The Road Not Taken and a Worn Path

Symbolism of the Journey

"The Road Not Taken" and "A Worn Path"

ENG125: Introduction to Literature

What is literature? "stories, poems, and plays, especially those that are considered to have value as art and not just entertainment". (Clugston, R.W., 2010) When trying to convey or understand what the authors mean behind the short stores or poems the readers have to apply symbolism to bring the literary work alive. Symbolism can be understood in your own way. What I've learn from the chapter one symbolism of the literary work one must create the imagination of the writer to portray certain events. "To experience these forms of literature, you must make an intentional decision to turn yourself over to an imaginary realm". (Clugston, R.W., 2010) The way we get the pleasure of reading is so that the reader can read between the lines what these symbols meaning to them which give the reader more excitement of understanding the reading literature. With each new chapter I'm learning more and more the information begin to make sense of the symbolic nature of the characters voyage during the course of the written word. Correspondingly the voyage is not only in the reading of the literary work but, in interpreting the symbolism to find its real meaning as the reader of the short story or poem may share common link or understanding what this short story or poem could mean from personal experience. Consequently, which is the reason I have chosen the author's Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken.", and Eudora Welty's short story, "A Worn Path".

An example of this symbolic journey is Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken." In this poem we read about a man who is walking along an old road and then it split into two roadways. I begin to realize that these two pathways or roads are really decision he must take but not sure what to do. Looking at the roads they look the same however if looking closely he determine there is difference in the two. We quickly determine that these two roads are symbolization of decision or choice he has to make. Why I identify with this poem is because in life we are constant face with challenging decision or choice that we have make. Some of these decisions have to be made quickly or eventually however the outcome from the decision made will be impact the future. Before moving to quickly on what road to travel he begins to ponder on what the road will be most productive or fortunate.

As I begin to read Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken." are given many symbols to analyze this journey. As the reader I realize this poem can understand differently by some many different people. One the main symbolism meaning from this poem is about life's many choices. Keeping an open mind that each persons that may read this poem will have different meaning or understand depend on how in touch or having sense of openness to identify. Robert Frost understood the symbolic meaning that he was forming for his readers and wanted to fuse that version with his reader by using symbolism to give a picture of his poems. As a result we must start from the foundation which helps us to explore his poems symbolic passage. For that reason let look at the first two lines of Robert Frost's poem he says: "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both". (Clugston, R.W., 2010)

The symbolisms for the two roads are decisions or path of life one must choose. Both paths are scrutinized equally and realizing that ultimately his outcome upon what road to take will definitely have impact on the future. The path way was covered in "yellow wood" could also mean a change in the season. With every new season we know change is inevitable to happen. On a daily basis we are challenged with roads in our lives that we are force make a choice, whether it is which road to take to work or should I do my homework. The underlining factor upon that decision is the outcome of one's choice "what will happen if decide upon this one?" Nowadays people tend take the easy road not thinking about repercussion of their decision. In this poem the person is apparently incapable what could be view as being small or minor choices, however, he's caught looking at every decision with fear: "And sorry I could not travel both/And be one traveler, long I stood". (Clugston, R.W., 2010) Not capable to make a decision he stands solid staring at two roads.

The second verse supports the ideas carried into view in the first verse. The person decides to take one of the roads "because it was grassy and wanted wear". (Clugston, R.W., 2010) The mutual understanding is to choose the road less traveled. After thoughtful examining of his most recent life experiences he has decided upon doing something different with outcome being a life altering change by choosing the road less traveled give him unexpected result of happiness. I think what help the him come to decision was in very next lines: "Those as for that the passing there/Had worn them really about the same".(Clugston, R.W.,2010) He realizes that the two paths were really not all that different or complicate. The two roads freak him out making him consider they were different not looking at the slight differences which in term became very similar. I tend believe that making any choice or decision should always be consider or thought about before making. It's not good to obsesses to me this symbolizes his life's voyage. This poem's symbolism of the passage point outs to me all the life decision one will encounter in life and could look the same or have twist to it however it's a voyage that we have conquer.

The literary work that also uses symbolism to illustrate a passage is "A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty. However, this short story is very different from Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken." In Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken.", the main character is given a choice of two different roads to take and must choose only one road. "A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty is a stimulating story, full of symbolism. In this short