Message of Frost convey through the poem Mending Wall

Answer

What message does Frost convey through his poem “Mending Wall?” [NU: 2018, 21]

Robert Frost’s (1874-1963) “Mending Wall” (1914) is not only about repairing a wall but also about two different ways of looking at life. The speaker questions the need for walls, while his neighbour believes in keeping them. The poem conveys a message about human relationships and tradition.

The Work of Mending: Every spring, the speaker and his neighbour meet to repair the stone wall between their fields. The winter frost and hunters break it down. They patiently put back the fallen stones.

The Speaker’s Argument: Frost’s speaker believes that walls are not always necessary. His land has apple trees, while his neighbour has pine trees. He jokes that his apple trees will never get across the wall and eat his neighbour’s pines. So, he asks why they need a wall when there are no cows or animals to keep in or out. He also feels that nature itself “doesn’t love a wall.” This is why the wall keeps breaking down every year. He says:

“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.”

For the speaker, the wall is meaningless and only separates people.

The Neighbour’s Belief: The neighbour thinks differently. He disagrees with the speaker. He believes in tradition. He is not happy to accept modern or smart ways of thinking. So, his only reply is,

“Good fences make good neighbours.”

So, the neighbour believes that fences create respect and peace between people. But the speaker thinks of him as an “old-stone savage,” living in darkness/ignorance.

Frost’s Message: So, Frost’s message becomes clear at the end. The poem tells us that, sometimes, boundaries may not be necessary. It is not wise to hold on to traditions blindly. People should keep an open mind and respect positive thinking. The poem also leaves us thinking whether walls truly bring people closer or keep them apart.