Analysis of “the Road Not Taken”

Analysis of “The Road Not Taken”

ENGL 102: Literature and Composition

Spring C 2017

APA

Outline

I.  THESIS/INTRODUCTION

Although we are free to make our own choices, ironically, we do not have the freedom to not decide (Lesson 21, n.d.).  In Robert Frost’s, “The Road Not Taken”, the reader is given a glimpse into the life of a traveler who comes upon a crossroad on his journey and is forced to decide which road to choose in order to continue on.  In this poem, Frost skillfully uses each stanza to highlight the overall process of making a decision or choice.  His use of “I” allows the reader to personally connect with the following logical steps of making a decision: recognize a decision must be made; deliberate over the choices, make the decision, and accept the outcome of the decision.

II. BODY

1. Stanza I

1. Diverge

1. Stanza II

1. Decisions

1. Stanza III

1. Regrets/Second thoughts

1. Stanza IV

1. Sigh of relief or regret?
2. Success or Failure?

III. CONCLUSION

1. Summary

Analysis of “The Road Not Taken”

Although we are free to make our own choices, ironically, we do not have the freedom to not decide (Lesson 21, n.d.).  In Robert Frost’s, “The Road Not Taken”, the reader is given a glimpse into the life of a traveler who comes upon a crossroad on his journey and is forced to decide which road to choose in order to continue on.  In this poem, Frost skillfully uses each stanza to highlight the overall process of making a decision or choice.  His use of “I” allows the reader to personally connect with the following logical steps of making a decision: recognize a decision must be made; deliberate over the choices, make the decision, and accept the outcome of the decision.

In the first stanza the traveler approaches a crossroad and is challenged to make a decision.  The author’s choice of the word “Diverge” is especially fitting when you consider its definition: to move or extend in different directions from a common point; draw apart (Diverge, 2017).  The traveler appears to understand that both paths cannot be travelled as he states “And sorry I could not travel both” (line 2).  It is the divergence in the road that forces the traveler to decide which path to choose with the understanding that it will be a permanent decision.  Frost uses this setting to symbolize how one can come face-to-face with a major decision point that has life-altering, long-lasting effects.  “And be one traveler, long I stood” (line 3).  This stanza closes with the traveler, realizing what’s at stake, considering the choices before him using his sight and logic.

        The second stanza gives the reader a deeper look into the contemplations of the traveler’s choice.  The traveler appeared to be attracted to one path “Because it was grassy and wanted wear” (line 8).  However, after further consideration, he concluded that both paths were worn about the same.  This back-and-forth demonstrates that the traveler’s decision was carefully considered and not taken lightly.  Frost closes this stanza with the traveler seemingly still undecided and transitions to the third stanza.