Theme Analysis Of Four Of Robert Frost Poemis Throught Diction.
ABSTRACT
Dalam Tugas Akhir ini, saya menganalisis tema dari empat puisi Robert
Lee Frost yang berjudul “The Road Not Taken”, “Stopping By Woods on a
Snowy Evening”, “Two Tramps In a Mud Time”, dan “The Trial by Existence”
melalui pilihan kata. Keempat puisi tersebut menggambarkan berbagai pilihan
yang berkaitan erat dengan kehidupan manusia, dan diungkapkan oleh Robert
Frost melalui berbagai pilihan kata dan salah satunya kata-kata yang berhubungan
dengan alam.
Puisi yang berjudul “The Road Not Taken” memiliki tema “Seseorang
harus menerima konsekuensi dari setiap keputusan yang sudah dibuat.” Puisi yang
berjudul “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” memiliki tema “Seseorang
harus bertanggung jawab untuk setiap keputusan yang sudah dibuat.” Puisi yang
berjudul “Two Tramps in a Mud Time” memiliki tema “Keputusan seseorang
untuk memiliki keseimbangan antara kebutuhan dan kesenangan akan berdampak
pada kebahagiaan seseorang.” Puisi yang berjudul “The Trial by Existence”
memiliki tema “Seseorang harus membuat keputusan untuk menentukan
kehidupannya.” Melalui kata-kata yang digunakan dalam puisi tersebut, Robert
Frost berhasil menyampaikan pesan mengenai pentingnya sebuah pilihan yang
diambil oleh seseorang.
iv
Maranatha Christian University
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................... i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................... iii
ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................... iv
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study ...........................................................................1
Statement of the Problem ...........................................................................2
Purpose of the Study ..................................................................................2
Method of Research ...................................................................................3
Organization of the Thesis .........................................................................3
CHAPTER TWO: ANALYSIS OF THEME OF FOUR OF ROBERT
FROST’S POEM THROUGH DICTION .............................................4
CHAPTER THREE: CONCLUSION ................................................................18
BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................22
APPENDICES:
Robert Frost’s Poems ...............................................................................24
Biography of Robert Frost .......................................................................30
iii
Maranatha Christian University
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Robert Lee Frost is an American poet whose “poems show deep appreciation
of natural world and sensibility about the human aspirations. His images of woods,
stars, houses and brooks are usually taken from everyday life. Often, Frost uses
rhythms and vocabulary of ordinary speech” (“Robert Lee Frost (1874-1963)”). The
strength of his poems is that his poems “seem to be mere translation of everyday
events into poetry” (“New England characteristics in Robert Frost’s poetry”).
Robert Frost’s poems come mostly from his life experiences and the influence
of living in New England. His poems are also “very natural in its wording, using
words that most people understand and that make his poetry seem practical and
ordinary” (“New England characteristics in Robert Frost’s poetry”). Even though his
poems are simple, they are formally structured.
1
Maranatha Christian University
Most of Frost’s poems are related to nature, which is defined as “all the
plants, animals and things that exist in the universe and are not made by people”
(Hornby 285). Through nature, Frost shows that whatever choice that one has made,
one should be ready for the consequences of his or her decision. By paying close
attention to diction related to nature, I am going to analyze Frost’s poems that
concern people’s choices in life. Four of Robert Frost’s poems that I am going to
analyze in my thesis are: “The Road Not Taken”, “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy
Evening”, “Two Tramps in Mud Time”, and “The Trial by Existence.”
The themes of Frost’s four poems are closely related to choices. Reaske states
that theme is “the central concept developed in a poem” (42). I will analyze the
themes of Frost’s poems through diction, one of poetic devices, which is defined as
“language, vocabulary, phraseology, phrasing, style” (Webster’s Dictionary of
Synonyms 240).
Statement of the Problem
1. What is the theme of each poem?
2. How is the theme revealed?
Purpose of the Study
1. To show the theme of each poem.
2. To show how the theme is revealed.
2
Maranatha Christian University
Method of Research
I use library research in writing my thesis. Firstly, I read the poems that I have
chosen. After that, I analyze these poems through diction. And then, I search for
references from books and Internet websites. In the end, I make conclusion for my
thesis.
Organization of the Thesis
I divide my thesis into three parts, proceeded by the Acknowledgements, the
Abstract, and the Table of Content. Chapter One is the Introduction, which consists of
the Background of Study, the Statement of the Problem, the Purpose of the Study, the
Method of Research and the Organization of the Thesis. Chapter Two is the Analysis
of Theme of Four of Robert Frost’s Poems through Diction. Chapter Three is the
Conclusion. The thesis ends with Bibliography and Appendices, which contains
Robert’s Frost’s poems and Biography of Robert Frost.
3
Maranatha Christian University
CHAPTER THREE
CONCLUSION
In this chapter, I am going to draw a conclusion on my analysis of four of
Robert Frost’s poems revealed through diction. Four of Robert Frost’s poems that I
have analyzed in the previous chapter are: “The Road Not Taken”, “Stopping By
Woods on a Snowy Evening”, “Two Tramps in Mud Time”, and “The Trial by
Existence.”
The theme of “The Road Not Taken” is “One has to bear consequences to
every decision that one has made”, and it is revealed through words, such as “wood”
and “grassy”. The narrator faces two roads in the middle of his or her journey. S/he is
aware with the consequence that if s/he takes the first road, s/he will lose the
opportunity to go through the second road, and if s/he takes the second road, the
narrator will lose the opportunity to go back. Finally, the narrator chooses the second
road because s/he believes the second road will give him or her a better claim. Later,
the narrator has to bear with the consequence of the choice that s/he has made as s/he
has made a choice to take the second road and, s/he has to bear with the consequence
18
Maranatha Christian University
which s/he loses the opportunity of going through the first road.
The theme of “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” is “One has to be
responsible for every choice that one makes”, and it is revealed through words, such
as “woods”, “snow”, “frozen lake”, and “downy flake”. The narrator chooses to stop
in the woods to watch the beauty of the woods, which is lovely, dark, and deep. The
temptation comes when the narrator chooses to stop in the woods. The narrator has to
choose whether to stay in the woods, where s/he can enjoy the lovely scene or to
continue his or her journey. In the end, the narrator is aware of his or her
responsibility and chooses to continue his or her journey.
The theme of “Two Tramps in Mud Time” is “One has to make choices to be
happy.” and hobby might result in one’s happiness in life”, and it is revealed through
words, such as “mud”, “wood”, and “sun”. The poem was written at the time of Great
Depression, when people were desperate due to their financial problems. I believe the
narrator has gone through several difficulties of making decision. The narrator feels
that he has passion in doing his job, and that it is the source of his happiness, so he
does not want to give up his job to the lumberjacks that work for pay. However, the
narrator finally changes his mind. He agrees that need, which refers to paid work,
should supersede play, which is loved hobby. After the narrator makes a choice to
balance between love and need, s/he reaches happiness in life.
The theme of “Trial by Existence” is “One has to make one’s own choice to
determine one’s fate”, and it is revealed through words, such as “earth”, “fields”, and
wave”. The narrator explains that making choices is a privilege that one has.
19
Maranatha Christian University
In the poem, the soul has to choose and bear with the consequences. The choice is
ultimate for the soul as it determines his or her own fate. The soul who chooses to
come to earth will be able to enjoy the essence of life, which means making a choice
that will determine one’s future.
In my opinion, Frost is successful in presenting the issue of choices in life.
Four of Robert Frost’s poems that I have chosen to analyze in my thesis are very
inspiring and make one become aware of how one’s choice is able to impact one’s
life. I agree with the idea how Frost delivers the message about choices in one’s life.
For example, in “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening”, Frost successfully
conveys the message when the narrator chooses to stop in the woods. In addition, I
believe one’s daily life is closely related to nature, which is the reason why some of
the words used by Frost in his poem are related to nature. I can easily find words
related to nature in “The Road Not Taken” such as “yellow”, “wood”, and then in
“Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” such as “woods”, “snow”, then in “Two
Tramps in Mud Time” such as “wind”, “sun” and then in “The Trial by Existence”
such as “earth”, “fields”.
Of all four of Robert Frost’s poems that I have analyzed, my favorite is “The
Road Not Taken”. I am able to relate with the idea that in life, one always faces more
than one choice and it is not easy to decide which one is the best option. Even after
one has made a choice, one has to face the consequences of the choices. And I often
face that kind of situation, in which Frost describes beautifully in the poem.
20
Maranatha Christian University
Bibliography
Primary text(s):
Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.” Poets from the Academy of American Poets.
2010. 3 Oct. 2010.
Frost, Robert. “The Trial by Existence.” Poetry Archives. 2008. 3 Oct. 2010.
Frost, Robert. “Two Tramps in Mud Time.” American Poems. 2009. 3 Oct 2010.
Frost, Robert. “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening.” Poetry Foundation. 2010.
3 Oct 2010.
Reference(s):
Hornby, AS. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Oxford: Oxford University Press,
1989.
Reaske, Christopher Russel. How to Analyze Poetry. New York: Monarch Pres,
1996.
Webster’s Dictionary of Synonyms. Massachusetts: G. & C. Merriam Company, 1978.
21
Maranatha Christian University
Internet website(s):
“New England Characteristics in Robert Frost’s Poetry.” 2001. 20 Apr. 2001.
“Robert (Lee) Frost (1874-1963): Biography.” Poetry Foundation. 2010. 20 Apr.
2010.
< http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/rfrost.htm>
“Poetry Analysis Robert Frost’s: “Two Tramps In Mud Time.” 2011. 19 Apr. 2011.
22
Maranatha Christian University
Dalam Tugas Akhir ini, saya menganalisis tema dari empat puisi Robert
Lee Frost yang berjudul “The Road Not Taken”, “Stopping By Woods on a
Snowy Evening”, “Two Tramps In a Mud Time”, dan “The Trial by Existence”
melalui pilihan kata. Keempat puisi tersebut menggambarkan berbagai pilihan
yang berkaitan erat dengan kehidupan manusia, dan diungkapkan oleh Robert
Frost melalui berbagai pilihan kata dan salah satunya kata-kata yang berhubungan
dengan alam.
Puisi yang berjudul “The Road Not Taken” memiliki tema “Seseorang
harus menerima konsekuensi dari setiap keputusan yang sudah dibuat.” Puisi yang
berjudul “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” memiliki tema “Seseorang
harus bertanggung jawab untuk setiap keputusan yang sudah dibuat.” Puisi yang
berjudul “Two Tramps in a Mud Time” memiliki tema “Keputusan seseorang
untuk memiliki keseimbangan antara kebutuhan dan kesenangan akan berdampak
pada kebahagiaan seseorang.” Puisi yang berjudul “The Trial by Existence”
memiliki tema “Seseorang harus membuat keputusan untuk menentukan
kehidupannya.” Melalui kata-kata yang digunakan dalam puisi tersebut, Robert
Frost berhasil menyampaikan pesan mengenai pentingnya sebuah pilihan yang
diambil oleh seseorang.
iv
Maranatha Christian University
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................... i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................... iii
ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................... iv
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study ...........................................................................1
Statement of the Problem ...........................................................................2
Purpose of the Study ..................................................................................2
Method of Research ...................................................................................3
Organization of the Thesis .........................................................................3
CHAPTER TWO: ANALYSIS OF THEME OF FOUR OF ROBERT
FROST’S POEM THROUGH DICTION .............................................4
CHAPTER THREE: CONCLUSION ................................................................18
BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................22
APPENDICES:
Robert Frost’s Poems ...............................................................................24
Biography of Robert Frost .......................................................................30
iii
Maranatha Christian University
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Robert Lee Frost is an American poet whose “poems show deep appreciation
of natural world and sensibility about the human aspirations. His images of woods,
stars, houses and brooks are usually taken from everyday life. Often, Frost uses
rhythms and vocabulary of ordinary speech” (“Robert Lee Frost (1874-1963)”). The
strength of his poems is that his poems “seem to be mere translation of everyday
events into poetry” (“New England characteristics in Robert Frost’s poetry”).
Robert Frost’s poems come mostly from his life experiences and the influence
of living in New England. His poems are also “very natural in its wording, using
words that most people understand and that make his poetry seem practical and
ordinary” (“New England characteristics in Robert Frost’s poetry”). Even though his
poems are simple, they are formally structured.
1
Maranatha Christian University
Most of Frost’s poems are related to nature, which is defined as “all the
plants, animals and things that exist in the universe and are not made by people”
(Hornby 285). Through nature, Frost shows that whatever choice that one has made,
one should be ready for the consequences of his or her decision. By paying close
attention to diction related to nature, I am going to analyze Frost’s poems that
concern people’s choices in life. Four of Robert Frost’s poems that I am going to
analyze in my thesis are: “The Road Not Taken”, “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy
Evening”, “Two Tramps in Mud Time”, and “The Trial by Existence.”
The themes of Frost’s four poems are closely related to choices. Reaske states
that theme is “the central concept developed in a poem” (42). I will analyze the
themes of Frost’s poems through diction, one of poetic devices, which is defined as
“language, vocabulary, phraseology, phrasing, style” (Webster’s Dictionary of
Synonyms 240).
Statement of the Problem
1. What is the theme of each poem?
2. How is the theme revealed?
Purpose of the Study
1. To show the theme of each poem.
2. To show how the theme is revealed.
2
Maranatha Christian University
Method of Research
I use library research in writing my thesis. Firstly, I read the poems that I have
chosen. After that, I analyze these poems through diction. And then, I search for
references from books and Internet websites. In the end, I make conclusion for my
thesis.
Organization of the Thesis
I divide my thesis into three parts, proceeded by the Acknowledgements, the
Abstract, and the Table of Content. Chapter One is the Introduction, which consists of
the Background of Study, the Statement of the Problem, the Purpose of the Study, the
Method of Research and the Organization of the Thesis. Chapter Two is the Analysis
of Theme of Four of Robert Frost’s Poems through Diction. Chapter Three is the
Conclusion. The thesis ends with Bibliography and Appendices, which contains
Robert’s Frost’s poems and Biography of Robert Frost.
3
Maranatha Christian University
CHAPTER THREE
CONCLUSION
In this chapter, I am going to draw a conclusion on my analysis of four of
Robert Frost’s poems revealed through diction. Four of Robert Frost’s poems that I
have analyzed in the previous chapter are: “The Road Not Taken”, “Stopping By
Woods on a Snowy Evening”, “Two Tramps in Mud Time”, and “The Trial by
Existence.”
The theme of “The Road Not Taken” is “One has to bear consequences to
every decision that one has made”, and it is revealed through words, such as “wood”
and “grassy”. The narrator faces two roads in the middle of his or her journey. S/he is
aware with the consequence that if s/he takes the first road, s/he will lose the
opportunity to go through the second road, and if s/he takes the second road, the
narrator will lose the opportunity to go back. Finally, the narrator chooses the second
road because s/he believes the second road will give him or her a better claim. Later,
the narrator has to bear with the consequence of the choice that s/he has made as s/he
has made a choice to take the second road and, s/he has to bear with the consequence
18
Maranatha Christian University
which s/he loses the opportunity of going through the first road.
The theme of “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” is “One has to be
responsible for every choice that one makes”, and it is revealed through words, such
as “woods”, “snow”, “frozen lake”, and “downy flake”. The narrator chooses to stop
in the woods to watch the beauty of the woods, which is lovely, dark, and deep. The
temptation comes when the narrator chooses to stop in the woods. The narrator has to
choose whether to stay in the woods, where s/he can enjoy the lovely scene or to
continue his or her journey. In the end, the narrator is aware of his or her
responsibility and chooses to continue his or her journey.
The theme of “Two Tramps in Mud Time” is “One has to make choices to be
happy.” and hobby might result in one’s happiness in life”, and it is revealed through
words, such as “mud”, “wood”, and “sun”. The poem was written at the time of Great
Depression, when people were desperate due to their financial problems. I believe the
narrator has gone through several difficulties of making decision. The narrator feels
that he has passion in doing his job, and that it is the source of his happiness, so he
does not want to give up his job to the lumberjacks that work for pay. However, the
narrator finally changes his mind. He agrees that need, which refers to paid work,
should supersede play, which is loved hobby. After the narrator makes a choice to
balance between love and need, s/he reaches happiness in life.
The theme of “Trial by Existence” is “One has to make one’s own choice to
determine one’s fate”, and it is revealed through words, such as “earth”, “fields”, and
wave”. The narrator explains that making choices is a privilege that one has.
19
Maranatha Christian University
In the poem, the soul has to choose and bear with the consequences. The choice is
ultimate for the soul as it determines his or her own fate. The soul who chooses to
come to earth will be able to enjoy the essence of life, which means making a choice
that will determine one’s future.
In my opinion, Frost is successful in presenting the issue of choices in life.
Four of Robert Frost’s poems that I have chosen to analyze in my thesis are very
inspiring and make one become aware of how one’s choice is able to impact one’s
life. I agree with the idea how Frost delivers the message about choices in one’s life.
For example, in “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening”, Frost successfully
conveys the message when the narrator chooses to stop in the woods. In addition, I
believe one’s daily life is closely related to nature, which is the reason why some of
the words used by Frost in his poem are related to nature. I can easily find words
related to nature in “The Road Not Taken” such as “yellow”, “wood”, and then in
“Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” such as “woods”, “snow”, then in “Two
Tramps in Mud Time” such as “wind”, “sun” and then in “The Trial by Existence”
such as “earth”, “fields”.
Of all four of Robert Frost’s poems that I have analyzed, my favorite is “The
Road Not Taken”. I am able to relate with the idea that in life, one always faces more
than one choice and it is not easy to decide which one is the best option. Even after
one has made a choice, one has to face the consequences of the choices. And I often
face that kind of situation, in which Frost describes beautifully in the poem.
20
Maranatha Christian University
Bibliography
Primary text(s):
Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.” Poets from the Academy of American Poets.
2010. 3 Oct. 2010.
Frost, Robert. “The Trial by Existence.” Poetry Archives. 2008. 3 Oct. 2010.
Frost, Robert. “Two Tramps in Mud Time.” American Poems. 2009. 3 Oct 2010.
Frost, Robert. “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening.” Poetry Foundation. 2010.
3 Oct 2010.
Reference(s):
Hornby, AS. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Oxford: Oxford University Press,
1989.
Reaske, Christopher Russel. How to Analyze Poetry. New York: Monarch Pres,
1996.
Webster’s Dictionary of Synonyms. Massachusetts: G. & C. Merriam Company, 1978.
21
Maranatha Christian University
Internet website(s):
“New England Characteristics in Robert Frost’s Poetry.” 2001. 20 Apr. 2001.
“Robert (Lee) Frost (1874-1963): Biography.” Poetry Foundation. 2010. 20 Apr.
2010.
< http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/rfrost.htm>
“Poetry Analysis Robert Frost’s: “Two Tramps In Mud Time.” 2011. 19 Apr. 2011.
22
Maranatha Christian University