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