1. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

2. Robert Frost Robert Lee Frost was an American poet. He is highly regarded for his realistic depictions of rural life. Robert Lee Frost was an American poet. He is highly regarded for his realistic depictions of rural life. Frost’s poems often include searching and dark meditations on universal themes. Frost’s poems often include searching and dark meditations on universal themes. Frost is a quintessentially modern poet in his adherence to language as it is actually spoken. Frost is a quintessentially modern poet in his adherence to language as it is actually spoken.

3. Overview The poem’s speaker stands in the woods, considering a fork in the road. The poem’s speaker stands in the woods, considering a fork in the road. Both ways are equally worn and equally overlaid with un-trodden leaves. Both ways are equally worn and equally overlaid with un-trodden leaves. The speaker chooses one, telling himself that he will take the other another day. The speaker chooses one, telling himself that he will take the other another day. This poem consists of four stanzas of five lines. This poem consists of four stanzas of five lines.

4. Literary Elements Metaphor- paths in the woods and forks in the road are ancient and deep-seated metaphors for the lifeline, crises and decisions. Metaphor- paths in the woods and forks in the road are ancient and deep-seated metaphors for the lifeline, crises and decisions. Forks often symbolize the choice nexus of free will and fate. Forks often symbolize the choice nexus of free will and fate. Nature is a prominent theme in Frost’s poetry. Nature is a prominent theme in Frost’s poetry. Solitary Traveler- separated from the community this person is allowed a new perspective/view Solitary Traveler- separated from the community this person is allowed a new perspective/view

5. Something to think about… As you re-read this poem, think about this question, As you re-read this poem, think about this question, Why does the speaker hesitate en route…out of impulse, or a misgiving?