I love this poem.
I read one commentary that suggests that the narrator of the poem is Santa Claus. Sound ridiculous? Well, there is compelling evidence: the speaker knows whose property he is on; it is the darkest evening of the year; he is on a sleigh with bells; he has miles to go and promises to keep; the horse does not understand why they are stopping somewhere other than at a house.
An interesting idea. Probably not what Mr. Frost intended, but then that's the beauty of all literature: each reader finds something different in it.
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The Poetry of Robert Frost Study Guide
The Poetry of Robert Frost study guide contains a biography of Robert Frost, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis of his major poems.
- Short Summary
- About The Poetry of Robert Frost
- Character List
- Glossary of Terms
- Major Themes
- Quotes and Analysis
- Summary and Analysis of "Mowing" (1913)
- Summary and Analysis of "Reluctance" (1913)
- Summary and Analysis of "Mending Wall" (1914)
- Summary and Analysis of "The Death of the Hired Man" (1914)
- Summary and Analysis of "Home Burial" (1914)
- Summary and Analysis of "After Apple-Picking" (1914)
- Summary and Analysis of "An Old Man's Winter Night" (1916)
- Summary and Analysis of "Birches" (1916)
- Summary and Analysis of "Bond and Free" (1916)
- Summary and Analysis of "Out, Out" (1916)
- Summary and Analysis of "The Road Not Taken" (1916)
- Summary and Analysis of "The Sound of the Trees" (1916)
- Summary and Analysis of "A Patch of Old Snow" (1916)
- Summary and Analysis of "Fire and Ice" (1923)
- Summary and Analysis of "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" (1923)
- Summary and Analysis of "The Lockless Door" (1923)
- Summary and Analysis of "Acquainted with the Night" (1928)
- Summary and Analysis of "Once by the Pacific" (1928)
- Summary and Analysis of "The Gift Outright" (1941)
- Summary and Analysis of "Choose Something Like a Star" (1943)
- Setting Frost to Music: Randall Thompson and "Frostiana"
- Related Links on The Poetry of Robert Frost
- Suggested Essay Questions
- Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
- Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
- Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
- Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
- Author of ClassicNote and Sources
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- Biography of Robert Frost
