If you’ve ever read Robert Frost’s “Mending Wall,” you might have wondered what the wall actually symbolizes. Perhaps you were left with questions about the boundary’s purpose, or why the neighbors kept repairing it year after year. While the poem appears to be about just that – mending an old stone wall – Frost uses it to symbolize much more than a simple boundary line. Through this poem, he explores themes of isolation, tradition, and the human impulse to construct barriers.
As we delve into “Mending Wall,” we see that the wall represents more than just a physical object. It acts as a symbol of the divide between the narrator and his neighbor, as well as the divisions between people in society. Frost’s poem is an exploration of the boundaries we create and the reasons behind them, as well as the traditions we uphold and the mindsets that keep us separate. We see that the wall serves to both connect and separate the neighbors, and this duality speaks to the complicated nature of human relationships.
When we analyze Frost’s poem, we see that the wall is not simply a physical obstruction, but rather a reflection of the complex social constructs that shape our lives. Its presence suggests that humans have a fundamental desire to separate themselves from others, but it also highlights the limitations that come with that. “Mending Wall” is a timeless exploration of the human condition, and through it, we can begin to question our own assumptions about the role of boundaries in our lives.
The Literal Meaning of the Wall in “Mending Wall”
“Mending Wall” is a poem written by Robert Frost that falls into the genre of pastoral poetry. In this poem, Frost uses the image of a wall to symbolize the relationship between two neighbors who come together annually to repair a wall that divides their properties. At first, the wall seems to represent a necessary physical barrier between the two households. However, as the poem progresses, the narrator begins to question the need for the wall and wonders what it might symbolize beyond its literal function.
The wall in “Mending Wall” represents the physical boundary between the speaker and his neighbor. This literal meaning of the wall is clear from the very beginning of the poem when the speaker tells us that “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall” (line 1). The need to repair the wall each year implies that the wall has some functional purpose like keeping wildlife out of their crops or defining the boundary between the speaker’s and his neighbor’s property. The wall is described as made of stones that “fall to each other” (line 10) which emphasizes the need for its maintenance and suggests that although it is a boundary, it requires mutual cooperation and effort to keep it standing.
The symbolic meaning of the wall in “Mending Wall”
Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall” is a thought-provoking piece on the idea of boundaries and their purpose in human relationships. The wall in this poem has a symbolic meaning, and plays an important role in conveying the central theme of the poem.
- Physical divide: The wall is a physical barrier that can be seen as a metaphorical divider between the speaker and his neighbor. This is seen in the lines “He is all pine and I am apple orchard / My apple trees will never get across / And eat the cones under his pines.” The wall represents the separation that exists between human beings, which may be based on social class, race, religion, or any other factor that causes people to form barriers around themselves.
- Conservative values: The speaker in the poem is critical of his neighbor’s urge to maintain the wall. He sees it as a symbol of the conservative values that are becoming outdated in the modern world. This is seen in the lines “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall, / That wants it down.” The wall represents the rigid ideas and values that some people hold on to, even when they no longer make sense.
- Unity and division: The wall is also a symbol of both unity and division. The act of mending the wall brings the two neighbors together, but it also perpetuates the idea of separation. This is seen in the lines “We have to use a spell to make them [the gaps] balance: / ‘Stay where you are until our backs are turned!'” The wall represents the paradox of human relationships, that in order to be close to someone, we must also maintain some degree of separation.
The wall in “Mending Wall” is a powerful symbol that conveys a complex message about the nature of human relationships. It represents the physical and psychological barriers that divide us, the conservative values that hold us back, and the paradoxical nature of our need for both unity and division. Through this symbol, Frost invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the barriers that may be affecting them.
Overall, the wall in “Mending Wall” acts as a metaphorical tool that helps readers understand the complex themes of the poem. It is a powerful reminder of the role that boundaries play in our lives, and the importance of questioning their purpose and origins.
| Symbolic meaning of the Wall | Examples from the poem |
|---|---|
| Physical divide | “My apple trees will never get across / and eat the cones under his pines.” |
| Conservative values | “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall, / That wants it down.” |
| Unity and division | “We have to use a spell to make them [the gaps] balance: / ‘Stay where you are until our backs are turned!'” |
The table above summarizes the symbolic meanings of the wall in “Mending Wall”, and provides specific examples from the poem that illustrate each of these meanings.
The Role of the Speaker in “Mending Wall”
Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall” portrays the story of two neighbors who annually meet to repair the wall dividing their properties. As they work, the speaker, who is Frost himself, questions the purpose of the wall and reflects upon its symbolism. Here are some of the ways in which the speaker influences the theme and the meaning of the poem.
- Observer: The speaker acts as an observer, questioning the need for the wall and bringing to light its meaning or lack thereof. He challenges the traditional belief that “good fences make good neighbors” and the idea that walls can resolve conflicts.
- Philosopher: The speaker ponders on the deeper significance of the wall, questioning how it affects human relationships and individual freedoms. He suggests that the wall could symbolize the human tendency to distance oneself from others, to create boundaries where they may not be necessary.
- Contrarian: The speaker’s questioning of the need for the wall goes against the common beliefs of his neighbor and perhaps even the society. He challenges the status quo, suggesting that the wall may create more problems than it solves, and that there might be other ways to approach the issue of boundaries.
The speaker’s role in “Mending Wall” is that of an observer, philosopher, and contrarian. His questioning of the symbolism of the wall brings to light the themes of the poem and challenges society’s belief in the need for walls. Through his words, Frost suggests that human connection and understanding can only be achieved through the breaking down of walls instead of their mending.
The speaker’s role is essential to the meaning of the poem and its criticism of the prevalent ideas of its time. Through his questioning, we are made to consider the role of boundaries and their use, and whether they may be doing more harm than good.
As Frost notes in the poem, “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,” and through the speaker’s role, we are encouraged to consider what that something might be.
| Speaker’s Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Observer | The speaker questions the need for the wall and brings to light its meaning or lack thereof. |
| Philosopher | The speaker ponders on the deeper significance of the wall, questioning how it affects human relationships and individual freedoms. |
| Contrarian | The speaker’s questioning of the need for the wall goes against the common beliefs of his neighbor and perhaps even the society. He challenges the status quo, suggesting that the wall may create more problems than it solves. |
In conclusion, the speaker’s role in “Mending Wall” is to challenge the reader’s perception of the wall as a physical structure and as a symbol. He encourages us to question the purpose and value of boundaries and to consider if they have a place in modern human relationships. Through his insightful observations and challenging ideas, Frost suggests that walls may not be necessary after all.
The neighbor’s attitude towards the wall in “Mending Wall”
In Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall”, the neighbor’s attitude towards the wall being constantly repaired is a complex one. On one hand, the neighbor is the one who initiates the wall mending and seems to value its presence. On the other hand, the neighbor questions the necessity of the wall and its purpose in modern times. Here are some points to consider when examining the neighbor’s attitude towards the wall.
- The neighbor believes in the tradition of wall mending and sees it as a necessary part of maintaining their land boundary. He says “Good fences make good neighbors” (line 27) and seems to take pride in the ritual of mending the wall each year.
- However, the neighbor questions the practicality of the wall and its purpose in their modern world. He brings up the fact that there are no cows to be kept on either of their properties and that the wall does not keep anything out. In fact, the neighbor admits that he doesn’t know “what I was walling in or walling out” (line 40).
- Despite these doubts, the neighbor continues to participate in the ritual of wall mending. He seems to be torn between honoring tradition and questioning whether the wall is truly necessary.
Ultimately, the neighbor’s attitude towards the wall in “Mending Wall” represents a larger theme of the poem: the tension between tradition and progress. Frost’s poem questions whether it’s truly necessary to hold onto traditions just because they’ve been followed for generations, or whether it’s time to reassess their value in contemporary times. The neighbor’s conflicted attitude towards the wall serves as a microcosm of this larger theme and invites readers to consider their own relationship with tradition and progress in their lives.
The Theme of Isolation in “Mending Wall”
Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall” portrays the theme of isolation through the speaker’s relationship with his neighbor, his reflection on the wall, and his view on life. The poem suggests that isolation is a natural human instinct, but it can lead to separation and misconception between people.
- The speaker’s relationship with his neighbor:
- The reflection on the wall:
- View on life:
The two neighbors have always lived apart, both physically and mentally. The speaker believes in breaking down walls and coming closer, while the neighbor clings to tradition and isolation. The speaker’s attempt to have a conversation with his neighbor shows that despite their difference in traits, they share common ground in maintaining the wall. Isolation stems from the belief that togetherness is a threat to one’s individuality, which is evident in the neighbor’s reluctance to interact with his peer.
The wall symbolizes the physical and emotional barrier between people. The speaker contemplates the wall’s significance and concludes that it is unnecessary, for there are no cows to be kept apart. This statement highlights that walls are built out of fear rather than function. The walls that people build are not always visible, but instead, they are created by the beliefs and ideas that we hold on to.
The poem demonstrates that isolation can lead to close-mindedness in life. The neighbor has a fixed mindset that does not allow him to appreciate new ideas and perspectives. This point is reflected by his repeated phrase, “good fences make good neighbors.” The speaker, on the other hand, recognizes that isolation leads to misconceptions and instead chooses interaction and conversation to bring people closer together.
The Isolation Effect:
The isolation effect is a cognitive bias where humans tend to overvalue distinctiveness and undervalue similarities when making decisions. This is evident in the neighbor’s perception of the wall’s significance as an exclusive identity marker. In contrast, the speaker sees it as a means of separation, which only serves to distance them further.
| Isolation Effect | Examples in “Mending Wall” |
|---|---|
| Overvaluing differences | Neighbor’s belief in maintaining tradition and separation |
| Undervaluing similarities | The speaker’s belief in coming closer and breaking down barriers |
Overall, “Mending Wall” highlights the theme of isolation as a double-edged sword. While isolation can provide a sense of individuality and security, it can also lead to misconceptions and separation between people. The poem encourages us to examine our beliefs and view them from a broader perspective, to ensure that our walls do not create isolation.
The Theme of Tradition in “Mending Wall”
One of the central themes in Robert Frost’s “Mending Wall” is tradition. Frost presents the idea of tradition as a source of both comfort and confinement. The speaker and his neighbor have a longstanding tradition of meeting each spring to repair the wall that separates their properties. For the speaker, this tradition represents a connection to the past and a sense of continuity with previous generations.
At the same time, however, the poem suggests that tradition can be limiting and even oppressive. The speaker questions the necessity of the wall and wonders why they continue to uphold this tradition year after year. His neighbor, on the other hand, is steadfast in his adherence to tradition, repeating the old adage “Good fences make good neighbors” as a justification for their actions.
- The wall serves as a symbol of tradition, representing the ways in which people cling to established customs and routines.
- The poem challenges the notion that tradition is always a positive force, suggesting that it can also be a source of division and conflict.
- The tension between the speaker and his neighbor reflects a broader cultural shift away from traditional values and toward individualism and self-expression.
Overall, “Mending Wall” explores the complex dynamics of tradition and the ways in which it shapes our lives and relationships. The wall that the neighbors maintain represents a physical manifestation of tradition, but the poem suggests that traditions are not always worth preserving at all costs.
| Pros of Tradition | Cons of Tradition |
|---|---|
| Provides a sense of continuity and connection to the past | Can be limiting and oppressive |
| Helps to establish social norms and expectations | May limit individual expression and creativity |
| Creates a sense of shared identity and community | Can perpetuate harmful or outdated beliefs and practices |
Ultimately, Frost’s poem suggests that tradition should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and that we should be willing to question the value of traditions that no longer serve a positive purpose. By doing so, we can avoid becoming trapped by the past and instead embrace change and progress.
The theme of boundaries in “Mending Wall”
“Mending Wall” by Robert Frost is a poem that explores the theme of boundaries. Frost uses the physical wall that separates two neighbors as a metaphor for the emotional and psychological barriers that humans place between themselves and others. Within this overarching theme of boundaries, there are several subthemes that warrant further exploration.
The Significance of the Number Seven
One of the most fascinating aspects of “Mending Wall” is its preoccupation with the number seven. The poem is divided into 46 lines, which are arranged into 10-syllable iambic pentameter. The number 46 is divisible by seven, and the seventh line of the poem reads, “Something, there is that doesn’t love a wall.” The use of seven is not arbitrary; rather, it symbolizes completeness and perfection.
The poem’s fascination with the number seven extends beyond its length and structure. For example, the narrator describes the stones that make up the wall as having each “loaf” and “boulder” sit tight for “the hardness we get out of bed for.” There are seven uses of the word “for” in this section of the poem, reinforcing the idea of perfection and completeness.
Why does Frost use the number seven in this way? The answer is not entirely clear, but one interpretation is that it represents the human desire for order and control. We seek to create walls and boundaries in our lives to give us a sense of completeness and closure. However, as the poem suggests, these boundaries can also be arbitrary and unnecessary.
The Juxtaposition of Nature and Man-made Structures in “Mending Wall”
One of the most striking aspects of Robert Frost’s “Mending Wall” is the contrast between the natural world and the human-made structures that divide it. The poem opens with the lines, “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,” implying that the natural world is opposed to the artificial boundaries that humans create. This theme is developed further throughout the poem, as the speaker and his neighbor come together to repair their shared stone wall.
The contrast between nature and human-made structures is especially apparent in the imagery that Frost uses. In the second stanza, for example, the speaker describes the wall as “a little looser,” adding that “it could be elves to come and push them out of shape.” This suggestion of supernatural forces adds an element of mystery and wonder to the poem, highlighting the contrast between the human world and the natural world.
- Another example of this contrast can be found in the poem’s description of the work that the two men do to repair the wall. While the speaker describes himself and his neighbor as “two neighbors, talking over a fence,” there is a sense of tension and opposition between the two men as they build up the wall. On the one hand, the speaker is aware of the natural world that exists beyond the wall, and recognizes the value of this world. On the other hand, his neighbor seems more focused on defending his property and keeping out “the frozen ground-swell under it.”
- Despite these differences, however, both men work together to build up the wall, and the final image of the poem suggests that there is something positive in the relationship between human beings and the natural world. The speaker describes himself and his neighbor as “good neighbors,” and there is a sense of camaraderie and shared work between the two men as they repair the wall.
- Overall, then, Frost’s “Mending Wall” is a powerful exploration of the contrast between nature and human-made structures. Through his use of imagery, language, and character development, Frost creates a vivid and compelling portrait of the relationship between human beings and the natural world, showing that even as we seek to build walls and boundaries, there is something in our nature that longs to connect with and be part of the wider world around us.
Ultimately, “Mending Wall” is a poem that invites us to think about the relationship between human beings and the natural world, and the ways in which these two worlds intersect and collide. By exploring the tension between the artificial structures that we create and the natural forces that surround us, Frost challenges us to think more deeply about the role that we play in shaping the world around us and our responsibilities to the wider world.
| Subtopics | Description |
|---|---|
| Imagery of the wall as supernatural | How Frost creates a sense of mystery and wonder in relation to the wall. |
| The tension between the speaker and his neighbor | The contrast between the two men’s attitudes towards the natural world and the wall. |
| The relationship between human beings and the natural world | How the poem explores the connection and disconnection between these two worlds. |
The theme of communication in “Mending Wall”
One of the major themes in Robert Frost’s “Mending Wall” is the idea of communication and its importance in human relationships. The poem explores the ways in which people communicate (or fail to communicate) with one another, and the impact that these communication breakdowns can have on their relationships.
- The poem highlights the importance of open communication and dialogue. Throughout the poem, the speaker questions the necessity of the wall, and wonders why his neighbor insists on keeping it up. By engaging in conversation, the speaker is able to better understand the motivations behind his neighbor’s actions, and the two are able to come to a deeper understanding of one another.
- The poem also shows how communication barriers can lead to conflict and misunderstanding. The neighbor’s repeated assertion that “good fences make good neighbors” is a clear example of how communication breakdowns can lead to a lack of understanding and a failure to find common ground.
- Despite these challenges, the poem ultimately suggests that communication is essential for building and maintaining human relationships. By working together to repair the wall, the two men are able to forge a deeper connection and a greater sense of community.
The poem’s treatment of communication is especially relevant today, in a world where we increasingly rely on digital communication and face a growing number of barriers to face-to-face interaction. “Mending Wall” reminds us of the importance of engaging in open, honest communication with those around us, and offers a powerful reminder of the ways in which communication can help build bridges between people
Overall, Frost’s “Mending Wall” offers a powerful reminder of the importance of communication in human relationships – and a timely call to action, encouraging us to break down the walls that keep us apart and work to build stronger, more inclusive communities.
The Significance of the Wall’s Disrepair in “Mending Wall”
“Mending Wall” by Robert Frost is a classic poem that explores the relationship between neighbors and the need for boundaries. The wall in the poem plays a central role in symbolizing the physical and emotional separation between two neighbors. As the poem progresses, the wall’s disrepair takes on a deeper meaning and serves to reveal much about the human condition.
- Physical Decay
- Lack of Communication
- Fear of the Unknown
One of the most obvious interpretations of the wall’s disrepair is that it represents physical decay. Frost describes the wall as “that sends the frozen-ground-swell under it” and “spills the upper boulders in the sun.” These lines suggest that the wall has been damaged over time by natural forces like freezing and thawing, as well as erosion. The physical decay of the wall serves as a metaphor for the breakdown of relationships and the fragility of human bonds in the face of time.
Another interpretation of the wall’s disrepair is that it represents a lack of communication between the neighbors. The speaker notes that “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall” and that “He will not go behind his father’s saying.” These lines suggest that the neighbors are trapped by tradition and cannot communicate effectively with each other. The wall becomes a physical manifestation of their communication problems, representing the emotional distance between them.
The wall’s disrepair may also symbolize a fear of the unknown. The speaker notes that “we keep the wall between us as we go,” suggesting that the neighbors are afraid to interact with each other without the security of the wall. The disrepair of the wall may represent their fear of letting their guard down and getting to know each other on a deeper level.
Frost’s poem “Mending Wall” is a complex exploration of human relationships. The wall’s disrepair serves as a symbol for decay, lack of communication, and fear of the unknown. As the neighbors repair the wall, they may be repairing their relationship, or they may simply be perpetuating the cycle of separation and isolation.
When we examine the wall’s disrepair in “Mending Wall,” we gain insight into the complexities of human relationships. Walls may keep us safe, but they also keep us apart. In the end, it is up to us to decide whether to repair the wall or tear it down.
| Symbolism | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The Wall | Physical and emotional separation |
| Disrepair | Decay, lack of communication, fear of the unknown |
| Mending | Rebuilding relationships or perpetuating separation |
As we can see, the wall’s disrepair in “Mending Wall” is a rich symbol that reveals much about human nature and relationships. Whether we choose to repair the wall or tear it down, the choice we make will have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us.
FAQs: What Does the Wall Symbolize in Mending Wall?
1. What is Mending Wall?
Mending Wall is a poem written by Robert Frost in 1914, which explores the relationship between two neighbors who annually mend the wall that separates their properties.
2. What does the wall symbolize?
The wall in Mending Wall symbolizes the barriers that humans create in their relationships. It can also represent the divides between people, the need for boundaries, and the fear of the unknown.
3. Is the wall a positive or negative symbol?
The wall can be interpreted as either a positive or negative symbol, depending on the reader’s perspective. In some ways, the wall represents security and protection. In other ways, it represents the division between people and the lack of trust.
4. What is the significance of “Good fences make good neighbors”?
“Good fences make good neighbors” is a line from Mending Wall that suggests that having boundaries between people is important for maintaining positive relationships. However, the poem can be interpreted as both supporting and challenging this idea.
5. What is the conflict in Mending Wall?
The conflict in Mending Wall is between the two neighbors’ differing attitudes towards the wall. One of them questions the need for the wall, while the other believes that it is important to maintain it. This conflict highlights the tension that can arise from differing perspectives.
6. What is the message of Mending Wall?
The message of Mending Wall is that human relationships can be hindered by the barriers that people create between each other. The poem suggests the importance of questioning the need for these barriers and finding common ground with others despite our differences.
7. What can readers learn from Mending Wall?
Readers can learn from Mending Wall that communication, understanding, and trust are essential components of healthy relationships. The poem also encourages readers to be open-minded and willing to challenge their own beliefs.
Conclusion
Thanks for taking the time to explore the symbolism of the wall in Mending Wall. As Frost reminds us, the barriers we create can both protect us and limit us. It’s up to us to examine our relationships and determine whether they require walls or bridges. We hope you found this article insightful and encourage you to visit us again for more thought-provoking content.