We slowly drove-he knew no haste
and I had put away
My labour and leisure too,
for his civility.
These lines are from the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. "The Road Not Taken" is one of Frost's most famous and frequently analyzed poems. In these lines, the speaker reflects on a journey he took through a forest and his encounter with a divergent path. Let's analyze these lines in the context of the poem:
Context: In "The Road Not Taken," the speaker describes coming across a fork in the woods while traveling. He has to make a choice between two paths, and he reflects on the significance of that choice. The poem explores themes of choices, regrets, and the impact of decisions on one's life.
Analysis:
- "We slowly drove - he knew no haste": In this line, the speaker describes the pace at which he and his companion (who is also taking the journey) are moving. The use of the word "slowly" suggests a leisurely pace, and the phrase "he knew no haste" indicates that the companion is not in a hurry. This slow and deliberate pace contrasts with the idea of rushing or making a quick decision.
- "And I had put away / My labor and leisure too": The speaker explains that he has set aside both his work and leisure activities. This implies that he has temporarily abandoned his responsibilities and distractions to focus on this specific moment and decision. It underscores the significance of the choice he is about to make.
- "For his civility": The speaker's decision to slow down and consider his options is attributed to the "civility" of his companion. This suggests that the companion's calm and thoughtful approach has influenced the speaker's own behavior. The word "civility" also implies a sense of politeness and consideration.
Themes:
- Choices and Decisions: These lines are crucial in establishing the theme of choices and decision-making in the poem. The speaker's decision to take a particular path is influenced not only by the appearance of the paths but also by the pace and demeanor of his companion.
- Reflection and Contemplation: The lines emphasize the importance of reflection and contemplation when making significant decisions. The speaker's choice to slow down and put aside other concerns highlights the seriousness with which he views this moment of decision.
- Influence of Others: The mention of the companion's "civility" suggests that the decisions we make can be influenced by those around us. The choice to take one path over another can be shaped by the attitudes and actions of others.
- Contrasts and Choices: The contrast between the slow pace and the decision at hand sets up the idea that choices may be made more deliberately when we take the time to consider them.
In these lines, the speaker sets the stage for the central theme of the poem: the significance of choices in one's life. The leisurely pace and the decision to put aside other concerns indicate the importance of the moment of decision. The speaker's choice to follow one path over the other will have lasting implications, and these lines capture the thoughtful and deliberate approach he takes before making that choice.
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