Was Robert Frost wise in choosing the less travelled road?
The Road Not Taken is a notable literary work by Robert Frost. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of The Road Not Taken.
Answer
Was Robert Frost wise in choosing the less travelled road?
Robert Frost (1874-1963), in his poem ‘Road Not Taken’ (1916), proves his wisdom in choosing the right path. He chooses the path that is less travelled. His decision to take the less travelled path creates room for debate and interpretation. Although the poem suggests that his choice made all the difference, a nearer analysis reveals the wisdom and complexity of his decision.
Exploration and Individuality: The poet chooses the less travelled road. It symbolizes his desire for exploration and individuality. He utters,
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry, I could not travel both
These lines display the importance of making choices in life and the inability to experience every option.
Curiosity and Uniqueness: The poet’s curious mind and desire to be unique lead him to take the less travelled path to undertake his journey. He states,
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference
These words indicate that his choice brings about special experiences shaping his lifestyle.
Courage and Independence: Choosing the less travelled path demonstrates bravery and a willingness to break from tradition. Frost acknowledges that it was
the passing there
Had worn them really about the same
The paths were equally worn, but he chose the less travelled one to represent his thinking independence.
In conclusion, Robert Frost’s decision to take the road less travelled in “The Road Not Taken” can be seen as wise because it represents individuality, exploration, and personal growth. Still, the poem’s complexity invites readers to consider the complexity of life’s choices and how we perceive them over time.