Robert Frost’s the Road Not Taken

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This poem is relatable in the sense that while going through this amazing gift called life it inevitably forces the harsh reality that no one can escape the daunting process of having to make hard choices. The sad truth is that the narrator chose no path. Thus the title “The Road Not Taken” not “The Road Less Traveled” (Frost, 1916). The first three stanzas are all in the past tense as if the narrator is reflecting on a previous decision. But it all shifts to the future tense in the last verse beginning with “I shall” (Frost, 1916).

In the third line of the last stanza, the narrator repeats himself indicating that he is in the same state as when he started reiterating that he was unable to make up his mind. When he states “I took the one less traveled by” it is a direct contradiction to the earlier statement about the paths having little to no difference (Frost, 1916). It appears the narrator was never able to make up his mind and is now reflecting with much regret that the fear of making the wrong choice has caused him to have to pay the ultimate price of missing out on the possible happiness either choice have brought to him.

Choosing only to focus on the last two lines of this poem would be a grave mistake. The entire message is missed entirely. Instead, it should be perceived as a message not to be so fearful of making the wrong decision that you miss out on the possible happiness and growth that could come from that decision. In conclusion, this poem is also a clear example as to why it is so important that we as Christian put our faith and trust in God. We are to live each and every day that God has given us knowing, believing and trusting His word where it says “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV).

References

Frost, R., Untermeyer, L., & Frost, R. (1991). The road not taken: A selection of Robert Frost's poems. New York: H. Holt and Co.