S3 E1 Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inPoetry in the Evening, Reading RoomTags:, , , , , ,

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

by Robert Frost

Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is one of his most famous and beloved poems. Written in 1922, it is a short, four-stanza poem that paints a vivid picture of a traveler who stops to admire the beauty of a snowy evening in the wooded area. 

The poem is filled with imagery and symbolism, and its themes of death and mortality have been widely discussed and analyzed. I believe this poem speaks of our connection with time. There is a profound awareness of what it means to be alive within the confines of a finite existence.

The poem is thought to be inspired by Frost’s own experience of living in rural New England. Frost was a farmer and he was familiar with the beauty of the countryside. He was also aware of the dangers of the wilderness, which is why the poem is so full of tension. The traveler is tempted to stay in the woods, but he knows he must continue on his journey.

“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” captures the beauty and mystery of the natural world. I believe Robert Frost reminds us to appreciate the beauty of nature.  This poem has been a source of inspiration for many, and it continues to be one of Robert Frost’s most beloved works.

Please join me in reciting “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.   
His house is in the village though;   
He will not see me stopping here   
To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   
To stop without a farmhouse near   
Between the woods and frozen lake   
The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   
To ask if there is some mistake.   
The only other sound’s the sweep   
Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   
But I have promises to keep,   
And miles to go before I sleep,   
And miles to go before I sleep.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost – Rebecca's Reading Room

S3 E1 Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is one of his most famous and beloved poems. Written in 1922, it is a short, four-stanza poem that paints a vivid picture of a traveler who stops to admire the beauty of a snowy evening in the wooded area.  The poem is filled with imagery and symbolism, and its themes of death and mortality have been widely discussed and analyzed. I believe this poem speaks of our connection with time. There is a profound awareness of what it means to be alive within the confines of a finite existence. The poem is thought to be inspired by Frost’s own experience of living in rural New England. Frost was a farmer and he was familiar with the beauty of the countryside. He was also aware of the dangers of the wilderness, which is why the poem is so full of tension. The traveler is tempted to stay in the woods, but he knows he must continue on his journey. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” captures the beauty and mystery of the natural world. I believe Robert Frost reminds us to appreciate the beauty of nature.  This poem has been a source of inspiration for many, and it continues to be one of his most beloved works. Please join me in reciting “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost Whose woods these are I think I know.    His house is in the village though;    He will not see me stopping here    To watch his woods fill up with snow.    My little horse must think it queer    To stop without a farmhouse near    Between the woods and frozen lake    The darkest evening of the year.    He gives his harness bells a shake    To ask if there is some mistake.    The only other sound’s the sweep    Of easy wind and downy flake.    The woods are lovely, dark and deep,    But I have promises to keep,    And miles to go before I sleep,    And miles to go before I sleep. Photography and Poetry Recitation by Rebecca Budd Music by Francis Wells “What My Hands Can’t Hold” https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/zzB8lc76Ur/ Location: Vancouver Seawall

Photography and Poetry Recitation by Rebecca Budd; Location Vancouver Seawall

Music by Francis Wells “What My Hands Can’t Hold” https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/zzB8lc76Ur/

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

8 thoughts on “S3 E1 Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost”

  1. Beautiful video and reading, Rebecca. It’s a fantastic poem for all its elements. Frost’s rhyme scheme in this poem is excellent, but I have no idea what it’s called. In recent years I’ve observed Frost’s ambivalence, his subtle hints at darker forces within himself and nature. There’s an eerie quality suggested by the silence, “darkest night of the year…dark and deep.” There’s also the frozen lake. This narrator wants to stay with that place, but remembers his promises to those at home. Frost’s poem are very complex and understandably very popular. I’m beginning to see why they’ve always resonated with me. 🙂

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    1. I share your thoughts that Robert Frosts has subtle hints at darker forces within himself. While I recognize the poem is about the appreciation of the beauty of the winter landscape, as well as a contemplation of mortality, I believe there is something much deeper. Like you, age and experience allow me to understand more clearly the intent and the emotional nuance of this poem. Even though this poem was published when he was in his 30’s, the hint of melancholy is present (I read that depression was in his family). I have always been curious about the promises. The only barrier to remaining in the woods is promises. What promises? And how important are these promises? To others? To himself?

      Thank you for adding your invaluable insights – very much appreciated.

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  2. It’s only in recent years I’ve been able to abide this poem. I was forced to memorize it by a harridan of a 5th grade teacher–and not in a good way. I now see those lovely woods, dark and deep, as a metaphor for artists’ desire to immerse themselves in their art. I could be projecting my own desire onto Frost’s poem, however. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yikes, Liz!! Some teachers simply did not understand how to embrace poetry. I love the projection, Liz! Isn’t it interesting that we come back to what we thought we knew only to find something new and fresh.

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      2. My first impressions of Wuthering Heights of a love story was based on the movie (I didn’t have time to read the book for a Literature 101 paper – you can imagine the questions by by marker) . Imagine my surprise when I reread the book.

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