stopping by the woods

• who is the poet of Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

  Robert Frost
• Poem's form and structure

  • Iambic tetrameter, little punctuation, flowing run-on lines, steady predictable rhythm
  • Overwhelmingly monosyllabic words, deceptively simple
  • Dominant rhyme sound in each stanza matches the feeling of that stanza
  • Internal alliteration gives a song-like feel
  • Third line of each stanza rhymes with the first, second and fourth lines of the next stanza, pattern broken at the end adds mystery
• The speaker is torn between wanting to stay and needing to leave. Discuss this contrast (dichotomy) by referring to the diction in the poem.

  The woods represent a restful, seductive, “dark, and lovely” atmosphere. Their unexplored depths represent the unknown and unchartered possibilities. The speaker wants to stay and relish the atmosphere. On the other hand, the speaker is reminded that he has “promises to keep” and even his little horse finds it strange to dawdle long on this “darkest evening of the year”.
• Discuss how the regular rhythm affects the overall atmosphere of the poem.

  The regularity and predictability of the rhythm allow for a sense of security and comfort in the face of the unknown and dark woods.
• Identify and explain the effectiveness of the assonance in stanza 3.

  The repetition of the soft "ee" sound (“sweep” and “easy”) echoes the gentle whispering of the falling snow
• How does the alliteration in line 9 contribute to the image we have of the horse?

  The repetition of the harsh “ss” sound echoes the clattering noise made by the bells on the harness. This emphasises the horse's frustration as it shakes its head.
• Discuss the effectiveness of the repetition of the last two lines within the context of the poem as a whole.

  The repetition emphasises the two possible meanings of the word “sleep”: it denotes rest. Figuratively, the connotations relate to death. In this way, the dichotomy that typifies the poem – that which is both lovely and awful. The poet feels he has so much to do before he rests/dies.