Everybody dies. Being human means death waits at some point, but oftentimes loved ones die first. Before most people die, they lose someone, be it to war, poverty, disease, or other causes. In that moment of intense pressure, people realize that they can never see the dead person again and it reminds them of their own mortality. People always could have said more, or done more with that unique person that now will never happen. It hurts. That incredible emotional turmoil provides a brief moment of clarity. When an individual experiences nothing but pain, and focuses not on what they should say, but instead what they truly feel, death reveals who and what they are. Robert Frost knows more about death than anyone should have to. His father died
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Silas, an old farmhand, returns to the farm that the couple owns, presumably to die. As the author Kirk stated, “The title of the poem is a bit misleading since the poem is not as much about the man who dies as it is about the couple discussing him...The poem dramatizes the love between the husband and wife who discuss [what should be done about Silas’s death]” (70). While the “Death of the Hired Man” plays a key role in the poem, the whole poem takes place in the dialogue between the couple. On the surface, it may appear that the couple disagrees with each other on what to do about this man, with Mary being eager to allow him in, serving him tea, while Warren grumbles about whether or not Silas will work while he stays here. While these statements do indicate some degree of difference in initial reaction, the statements show candor even more strongly. Each willingly bears their heart to the other. Even when Mary gravely says, “Warren...he has come home to die” he responds with the cynical, “‘Home’ he mocked gently” (Frost “Death” 112-6). They both understand the gravity of the situation but despite Warren recognizing Mary’s seriousness, he uses sarcasm to show his own personal reservations while still remaining gentle to not harm hers. Mary also bears her heart by speaking bluntly about the grim fate that awaits Silas. People find it hard to speak about death, but Mary feels comfortable enough with her husband to simply say
Silas, an old farmhand, returns to the farm that the couple owns, presumably to die. As the author Kirk stated, “The title of the poem is a bit misleading since the poem is not as much about the man who dies as it is about the couple discussing him...The poem dramatizes the love between the husband and wife who discuss [what should be done about Silas’s death]” (70). While the “Death of the Hired Man” plays a key role in the poem, the whole poem takes place in the dialogue between the couple. On the surface, it may appear that the couple disagrees with each other on what to do about this man, with Mary being eager to allow him in, serving him tea, while Warren grumbles about whether or not Silas will work while he stays here. While these statements do indicate some degree of difference in initial reaction, the statements show candor even more strongly. Each willingly bears their heart to the other. Even when Mary gravely says, “Warren...he has come home to die” he responds with the cynical, “‘Home’ he mocked gently” (Frost “Death” 112-6). They both understand the gravity of the situation but despite Warren recognizing Mary’s seriousness, he uses sarcasm to show his own personal reservations while still remaining gentle to not harm hers. Mary also bears her heart by speaking bluntly about the grim fate that awaits Silas. People find it hard to speak about death, but Mary feels comfortable enough with her husband to simply say