Theme of alienation in the poems of Robert Frost

Answer

Depict the theme of alienation in the poems of Robert Frost. [NU: 2018]

Robert Frost (1874–1963) is one of the most famous poets of the twentieth century. In his poems, we often find the theme of alienation. Alienation means a feeling of being separated or cut off—from people, from society, or even from oneself. Many of Frost’s poems show this theme clearly. Let us examine some of his notable poems that show this theme.

Alienation from Society: In “Acquainted with the Night” (1927), Frost’s speaker feels very alone in the world. He walks alone through the city streets at night. He says:

“I have been one acquainted with the night.”

Here, the night does not only mean darkness but also sadness and loneliness. When he meets a watchman, he lowers his eyes and does not speak. This shows that he does not want human contact. So, the whole poem shows a man completely cut off from society. He is someone who walks in the darkness of his own loneliness.

Longing for Human Connection: In “The Death of the Hired Man” (1914), alienation is shown through Silas. Silas is an old farm worker. He is very sick. He returns to the farm of Warren and Mary. He thinks they are his close ones. However, Warren does not trust Silas. He refuses to take him back because he has been unreliable. Silas left the couple during the busy haying season. This makes Silas feel even more helpless and lonely. Mary, however, understands his loneliness. He says to Warren:

“He [Silas] has come home to die.”

Silas does not go to his brother, who is a rich bank director. Maybe he does not want to shame his educated brother. This shows how lonely Silas is. He chooses to come back to Warren and Mary instead. In the end, Silas dies. So, Silas’s story is the story of an alienated man who seeks human connection in his final