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” 

Critical appreciation of a poem means carefully evaluating and understanding its literary value. “The Death of the Hired Man” (1914) is a narrative poem by Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet Robert Frost (1874-1963). This poem tells a poignant story about the return of an old farmhand, Silas, to the farm of Warren and Mary. Through this story, Frost explores complex themes of home, duty, forgiveness, and the human condition.

Summary of the Poem: The poem begins with Mary, who is sitting by a lamp, waiting for her husband Warren to return home. Their old farmhand, Silas, has returned to the farm, exhausted and ill. When Warren arrives, Mary urges him to be kind to Silas, who had left them in a difficult situation during a previous haying season. Warren is initially reluctant, remembering how unreliable Silas had been. He argues Silas should return to his own home. Mary believes Silas belongs to their home. However, as Mary describes Silas’s pitiful state, Warren begins to soften. Despite his initial harshness, Warren ultimately goes to check on Silas, only to find that he has quietly passed away (died).

Analysis of Themes

Home and Belonging: One of the central themes of the poem is the concept of home and belonging. Silas returns to Warren and Mary’s farm to die, seeing it as his only home. Warren argues that home is about obligation and blood connection. Warren says:

Home is the place where, when you have to go there,

They have to take you in.

However, the poem ultimately agrees with Mary’s view that home is “something you somehow haven’t to deserve,” home is a freely given and loving gift.

Justice and Forgiveness: The theme of justice and forgiveness is explored through the differing perspectives of Warren and Mary regarding Silas’s return. Warren initially takes a strict, justice-oriented standpoint. He is reluctant to give Silas another chance because Silas left them when they needed him the most, during the haying season. Warren says,

I told him so last haying, didn’t I?

If he left then, I said, that ended it

However, Mary advocates for forgiveness, recognizing that Silas is seeking peace in his final days. Ultimately, Warren’s beliefs result in Silas’s death; Warren refuses to allow Silas in until it is too late. The poem suggests Warren should’ve shown mercy and compassion, which Mary shows to Silas, and tit-for-tat “justice” isn’t truly just.

Symbols and Images: Frost’s masterful use of symbols enhances the poem’s themes. The farm symbolizes home and a place of belonging, even for someone like Silas who has been unreliable.

The image of the “moon” which is “falling down the west” foreshadows Silas’ death.

Part of a moon was falling down the west,

The description of the quiet, moonlit night, creates a vivid picture that enhances the emotional impact of the poem.

Form and Structure: “The Death of the Hired Man” is written in blank verse, unrhymed iambic pentameter. It gives the poem a natural, conversational tone. This form suits the narrative style of the poem, allowing Frost to convey deep emotions and complex ideas through simple, everyday language. The poem is structured as a dialogue between Warren and Mary.

Language and Style: Frost’s language in the poem is straightforward and conversational. Frost’s language in this poem reflects the rural setting and the lives of New Englanders. The dialogue between Warren and Mary is natural and authentic.

In conclusion, “The Death of the Hired Man” is a powerful exploration of human relationships, responsibility, and the meaning of home. Frost’s use of everyday language is combined with deep emotional insight. This combination makes this poem one of his most celebrated works.