The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost (quotes) Flashcards
“Perhaps”, “though”, “about”, “doubted”, “yet”
Syntactical chain of low modality words represents the mature realisation of difficulty of choices , of prediction and of assessment of the impact of those choices in life’s journey.
” I could not travel both and be one traveller”
Limitations of the individual self.
“a yellow wood”
Autumnal imagery - Connotations of maturity , I.e this a mature reflection on the limitations we encounter in life journey; note also Autumn implies the beginnings of death- the death of potential possibilities.
“sorry I could not travel both”
this serves as an extended metaphor for life as it evokes a sense of regret at not being able to revisit the choices one faces in life.
“looked down one as far as I could to where it bent in the undergrowth”
This is a metaphor that represents limit to the powers of prediction about the future consequences of decisions where the bent represents the limits of foreknowledge.
“way leads on to way”
The speaker realises that his hopes to come back and try the other path may be foolish. He knows how one road can lead to another , and then another , until you end up very far from where you started.
