person walking through a forest

The Road Not Taken

by Robert Frost

Start Free Trial

Student Question

Is "The Road Not Taken" enjoyable to read?

Quick answer:

"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost is generally considered enjoyable to read due to its simplicity and complexity. The poem's accessible language, evocative imagery, and classic A-B-A-A-B rhyming scheme with an iambic pattern make it appealing to a wide audience. It explores themes of choice and reflection, resonating with many readers. While enjoyment is subjective, the poem is highly regarded and often praised for its rhythm and thematic depth.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Like many of Robert Frost's poems, "The Road Not Taken" is simple to read and easy to understand, yet has complexities both of theme and style. It works both as the description of a man deciding which path to walk, and of reflection on the past and the decisions made. Most poetry fans enjoy the poem; it is considered, alongside "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" to be one of Frost's best. The poem contains evocative imagery and a classic rhyming scheme that flows easily in the reading, either silently or aloud.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.
(Frost, "The Road Not Taken," bartleby.com)

Each stanza follows the simple A-B-A-A-B rhyming scheme, with a basic iambic pattern, and so the poem has rhythm and cadence. The flow of the poem allows it to be more accessible, and so better for general enjoyment. Some single it out for its themes of choice and decision, as well as the possibly-melancholy themes of remembering choices that may or may not have been best in life; others enjoy the rhythm and general feel of the poem, as well as its easy and descriptive imagery. Overall, the enjoyment of the poem depends more on personal taste, but critical opinion is generally positive.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

References

Approved by eNotes Editorial