects a more pragmatic and conventional outlook. He seems to
prioritize the idea of respecting established norms and boundaries, emphasizing
the value of separation and privacy. He believes that the wall provides a sense
of order, ensuring that each person's property and rights are clearly defined.
By repeating the
saying, the neighbor suggests that the wall not only maintains distance but
also fosters a sense of civility and mutual understanding between neighbors.
For him, the wall symbolizes a tangible manifestation of respect for each
other's space and a safeguard against potential disputes. This perspective
contrasts with the speaker's questioning of the wall's necessity and reflects a
commitment to tradition and established norms as a means of maintaining
neighborly relations.
5.
Why is the poet not happy with the spring season?
The poet's
discontent with the spring season in "Mending Wall" is rooted in the
implications it holds for the mending of the wall and the restoration of
boundaries. The arrival of spring signifies the time when the gaps and
disruptions in the wall become apparent and need to be repaired. This annual
task symbolizes the perpetuation of division and the reinforcement of
separateness between the speaker and his neighbor.
The speaker's
skepticism about the necessity of the wall and his contemplation of unity clash
with the routine of spring mending. He sees spring as a season that prompts the
neighbors to engage in an activity that he questions and finds unnecessary.
This contrasts with the more positive associations typically attributed to
spring—renewal, growth, and vitality.
The poet's
dissatisfaction with spring underscores his deeper dissatisfaction with the
ongoing cycle of division and the reinforcement of traditional norms. Spring
reminds him of the continuation of the status quo, wherein barriers are
reestablished rather than transcended. Thus, his ambivalence towards spring
reflects his larger contemplations on human connection, the perpetuation of
boundaries, and the philosophical conflict between division and unity.
6.
Elaborate two contrasting views of the speaker and that of his neighbor.
In "Mending
Wall," the speaker and his neighbor hold contrasting views that serve as a
central theme of the poem. The speaker embodies a more open-minded and
questioning perspective. He questions the necessity of the wall, suggesting
that "Something there is that doesn't love a wall." He sees the
disruption caused by nature as a force that challenges the need for rigid
boundaries and prompts reflection on the value of unity and shared space. The
speaker is introspective and contemplative, pondering the reasons behind the
wall and seeking to understand the forces that drive its maintenance.
On the other hand,
the neighbor represents a traditional and pragmatic viewpoint. He firmly
adheres to the saying "Good fences make good neighbors," asserting
the importance of boundaries for maintaining a sense of order and preserving
individual privacy. The neighbor is resistant to change and upholds the
established norms, valuing the wall as a symbol of respect for personal space
and property.
The contrasting
views of the speaker and his neighbor embody the broader tension between
tradition and change, unity and division. They represent different
philosophical stances towards human connections and boundaries, reflecting the
complexities of human relationships and the various ways individuals perceive
and navigate their roles within society.
C. Long
Questions
1.
Analyze the poem as a dramatic monologue.
"Mending
Wall" by Robert Frost is a prime example of a dramatic monologue, a poetic
form that involves a single speaker addressing an implied or explicit audience.
The poem is constructed as a conversation between the speaker and his neighbor,
as they work together to repair the stone wall that separates their properties.
The monologue format allows Frost to delve deeply into the speaker's thoughts,
emotions, and reflections, while also indirectly revealing the neighbor's
perspective through the speaker's narration.
The dramatic
monologue format serves as a canvas for the exploration of contrasting
viewpoints. The speaker's internal musings reveal his skepticism about the wall
and his contemplation of its symbolism. His questions about the necessity of
the wall, his curiosity about what it encloses, and his musings about the
forces that disrupt it all contribute to a rich introspection that
characterizes the monologue.
Moreover, the
format gives insight into the relationship dynamics between the two characters.
The neighbor's repeated assertion that "Good fences make good
neighbors" is juxtaposed with the speaker's probing questions,
highlighting their differing ideologies. The tension between their opposing
views provides a sense of drama and conflict that intensifies the monologue's
impact.
The dramatic
monologue also allows for a gradual unfolding of the themes. The speaker's
thoughts and observations emerge gradually, painting a vivid picture of the
surrounding landscape and the act of repairing the wall. This vivid imagery
enhances the monologue's theatrical quality, inviting readers to envision the
scene as it unfolds.
Ultimately, the
dramatic monologue format offers an intimate and personal insight into the
speaker's inner thoughts, his interactions with the neighbor, and his
contemplation of the broader themes of human connection, tradition, and the
boundaries that shape our lives. Through this form, Frost creates a dynamic and
engaging piece that captures the complexities of human relationships and invites
readers to reflect on the multifaceted nature of human existence.
2.
Describe the clash of two perspectives in the poem. Which perspective is more
convincing and why?
The clash of
perspectives in "Mending Wall" revolves around the differing
viewpoints of the speaker and his neighbor regarding the necessity and significance
of the stone wall that separates their properties. The speaker represents a
more open-minded and questioning perspective. He challenges the conventional
wisdom of "Good fences make good neighbors," suggesting that there is
an inherent force that resists the idea of division. He questions the purpose
of the wall, contemplating what it encloses and asserting that it is not
necessary in their specific context.
In contrast, the
neighbor embodies a more traditional and pragmatic viewpoint. He staunchly upholds
the saying, emphasizing the importance of clear boundaries for maintaining
order and neighborly relations. He believes that the wall is necessary to
prevent disputes and preserve privacy.
As for which
perspective is more convincing, it depends on individual interpretation. The
speaker's view is compelling because it prompts reflection on the forces of
unity and the idea that division might not always be in the best interest of
human relationships. He raises questions about the psychological and emotional
effects of maintaining such boundaries.
On the other hand,
the neighbor's perspective has its merits as well. His emphasis on established
norms and respect for personal space holds practical value. The neighbor's
perspective appeals to the need for clear demarcations to avoid
misunderstandings and conflicts that can arise in the absence of boundaries.
Ultimately, the
poem doesn't provide a clear resolution to the clash of perspectives, leaving
the interpretation open to the reader. Both viewpoints contribute to the
exploration of complex human relationships and the intricate balance between
unity and division. The poem serves as an invitation to consider the various
factors that shape our interactions with others, highlighting the intricacies
of human connections and the differing perspectives that inform them.
3.
Comment on the use of blank verse in the poem.
"Mending
Wall" by Robert Frost is written in blank verse, a form of poetry
characterized by unrhymed lines in iambic pentameter. The use of blank verse in
the poem adds depth, rhythm, and a conversational quality that contributes to
its contemplative and reflective nature.
The iambic
pentameter, with its ten syllables per line following a stressed-unstressed
pattern, mimics natural speech rhythms. This gives the poem a conversational
flow that feels as if the speaker is directly addressing the reader or the
implied neighbor. The enjambment, or continuation of a sentence or phrase
across line breaks, further enhances the conversational quality, creating a
seamless progression of thought.
The blank verse
also mirrors the contrast between the traditional and open-minded perspectives
presented in the poem. The neighbor, with his adherence to the saying
"Good fences make good neighbors," often speaks in lines with a
regular, predictable rhythm. This reflects his steadfast commitment to
tradition and established norms. In contrast, the speaker's lines vary more in
rhythm and structure, echoing his contemplative and questioning nature.
Furthermore, the
use of blank verse aligns with the poem's themes of division and unity. The
unrhymed lines and rhythmic patterns reflect the tension between order and
spontaneity, just as the wall represents a rigid division within a natural
landscape. This tension in the form mirrors the philosophical tension explored
in the content.
The use of blank
verse in "Mending Wall" creates a conversational and introspective
tone that suits the themes and subject matter of the poem. It captures the
complexities of human interaction and thought, while also mirroring the natural
world's contrasts between structure and spontaneity. The unrhymed iambic
pentameter contributes to the poem's distinctive rhythm and cadence, enhancing
its overall impact and conveying the philosophical exploration it undertakes.
4.
Analyze the poem as a symbolic poem.
"Mending
Wall" by Robert Frost operates as a symbolic poem, where the stone wall
serves as a multifaceted symbol that encapsulates broader themes and
philosophical ideas. The wall is not merely a physical structure but carries
metaphorical weight, representing various concepts and contrasts throughout the
poem.
Firstly, the wall
symbolizes the divisions that exist between people, both physically and
ideologically. It reflects the boundaries that people construct to define their
spaces and assert their individuality. This symbolic dimension of the wall
highlights the broader human tendency to create distinctions and separations,
sometimes without fully considering their implications.
Secondly, the wall
embodies tradition and adherence to established norms. The neighbor's staunch
commitment to "Good fences make good neighbors" represents the
clinging to familiar beliefs and practices. This symbolic representation
underscores the tension between the perpetuation of tradition and the potential
for growth through questioning and change.
Moreover, the wall
takes on an allegorical significance. It represents the barriers we construct
that hinder understanding and connection, prompting contemplation on the
necessity of these barriers. The disruptions caused by an unnamed force could
symbolize the underlying universal desire for unity, challenging the rigid
separation represented by the wall.
In a broader
context, the wall can be seen as a symbol of the human condition itself. It
reflects the dichotomy between individuality and communal bonds. The poem's
title, "Mending Wall," captures the cyclical nature of human
relationships, where divisions are repeatedly reinforced and repaired.
Overall, "Mending
Wall" is rich with symbolism, using the physical wall as a conduit to
explore complex themes such as division, unity, tradition, change, and the
human propensity to erect and question barriers. The poem invites readers to
delve into the layers of meaning behind the wall, unveiling insights into the
intricacies of human connections and the tensions between separation and
togetherness.
5.
What kind of language is used by the poet?
Robert Frost
employs a distinctive and evocative language in "Mending Wall" to
craft a vivid and thought-provoking poetic experience. The language in the poem
is accessible yet layered, combining everyday vocabulary with metaphorical
richness to create a blend of realism and abstraction.
Frost's language
captures the essence of rural life and human interactions, lending an authentic
and relatable quality to the poem. The conversational tone and use of
colloquialisms mirror natural speech, making the reader feel as though they are
eavesdropping on a genuine conversation between neighbors. The dialogue-like
structure and the neighbor's recurring mantra—"Good fences make good
neighbors"—add to the colloquial atmosphere.
However, Frost's
language transcends mere simplicity. The poem is replete with metaphors and
symbolic phrases that offer deeper insights. The phrase "Something there
is that doesn't love a wall" encapsulates an intangible force and lends an
air of mystery to the poem. The description of the wall as
"frozen-ground-swell," the gaps as "even two can pass abreast,"
and the stones as "loaves" or "balls" infuses ordinary
objects with a touch of the extraordinary.
Frost's choice of
words is carefully orchestrated to create vivid imagery. The imagery of stones,
gaps, and the act of mending becomes a canvas on which the themes of
separation, unity, and human connection are painted. The contrast between the
neighbor's "old-stone savage armed" and the speaker's musings on the
wall's purpose further heightens the vividness of the language.
The language in "Mending
Wall" is a skillful blend of the ordinary and the symbolic. Frost's words
resonate with readers due to their familiarity, while simultaneously inviting
deeper contemplation through their metaphorical richness. This language style
enhances the poem's accessibility, making it relatable to a wide audience,
while also encouraging readers to explore the layers of meaning hidden beneath
the surface.
Best of
Luck
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