Critical Appreciation of the Poem “The Death of The Hired Man”

Answer

 Write a critical appreciation of the poem “The Death of the Hired Man.” [NU: 2019, 21]

Robert Frost’s (1874-1963) poem “The Death of the Hired Man” was first published in his 1914 collection North of Boston.  It takes place in a countryside farmhouse. The poem is about a couple, Warren and Mary. They discuss the return of their old farm worker, Silas. Through this conversation, Frost explores deep themes like home, duty, kindness, and desire for human connection. It is one of Frost’s best poems about rural settings.

Form and Structure: The poem is written in blank verse. It means the poem has no rhyme scheme, but it follows iambic pentameter. This gives the poem a natural, conversational style. It feels like a real conversation between Warren and Mary. This structure helps Frost to present deep ideas through simple, everyday speech.

Symbols and Images: Frost uses many symbols in this poem. The farm is a symbol of home. The farm is the only home Silas knows. He thinks Warren and Mary are his closest ones. This is why he does not go to his rich brother in his final moments. The poem is also filled with vivid images. We find an image of the moon falling in the west.

“…Moon was falling down the west.”

This image foreshadows Silas’s death. Later, a cloud slowly comes over the moon, and Silas dies. With his images, Frost creates a sad but peaceful atmosphere that fits Silas’s end.

Language and Style: Frost’s language is simple, clear, and conversational. His language closely follows the accent of the rural New Englanders, where Frost lived. The dialogue between Warren and Mary feels very real.

The Death of the Hired Man—Home: The poem starts at the farmhouse of Warren and Mary in the evening. Mary tells her husband that their old farmhand, Silas, has returned. Silas is old and very sick. She tells Warren to “be kind” to Silas. However, Warren