Mending Wall : Themes

Themes

Themes

Tradition vs. Change: One of the main themes of Mending Wall is the conflict between tradition and new thinking. The neighbor represents tradition. He believes in his father’s old saying: “Good fences make good neighbors.” For him, walls are necessary because that is what he was taught, and he never questions it. On the other hand, the speaker represents change. He asks why a wall is needed when there are no cows, and when apple trees cannot cross to harm pine trees. He feels nature itself does not like walls. This theme shows how people often follow old customs blindly, while others want to think differently. Frost presents this tension between holding on to the past and opening up to new ideas.

Boundaries in Human Relationships: Another important theme is the role of boundaries in human relationships. The wall is not just a physical structure; it is also a symbol of emotional and social boundaries between people. The neighbor feels safe with the wall, as it gives him a sense of respect and order. He thinks fences prevent problems and keep relationships peaceful. But the speaker feels walls separate people unnecessarily. He prefers openness, questioning what is gained or lost by building barriers. This theme shows that sometimes boundaries can protect friendship, but they can also create distance and prevent true understanding. Frost uses the wall as a metaphor to explore how humans deal with closeness and separation in their lives.