Metaphysical Exploration In Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening By Robert Frost

Metaphysical exploration allows for the deeper understanding of the human psyche. By indulging in intangible expedition, individuals are able to discern the reality of their beliefs. Aspects of one’s esoteric realm are explored through literary works, such as the poem Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost. Frost mirrors the complexity and depth of the human mind within this poem, as its meaning is highly symbolic within the layers of meaning presented. This construction of the poem renders it open to personal interpretation, which in itself is an element of philosophical analysis. The iambic tetrameter pace of the poem induces a state of dream-like subconscious as each second word throughout the piece is stressed, mimicking …show more content…
Consequently, this insight allows individuals to uncover the reasons behind conformity or insubordination. By exploring the depths of one’s place in society, an individual gains insight into the inner workings of humanity. This in turn allows for the formulation of an individual’s perceptions regarding mankind, to be created accordingly. Robert Frost highlights this enlightenment within an individual though the poem Mending Wall. The poem is blank verse and colloquial, as expressed through the irregular iambic pentameter that features seven 11-syllable lines. Moreover, a conversational quality is maintained by the repetition of “And” and “But” as the beginning of new lines. This vernacularism mimics the mindset of the speaker, however his causality is juxtaposed by the allegory of “walk the line”. Frost presents the speaker as possessing a child-like optimism, in spite of the overshadowing awareness of growing fearful antipathy. The emotional perceptions of the speaker are elucidated through his disproval of the symbolic motif “wall” as an instrument of separation. The boundary represents the threshold of which the speaker’s influence ends and the elusive neighbour’s begins. The speaker deplores the idea of boundaries, yet Frost uses irony in “I let my neighbour know beyond the hill” to elucidate humanity’s persistence in initiating relationships, even in the event of constructing …show more content…
Humanity as a whole strives to unearth the reasons behind their existence, thus facilitating an opening for examination. Inquiry into one’s purpose allows an individual to determine their own value by fulfilling their innate desire to learn. David Wilke analyses man’s fundamental obligation to ascertain knowledge through his painting Columbus at the convent at La Rabida explaining his intended voyage. This artwork expresses aspects of revelation, highlighted by the vector lines directing focus towards the salient image of the map. Chiaroscuro contrasts the foreground with the background, further alluding to moving away from darkness into an age of enlightenment. Additionally, humanity’s passion for exploration is shown through the symbolism portrayed by the compass. This token elucidates man’s willingness to pursue the basic instinct of expansion. The enticement presented by the map is shown through Wilke’s colour palette linking Christopher Columbus with each of the men pictured. Wilke extends this notion by involving the audience through use of omission illustrated by the empty chair. By inviting the audience into the work, Wilke comments on humanity’s common need to venture into the unknown. The ideals present within this work is attractive to all individuals, throughout time. Society possesses an innate desire to examine the world around them. This therefore constitutes an interest in uncovering all