The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

1. Choice

   • "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood"
     • He has 2 choices, and he can only choose 1
   • "And looked down one as far as he could"
     • He want to see where the path leads so he can base his decision off that
   • "To where it bent in the undergrowth"
     • He cannot see where this choice in life will lead him

2. Equal

   • "Then took the other, as just as fair"
   • "Had worn them really about the same"
   • "And both that morning equally way"
     • The 2 roads at 1st seem different but after a close look, similarities are picked out. In conclusion, the 2 paths are equal
     • The 2 paths are equal physically but seem to have a different emotional impact on the poet

3. Final Decision

   • "I shall be telling this with a sigh"
     • "I shall"-future tense
     • A sigh of content OR a sigh of regret
   • "I took the one less travelled by, / And that has made all the difference"
     • The poet took the least common route/choice
   • We do not know for sure whether or not the poet, Robert Frost, is happy with his decision. This leaves the poem open to interpreation. This makes us curious as to what the choice was about

4. Setting

   • "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood"
     • This poem takes place in autumn, a season of change and movement. It would be a colourful setting. This description suggests that is is a tranquil setting
   • The setting might come across as a peaceful and solitude. The poet is making this description on his own, with no help