Stopping by woods on a snowy evening

I like this poem. I think it speaks of ancient times, or ancient beliefs, because it mentions the darkest evening of the year, which is Yule in the old religion, and the horse's bells, which are also in keeping with Yule. I also think the guy who is writing the poem has put himself in the role of the Santa Claus of old, who has miles to go to deliver his gifts to the children, and only the one night in which to complete his journey. Why has he stopped at the woods? I'm not sure, but Yule is the end of the Pagan Year and the beginning of the new. I think maybe he is reflecting on the passing of the dark time, and the rebirth of the Sun and new beginnings. I don't know whether you see this in the same way as I, but I guess that's what poetry is all about. Thank you for sharing this with us... I enjoyed the exercise. Brightest Blessings! :-)

The poem evokes a kind of social unease, the dark woods could be seen as analogous to Nietzsche's abyss. The darkness of the human soul, or the abyss between man and Nature. The horse is a tamed creature so it has lost it's true connection with Nature and so it seems less of a wild thing than the poet. His absorbtion in the woods is a counter-point to his obligations as a human being, as his obligations are purely practical whilst his staying indicates leisure or psychological fulfillment which he cannot find in the village, in the company of other people. I believe that Frost is here presenting himself as a misanthrope, he is celebrating an aspect of Nature which is usually considered less than lovely. The dark and baroque atmosphere of the poem contrasts with typical celebrations of Nature like Wordsworth's Daffodils- But that is the power of Frost, he is the poet of all of New England, and he can see the majesty and beauty in it's every mood. One thing which continues to puzzle me however is the question of possession that the poem begins with, this aspect of Nature has already been claimed by an unnamed person- but he is a village-man, not a nature-man, Frost seems to be claiming the woods for himself, or perhaps the scene itself the atmosphere of the moment- he may also be making a comment on the very reality of this supposed concept of possession we have as 'civilised' people- do our possessions actually own us? The repetition in the last two lines emphasise a sense of regret, he finds it so difficult to break away from the woods but he is bound to human whim and in essence he is not a wild thing any more than his horse or the man in the village.

how wonderful...i hadn't heard this in years...i love it even better now than i did then...maybe it's because i love the look and feel of being in the woods on a beautiful moonlit snowy night....thank you for reminding me about this beautiful poem.

One of my all time favourite poems as well as poets. I love nature and Robert Frost captures the essence and beauty of it in many of his works. We had this poem in high school as part of an English course. The poet conveys the message, that in life we come across so many things and we pause for a while to take in its meaning and purpose but most of the time we aren't meant to be a part of it and we have to move on to fulfill our other responsibilities. That's what he means when he reiterates "And miles to go before I sleep,And miles to go before I sleep." We came into this world to accomplish a pre-destined purpose before we die, hence it's our duty to do the needful than to ponder on things we were not meant to experience. It's ok to enjoy life but we shouldn't get side-tracked from our original goals.Robert Frost wants to stay a little longer and enjoy the woods and the perfect setting, but he moves on.

I think Frost is probably just saying that although there is much beauty and there are many pleasant diversions, we have to be aware that we all have a unique mission in life that can only be performed by us. You're probably way too young to know this but the poem you quoted was a favorite of President John Kennedy. He quoted rom Robert Frost often in his speechs and was also a New Englander.

I am sure when Robert Frost wrote this poem that he must have felt much as I did when I took the picture in my avatar. As a matter of fact, I was thinking of the Frost poem at the time I took this. We rarely have snow here in winter and I was overcome by the natural beauty and was delighted that I was able to capture the detail and clarity with my camera. I turned this into a Christmas card and was amazed at the response I got from family and friends.

Its a beautiful poem i have ever read. its simple, understandable and convey many meanings. the poet used simple words to explain the natural beauty.

Robert Frost is one of my favorite poets. Haven't read this poem though in years. It's about enjoying your surroundings and taking the time to apperciate it during our busy lives. At least that is my interpratation.

hmm really nice.

sounds like santa.I sure miss the snow and that poem gave me memories of new york in the winter.

sounds like Santa.

Mr Frost says that he couldin move further after seeing the beauty of mother nature.

i love it. it inspired me and give me hope to move on. I read it over and over and it just keeps me going.