The Road Not Taken Group

Question:

mvu1881
mvu1881
Student
College - Sophomore

How do such poems as “Mending Wall,”  work to discuss the individual and the culture?

 

 

 

PLEASE HELP

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Posted by mvu1881 on Wednesday October 28, 2009 at 7:57 AM and tagged with literature english, the road not taken.

Answers:


  1. pohnpei397 Teacher
    Community / Jr. College

    eNotes Editor

    "Mending Wall" in particular, explores (and questions?) the need for barriers between people.  Whether there is such a need or why the need arises speaks to what our culture is like.

    In the poem, the speaker argues that "something there is that doesn't love a wall" -- that even nature likes to knock down walls.  He is implying that there is something wrong with barriers.

    His neighbor insists that "good fences make good neighbors" and this annoys the speaker because that view argues for the need for barriers.

    So, in this poem, Frost is asking us to think about the nature of the relationship between individuals (which is what makes up a society/culture).  He asks us to think about whether and why barriers are needed.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/mending-wall-salem/mending-wall

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    Posted by pohnpei397 on Wednesday October 28, 2009 at 8:50 AM