Understated Tone In Out, Out

The book “Portable literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing” defines understatement as “Intentional downplaying of a situation’s significance, often for ironic or humorous effect” (Kirszner and Mandell), or as “saying less than is meant” (Kriszner and Mandell) . In “Out, Out-” by Robert Frost, we see an understated tone used throughout the poem. I believe that by using an understated tone, Robert Frost builds suspense and bringing out the true meaning behind his words. I feel that if Frost had written in a more direct way, we would still understand the story, but it would have been lacking in emotion. The first example of an understated tone is the title of the poem, “Out, Out-”. I believe this is a reference to William Shakespeare’s tragedy …show more content…
In lines ten through twelve the Narrator states, “call it a day, I wish I might have said / To please the boy by giving him the half hour / That boy counts so much when saved from work”. (Frost) He is saying this in a way that one would if they had lost a tool. In reality, the narrator is dealing with the “what ifs” of the accident; he is wishing he could have done something to save the boy’s life. He cares about the boy much more than a tool. The narrator is going through the natural grieving process. While explaining the accident, the narrator uses an understated tone in several places. In lines thirteen through fifteen, the narrator says, “His sister stood beside them in her apron / To tell them “Supper” At the word the saw / As if to prove saws knew what supper meant”. (Frost) He uses this to describe how the startled boy lost control of the saw. The narrator’s words give a more vivid description than saying “His sister scared the boy and he dropped the saw.” That statement reads more like a news story, and lack …show more content…
They listened at his heart. Little-less-nothing!-and that ended it No more to build on there. And since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs (Frost)
This is the part of the where the boy’s death is described. When the narrator says “and that ended it”, (Frost) he is making the situation seem less serious than it really is. It’s saying so little, while still making a powerful statement. The last line of the poem, “Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs”, (Frost) shows how life keeps going. I’m sure they didn’t instantly go back to their normal life, but they do have to continue. I think this is my favorite line in the poem because it is so true. Death can’t stop time; no matter how much we may want it to. We have to keep moving. Robert Frost used understated tones in a variety of ways. He used them to enhance imagery, turn inanimate objects into characters, build up the story and to make powerful statements. I’ve always thought Frost was a master at understatement; he has definitely used it to strengthen this poem. The tone of this poem brought out the emotion, and allowed the reader to feel for the boy and the