A Stylistic Analysis of Robert Frost’s Poems: Fire and Ice & A Question (Part 2)

This Research Report is a combined work from a specific group of students whose names are included in the beginning.

1. 1

Chapter 1
Introduction
The following chapter introduces the main perspective of the current study, along with
a brief description of the keywords and terminologies involved within the thesis.
1.1. Language
According to Encyclopedia Britannica (2016, October 16) Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/language language is a system of symbols which are spoken,
written and manually used by human beings to communicate and express themselves.
According to Henry Sweet, an English language scholar, language is the tool by which ideas
are expressed using speech sounds and ultimately turning them into words and sentences.
Language is the ability of human beings to communicate by using the complex system which
is developed from different signs, codes, symbols, letters and words. The language is the real
source of transmitting our thoughts, messages, expressions, emotions, feelings, experiences
and our plans into concrete shape which is visible or discernable for other people around us.
Linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure.
According to (Sapir, 1921) “Language is purely human and non-instinctive method of
communicating ideas, emotions and desires by means of voluntarily produced symbols”. This
definition is however disagreed by (John Lyons, 1981) but it can be understood by the
definition that language is a definitive set of words and utterances that conveys messages.
However, it can be contested that language is purely a human character since animals also
communicate among themselves using a high pitched sound that is not heard and detected by
human ears. The notion of desires, emotions and ideas are true since most of the human
communication revolves around these primary needs.

2. 2

According to (Bloch & Trager, 1942) “a language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols
by means of which a social group co-operates”. This definition of language is brief yet it
professes that language is something limited to spoken words and sentences. It declared
language as a system but perhaps failed to describe it in a more detailed and structured manner.
According to (Trask & Stockwell, 2007) accent is the particular and specific way by
which a group of people pronounce and speak a language. Almost every language apart from
some few people has diversity in terms of geographic, regional and societal differences. The
distinctive manner in which different people speak the same language is due to ethnic settings
as well. The diversity of the accent can be noticed in the United States where the accent of the
Southern people is quite different from the accent of people living in Eastern and Western
America.
The language still at large considered being the mode of communication and
expression, however, according to (Michael Toolan, 1998) language also very important to be
used as literary texts. The focus of the text may include poems, short stories, extracts from
novels, advertisements, children’s writing, etc. One can understand that the language plays a
decisive role in the lives of societies and nations. It is the basis of literature which acts as the
biography or perhaps an autobiography of nations.
There are many types of English language according to Quizlet (2016, October 16)
Retrieved from https://quizlet.com/315397/english-12-types-of-languages-flash-cards/. The
details are mentioned below:
 Archaic language:
o It has become obsolete but is used occasionally to reflect the old-fashion.
 Colloquial language:
o It is the use of common language.

3. 3

 Figurative language:
o The use of figurative language is all about metaphorical, and not the literal
meanings.
 Formal language:
o It is about the technical use of language.
 Subjective language:
o It is about the use of language overshadowed by bias and emotion.
 Objective language:
o It is aimed to express opinion by remaining neutral and unbiased.
 Informal language:
o It is pretty much relaxed language and most used informally.
 Jargon:
o It is the language in which special vocabulary is used by particular group.
 Literal language:
o It is about the use of language in its most basic meanings.
 Vernacular language:
o It is the use of native language or dialect.
 Pidgin:
o It is the simplified language which is actually the result of people from different
language backgrounds.
According to Poetry Foundation (2016, October 09) Retrieved from
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poets/detail/robert-frost/ Robert Frost had
a very much common use of language. Some analysts believe that Frost confused his readers
by his use of native language instead of a formal or strictly proper language. His style was
dominated by “setting the traditional meters against the natural rhythms of speech”. His

4. 4

language was completely vernacular and he refrained from the use of artificial poetic diction
by using gentle voice of his local setting.
According to (Winters, 1957) has criticized Frost in his book “The Function of
Criticism” that Frost’s style was pretty much close to conversation. While apart from the
critique of Winters, one can argue that perhaps Frost was a poet of a common man who wanted
to tear his heart open for his readers and aimed to address common folks to deliver his thoughts
and ideas.
In the poem, Fire and Ice, Frost has used simple yet convincing words to describe the
end of the planet earth. It seemed that he was skeptical of human intentions and the element of
death dominated his thinking patterns.
For instance, if one looks at the poem Fire and Ice; then it would reveal that the poem
has two lengths of lines and three rhymes in it. Each line has four or eight syllables. The
language as mentioned earlier is pretty much easy to understand but delivers a pivotal message.
The question raised by the poet is directly related to death. His assertion was a comparison
between fire and ice and the choice of human beings to use either of them to die. Perhaps Frost
tried to indicate fire as weapons and ice as the diplomatic means and the use of both to end the
human race.
According to Faggen (2008) Frost has used figurative language in his poems “Fire and
Ice” and “A Question”. He has used imagery by employing the ideas of fire and ice. By fire he
tried to represent light but with it he also represented fire for destruction. Ice, where represents
peace, it also reflects stagnation and death as well. Frost developed unique style in his poetry.
His many poems are overshadowed by humour coupled with the use of irony and mockery. He
told and expressed many deep things with a great digestible style that readers found it simple.
But in fact, he used simple words to discuss great life and social phenomena.

5. 5

According to Faggen, (2008) Robert Frost poetry revolved around three major
concerns. First, he emphasized sound in poetry and especially he called it “sound of sense”.
Second, He emphasized upon figurative language by using metaphors to express the complete
idea or thought. Third, Frost maintained a complete native and vernacular rural landscape in
his poetry. Thus, he was able to draw a difference of thinking process between rural and urban
settings. Since evolution, man needed a mode of communication in order to express his/her
emotions and inner thoughts to one another. This desire to communicate and converse
encouraged man to establish a method, either written or spoken, consisting of words in a
structured and conventional way. The system of words and signs which man used to
communicate and express his/her thoughts and feelings to one another is known as language.
1.2. Linguistics
The scientific study of language is called as linguistics. It is a scheme of systematic
analysis of language and anyone who engages in this study is known as a linguist. With the
study of relationship between language and society,linguists have defined language in many
different ways, including the exploration of syntax, grammar and phonetics. Like many other
sciences, Linguistics has pure and applied sides. The pure aspect covers theories and analysis
of language at different levels. The applied side is concerned with the application of knowledge
in teaching of languages and enhancement of speech disorders etc.
John Lyons (1981) argues that linguistics in the study of language that is fundamentally
based upon scientific methods and practices. It is the study of language and investigates that
how the language faculty of the mind works and in what ways language itself works. According
to Laura Wright and Jonathan Hope (1995), linguistics differentiates between words those have
grammatical function and those words which have referential meaning. It has named one as
closed class words and the other as open class words.

6. 6

Language from a general point of view and from a scientific stand point can be studied
and understood. The scientific method gives an advantage in terms of in-depth analysis
supported by logic and evidence that has two fold effects. One, that the understanding becomes
reason-based. Second, the analytical skill enables a person to process language in a more
organized and efficient way.
According to Paul Skandera and Peter Burleigh (2011) there exists a constant struggle
between prescriptivism and descriptivism. The advocates of prescriptivism rely on the works
and rules established by Greek and Latin in explaining the origin of words. They are driven by
personal biases and prejudices. Despite the fact, that linguistics aims to explain language from
an objective point of view. Descriptive linguists on the other hand try to observe language in a
natural manner to discover the rules of a language.
1.3. Branches of Linguistics
According to John Lyons (1981) the main sub-fields of linguistics are: the sounds of
language, grammar, semantics, language change, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, language
and culture. However according to (Paul Skandera and Peter Burleigh, 2011), the system or
structure of a language (langue or competence) can be discussed at four dissimilar stages which
are actually the central part or base of linguistics. These four elements are also known as micro-
linguistics. These include i). Phonetics and phonology deal with the pronunciation and the
sound system. ii). Morphology takes in to account the structure of words. iii). Syntax explains
the patterns of sentence. iv). Lexicology and semantics focus on the vocabulary and explore
different meanings associated with language.
Paul Skandera and Peter Burleigh (2011) argue that apart from the core aspects of
linguistics there are other branches of linguistics as well. These include dialectology, ethno-
linguistics, discourse analysis, contrastive linguistics, neuro-linguistics, computational

7. 7

linguistics, applied linguistics, historical or diachronic linguistics and comparative linguistics.
Link of linguistics with different sciences has steered its development into many branches of
linguistics.

1.3.1. General Linguistics
It is the study of language in its general terms and concepts. This study provides us the
different kinds of categories and rationales to analyze any kind of language.
1.3.2. Descriptive Linguistics
It is study of the particular language, therefore it is contrary to the general linguistics.
The purpose of it is to reject or accept the terms and proportions which are presented in the
general linguistics. These two fields are very much related to each other.
1.3.3. Diachronic Linguistics’
It is the study of language through the history. Linguists of the 19
th
century had a
particular interest in this field. It is the study of language how it developed through the history
in different ages.
1.3.4. Synchronic Linguistics
It is absolutely opposite to the previous field because it the study of language on some
particular given time in history.

1.3.5. Theoretical Linguistics

8. 8

It is to form some particular theory about the structure of language without any regard
to the application of the language in practice. Theoretical linguistics deals with understanding
the nature of language with a view to visualize their structure and functions. It includes
searching the reasons for common properties in all languages. Its major sub-branches include
cognitive linguistics, generative linguistics, quantitative linguistics, phonology, morphology,
syntax, lexis, semantics, pragmatics, and functional theories of grammar.
1.3.7. Descriptive Linguistics
Descriptive linguistics is the branch of linguistics which is concerned with the analysis
of how language is used by a group of people in a community. Its aim is to observe the
principles of linguistics. Important sub-branches include anthropological linguistics,
comparative linguistics, historical linguistics, phonetics and sociolinguistics.
1.3.8. Applied Linguistics
Applied linguistics is an interdisciplinary field of linguistics that identifies,
investigates, and offers solutions to language related real life problems. It discusses wide range
of language related matters to apprehend their roles in communication. Few subdivisions of
applied linguistics are psycholinguistics, computational linguistics, evolutionary linguistics,
forensic linguistics, language assessment, language documentation, language development and
education, first and second-language acquisition.
1.3.9. Micro Linguistics
It is the narrow view of the language for splitting the inner sound system and the inner
structure of the language.

1.3.10. Macro linguistics

9. 9

It is rather the broader study of language because it is concerned to the Process of
acquiring, storing and applying the language at social level.
1.4. Stylistics
All literary texts come in different styles and use of language. The study of such style
of literary texts is known as Stylistics. It is the most important area to understand and interpret
the literature. It the branch of Applied Linguistics which studies the texts for analyzing their
tones, style, and linguistics properties. It is analysis how the artist has applied different literary
devices and styles on the given text. The tone of the work is seen in terms of rhymes, intonation,
meter, tone, and the other syntactical measures.
There are seven levels of stylistic analysis.
a. Phonetic level is the investigation of sounds, including its characteristics and
utility.
b. Phonological level studies the combinations of different sounds in order to form
the units of speech.
c. Graphological level studies the arrangement of words, the appearance of words
on the page, use of punctuation, paragraphing and capitalization etc.
d. Grammatical level studies the arrangement of words in a sentence and describes
how these elements function in a sentence.
e. Lexical level studies the form of words and the pattern of words, e.g. whether
words are repeated or synonyms and pronouns are used.
According to Paul Simpson (2004) in its generalized definition it can be said that
stylistics deals with the style in literary texts. But stylistics also focuses to explore language by
discovering the creativity in the use of language. While conducting stylistics analysis it must
be kept in mind that it should be rigorous, retrievable and replicable. Rigorous means that, it is

10. 10

done by a definite structure of analysis. By retrievable, it means that analysis is based upon
agreed and defined set of standards. And by replicable, it does not mean copying, but it reflects
the credibility of the analysis that it can be done on by others to confirm its versatility.
According to Ilya Romanovich Galperin (1977) Stylistics is often called linguo-stylistics.
Per Michael Burke (2014), linguistics due to its importance has two feet, one in the
language studies and other in the literary studies. Linguistics stylistics are the most important
and wholesome form of stylistics. According to (Ronald Carter and Paul Simpson, 2005) in
this form students try to study the language and style in a refined form from analytical point of
view. It can be concluded that this study helps in forming an assumption regarding the
language.
There are many levels of language and stylistics; however major levels are given below:
i. Phonology:
The sound of spoken language and the way words are pronounced.
ii. Graphology:
It is about the contours and patterns of the written language.
iii. Morphology:
It deals with the structure of words.
iv. Syntax:
It focuses on the way in which words combine with other words to form sentences.
v. Lexical:
It deals with the vocabulary of the language.
vi. Semantics:
It is study of words and their meanings.
vii. Pragmatics:

11. 11

It deals with the use of language with respect to its context.
1.5. Statement of the Problem
Stylistics is the branch of Applied linguistics which makes judgements on different
styles of different texts. Without the proper study of the stylistics, it is really a difficult task to
evaluate any kind of literary text. Most of the students of literature don’t have a perfect grip on
the subject, therefore they can’t make the best interpretation about the literary piece of art. This
is the research project which will emphasize on the importance of the stylistics in any type of
literary criticism. We shall try to get a clear view of having the approach to stylistic analysis of
any given poem.
In this discussion, the research team aims to find out the stylistics and language used
by Robert Frost in his two poems; Fire and Ice and A Question. Frost is considered an authority
when it comes to poems and it puts heavy pressure on the students of literature to find and
highlight his peculiar use of language and stylistics. According to (Nina Nørgaard, Beatrix
Busse and Rocío Montoro, 2010) stylistics is considered as the branch of linguistics and it helps
to understand literature from the perspective of linguistics. Stylistics analysis is often
conducted in relation to literary texts.
The purpose of this investigation is to analyze statistically two Poems “Fire and Ice” which is
one of Robert Frost’s early poems, and “A Question”. Both the poems are short but carry deep
meanings of the world order and are considered a piece of Art by Robert Frost.
The above mentioned two poems of Robert Frost are the main subjects of the research
project and it will be determined that how the poet was influenced by his personality and
motivation to use certain language, style and stylistics in these two poems. It is very much

12. 12

important to understand Frost, since he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in literature for four
times during his lifetime.
1.6. Objectives
The foremost aim of the project is to point out the authentic method to make the analysis of the
poem by using the stylistic knowledge.
 To make the students able to use stylistics analysis properly.
 To make them clear about the application of stylistics devices.
 To point out the mistakes in applying stylistics on poetry.
 To make the reader able to trace the stylistic devices used by the author.
Furthermore, research has been conducted to analyze two poems of Robert Frost which
are; i.) Fire and Ice; and ii.) A Question; from the perspective of stylistics. The research is also
aimed to focus the similarities in his writings of these two poems from linguistic point of view.
1.7. Rationale
Fresh students cannot make the proper interpretations of a given poem, therefore ,it is
necessary for them to have some glimpses of this paper because it has the knowledge of using
the stylistics while interpreting a given poem. Students often make mistakes while touching a
poem critically. The paper is about the right order of making the application of stylistic rules
upon a work of art. The paper will provide us with the proper steps taken towards stylistic
analysis of the given poem.
Research can be said as the basis of knowledge and relative truth. The reason for naming
it as relative truth is that there is no such thing that can be regarded as ultimate truth because
of the very reason that people have different views and opinions. Research enables a person to

13. 13

dig out the surface facts by reviewing the available literature and in the light of that effort
opinion can be drawn.
The rationale behind this research project is to study not only the two poems of Robert
Frost but to also study and review the available literature on linguistics and stylistics and their
sub-fields. This project has multi-vectored implications since it does not remain limited to one
particular thing. It would provide the research team a unique opportunity to search and find
relevant data from many sources and ultimately to cite the data in an academically acceptable
manner. This project would have long lasting effects on the research team and will be pretty
useful for them in future endeavors.
1.8. Research Questions
i. What are the stylistics features of Frost’s writings?
ii. What stylistics attributes are common between “A Question” and “Fire and Ice”?
1.9. Significance of the Study
The study is unique in this regard that there exists hardly any study which has analyzed
the above mentioned two poems from the stylistics stand point. The study will also take into
account the personality and motivation of Robert Frost and his early life events those were
decisive in shaping the poetry of Frost.
The research is important for its revision of some previous researches on the topic. But
it has some deviation as well from the traditional interpretation of the term Stylistics as well.
There is a kind of innovation in use of the terms and rules of Stylistics. It is also about the
clarification the important steps towards the right interpretation of a poetic work of art. The
paper is significant for those who are students of literature and it is of same importance for

14. 14

those who have real interest in reading the standard kind of poetry with all its superficial and
hidden meanings as well.
This research will help the readers understand and analyze two Poems of Robert Frost
i.e. “Fire and Ice” and “A question”. The text is stylistically analyzed at phonetic, phonological,
grammatical, graphological and lexical levels to enlighten the reader with the text, the style
and the use of language, and the linguistic creativity of Robert Frost by choosing the right
words and structures which takes us to his world. It will also help future researchers to carry
out research in the allied fields.

15. 15

Chapter 2
Literature Review

This chapter gives an overview of the past studies conducted within the jurisdiction of
the concerned title of the thesis.
2.1. Style
Style is a strategy/technique of compositions utilized by the author which recognizes
him from alternate scholars in a similar sort of writing. It additionally changes starting with
one creator then onto the next and relies on sentence structure, tone and words. It can likewise
be portrayed as a voice that perusers listen to when they read the work of an author.
Style may allude to a few or the greater part of the dialect propensities for one individual as
when we discuss Shakespeare's style (or styles), or the style of James Joyce, or when we talk
about inquiries of debated origin… all the more regularly, it alludes along these lines to a
determination of dialect propensities, the infrequent phonetic quirks which portray an
individual's uniqueness.
Essentially, style may allude to a few or the greater part of the propensities shared by a
gathering of individuals at one time, or over a timeframe, as when we discuss the style of
Augustan artists, the style of Old English courageous verse, the style in which common
administration structures are composed, or styles of open talking.
Style is given a more confined importance when it is utilized as a part of an evaluative
sense, alluding to the adequacy of a method of expression. This is inferred by such well known
meanings of style as saying the best thing in the best path or as great behavior.
As indicated by Leech (1969) style is the route in which something is talked, composed or
performed. It alludes to utilization of words, sentences, structures and talking style. Identity of
the author is associated with his specific style. It uncovers that how a man adequately and

16. 16

perfectly delineates his thoughts and considerations. It portrays the method for individual's
talking and composing. It is gotten from the Latin word elocutio which implies style and means
lexis in Greek. Bloodsucker and Short (1981) is of the view that the word style has an
uncontroversial significance. Style relies on upon the setting for a given reason for which the
dialect is being utilized. Birch (1989) trusts that both dialect and style can't move past an utmost
on the amazingness of words. He emphatically trusts that these words contain implications
which varies it from the conventional dialect. Bloodsucker and Short (1981) additionally said
that it is the choice of the words from a great etymological vocabulary.
Style is included in both, talked and composed, artistic and nonliterary sorts of dialect
however it is especially connected with composed type of the abstract writings. Parasite and
Short (1981) additionally expounds that style is the dress of considerations. It is the method
for the essayist to pass on the message to the perusers. It is upon the essayist that how he makes
his content justifiable that the implications are passed on. Styles presumably change as
indicated by place, time, uniqueness and methodology.
2.2. Stylistics
Stylistics can be overall depicted as the investigation of style of dialect utilization in
various settings, either phonetic, or situational. However, it appears that because of the mind-
boggling history and assortment of explored issues of this review it is hard to state definitely
what stylistics is, and to check clear limits amongst it and different branches of etymology
which manage content investigation.

What has been the essential enthusiasm of stylistics for a considerable length of time
is the investigation of the sort, vacillation, or the purpose behind picking a given style as in
any dialect a solitary thought can be communicated in various routes relying upon undertones,
or sought outcome that the message is to create. Accordingly, stylistics is worried with the

17. 17

examination of language structure, lexis, semantics, and additionally phonological properties
and desultory gadgets. It may appear that similar issues are researched by sociolinguistics, and
without a doubt that is the situation, however sociolinguistics examinations the previously
mentioned issues seen as reliant on the social class, sexual orientation, age, and so on while
stylistics is more keen on the criticalness of capacity that the style satisfies.
Also, stylistics inspects oral and composed messages with a specific end goal to decide
significant trademark etymological properties, structures and examples affecting view of the
writings. In this manner, one might say that this branch of semantics is identified with talk
examination, specifically basic talk investigation, and pragmatics.
Inferable from the way that toward the start of the advancement of this review the
significant part of the expressive examination was worried with the investigation of artistic
writings it is once in a while called scholarly phonetics, or abstract stylistics. These days, in
any case, language specialists concentrate different sorts of writings, for example, manuals,
formulas, and books and ads. It is key to include here that none of the content sorts is segregated
and thought to be more imperative than others. Notwithstanding that, in the late years supposed
'media-talks', for example, movies, news reports, tune verses and political addresses have all
been inside the extent of enthusiasm of stylistics.
Short and Candlin said that stylistics is an etymological way to deal with the
investigation of the abstract writings. Widdowson characterizes stylistics the investigation of
scholarly talk from an etymological introduction which varies stylistics from the abstract
feedback and considers semantics as its connecting procedure. Carter (1988) has of same view
that stylistics is an extension train amongst etymology and writing. Stylistics is the
investigation of those gadgets utilized as a part of dialect, for example, explanatory terms and
linguistic gadgets that are utilized to make expressive or scholarly style. Along these lines,
Stylistics is that review which touches both abstract feedback and additionally etymology as

18. 18

its morphological structure proposes. As per Widdowson stylistics communicates implies
though dialect and writing as a subject.
The content investigated by stylistics can be seen from various edges and as satisfying
no less than a couple capacities. Along these lines, it is said that writings have interpersonal
capacity, ideational capacity and printed work. While depicting a capacity, a few issues are
contemplated. Along these lines, interpersonal capacity is about the relationship that the
content is building up with its beneficiaries, the utilization of either individual or indifferent
pronouns is breaking down, and also the utilization of discourse acts, together with the tone
and inclination of the announcement.
While depicting the ideational capacity language specialists are worried with the
method for speaking to the truth by the content, the way the members are spoken to, and in
addition the game plan of data in provisions and sentences. The printed capacity is the reference
of sentences advances and in reverse which makes the content strong and cognizant,
additionally other digressive gadgets, for example, ellipsis, reiteration, and anaphora are
examined. Notwithstanding that the viability of picked elaborate properties of the writings is
broke down with a specific end goal to decide their reasonableness to the apparent capacity, or
commitment to general understanding.
2.3. Levels of Stylistic Analysis
The accompanying is the levels that beauticians/language specialists test when they go
for breaking down a bit of content, either composed or talked.
1. Phonetic Level: - An examination of sounds; the investigation of the attributes and potential
utility of human vocal commotion

Graphetics – the investigation of composed or printed shapes (visual simple of phonetics)

19. 19

2. Phonology (Phonemics) - the investigation of the sound arrangement of a given dialect; the
formalized standards of articulation
Graphology (Graphemics) – the undifferentiated from investigation of a dialect's written work
framework; the formalized tenets of spelling
3. Punctuation – both the syntactic and morphological levels should be talked about; the point
is to investigate the inside structure of sentences in a dialect and the way they work in
groupings; as it were, conditions, phrases, words, things, verbs, and so on should be recognized
and put through an examination to discover what is the standard (foregrounding) and what is
some way or another degenerate (against the standard)
4. Vocabulary – on the lexical level – it is the investigation of the path in which singular words
and figures of speech tend to design in various etymological setting; on the semantic level –
regarding stylistics, it is the investigation of the significance of extends longer than the single
lexical thing (in phonetics, it is the investigation of the importance of a solitary lexical thing)
5. Discoursal/Textual Level – around there, for example, the intrigue lies in data handling
(subject – rheme), and to what degree a content is cognizant and what strong gadgets were
utilized to accomplish the specific level of intelligence of the content.
2.4. Previous Studies
The investigation of style has long held a focal place in Old English artistic reviews.
One explanation behind this reality is the uncommon character of Old English verse, and
certain cases of early Middle English verse too, when contrasted and any verse in the later
history of English writing from Chaucer to the late nineteenth century.

Elaborate components of Old English verse as the utilization of exceptional lovely
phrasing, a lot of it allegorical. Each of complex components has gotten sufficient
consideration in the basic writing. The style of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle has gone under

20. 20

investigation. All things considered, a readiness to the expressive impacts in play in individual
Old English ballads appears to have been at its top amid the 1970s, as New Critical motivations
separated into the feedback of Old English writing from different times of artistic reviews.
2.5. Biography of Robert Frost
Robert Frost was an acclaimed American Poet, conceived in San Francisco on March
26, 1874. He saw a globally commended writer who won the acclaimed Pulitzer prize for four
circumstances. He moved to New England (Massachusetts) as a youngster after his dad's
passing. Ice experienced budgetary and monetary challenges until he chose to move to England
(United Kingdom) when he was 38 years of age. By doing this, he figured out how to distribute
his function abroad, getting to be distinctly prominent in America. He then returned in 1915,
at 41 years old and after one year composed his perfect work of art The Road Not Taken. His
verse concentrated on topics of nature in which he installed the current and philosophical issues
of his time. His style of verse is exceptionally basic and simple and clear. He is thinking about
the numerous decisions he made for the duration of his life, and considering how diverse would
his life be in the event that he had settled on different choices (by taken other street). Another
translation, because of a few imageries in the ballad recommends that Frost felt that his life
was completion, in this way thinking about his lost open doors.
Much dissimilar to his expert life, Robert Frost's own life was loaded with pain and
misfortune. He lost his folks at a youthful age. As though this were any less, Frost needed to
concede his more youthful sister Jeanie to metal doctor's facility. She passed on there simply
following nine years. At 20 years, old, in 1894, he proposed marriage to Elinor Miriam White,
who thus denied needing to complete school first. The next year, having graduated, Elinor
concurred and the two tied the marital bunch. They had six kids to be specific child Elliot, little
girl Lesley Frost Ballantine, child Carol, little girl Irma, little girl Marjorie and little girl Elinor
Bettina Elliot kicked the bucket of cholera in 1904, Carol conferred suicide, Marjorie passed

21. 21

on of puerperal fever after labor and Elinor Bettina kicked the bucket post three days after her
introduction to the world. Ice's significant other contracted bosom disease in 1937 and kicked
the bucket of heart disappointment in 1938. He himself passed on in Boston on January 29,
1963 at 88 years old years.

22. 22

Chapter 3
Research Methodology

Methodology is an agenda in which one can be on familiar terms with the principles of
the selected model and it makes available the fundamentals and techniques of the study. In this
research, we clarify the viewpoints, methods and structure slot in for the study. Methodology
consist of an assortment of possessions that is essential to recognize the unique perspective
which the research aims to look for. It also provides the basics of strategies of study and enables
us to understand the concept, idea, unique approach and personal idea.
Methodology is a process in which one can be aware with the principles of the selected
model and it gives the fundamentals and techniques of the study. This section of the research
clarifies the viewpoints, methods and structure slot in for the study. Methodology consist of an
assortment of possessions that is essential to recognize the unique perspective which the
research aims to look for. It also provides the basics of strategies of study and enables us to
understand the concept, idea, unique approach and personal idea. The current study is a
qualitative study based research on close reading and inductive analysis of the text in the two
poems of Robert Frost “Fire and Ice” and “A Question”.
3.1. Research Paradigm
A well-known model established by a line of investigation is explained as research
paradigm. For example interpretive model is one of the models of investigating inside
sociology it comes within the reach of communal knowledge which is in opposition to the
positivism of any normal discipline.
Disciplines tend to be used by paradigms, such as “Interpretivism and Construction”.

23. 23


3.1.1 Interpretivism
Interpretivism is a paradigm of research within sociology and it involves interpreting
elements of learning which opposes the positivism of natural science. In selected two poems
of Robert Frost “Fire and Ice” and “A Question” we will use this technique. within this
paradigm, the development of a dialogue between researchers is critical. It is through this
dialectical process that a more informed and complicated understanding of the social world can
be created. All understandings are based in a moment. Interpretivism is linked between quality
and quantity of researcher’s approach.
3.1.2 Constructivism
Constructivism is a theoretical view point about the nature of knowing. In the current
poetry based research this approach reflects clearly. There are many theorists who give theories
about constructivism but one famous theorist which is known for his constructivist views is
Jean Piaget. Piaget focused on how humans make meaning in relation to the communication
between their experiences and their thoughts. The theory of constructivist learning by Piaget
describes and explains how knowledge comes to mind and practices are put into a verbal
communication for understanding.
Constructivism is an ability to figure out any situation from the given information.
Constructivism actually describes how knowledge occurs, when the researchers use their
practices to comprehend a speech or any other form of discourse. It can also be called as an
educational directive which endorses energetic knowledge. Its basic belief is that a person
extracts knowledge, its meaning and relation between things, people and events by constructing
ideas in his mind.

24. 24

3.2. Research Method
This research is a qualitative study based on the inductive analysis of the text being
used by the help of close reading strategy, the researchers recognized the situation in the text
where model expressions had been used to create shading prototype in the above mentioned
two poems of Robert Frost “Fire and Ice” and “A Question”.
3.2.1 Close Reading and Inductive Analysis
It highlights the cautious, continued understanding of a brief passageway of the text.
Robert Frost’s “Fire and Ice” discusses the question of whether the end of the world will come
in ice or fire, and while that question is part of the meaning, is the question as to whether cold
or heat is the more painful, not just in terms of destruction but also emotion and pain.
In the second poem “A Question” Frost describes the feelings of a lonely person.
Disappointment is in every word of the poem. We can feel pains and grief of the poet which is
his personal. Nature is not friendly to show the cruelty of nature.
3.3. Theoretical Framework
Using the theoretical framework, the researcher comprehends the supposition and
perception to the topic of the research. It permits the researcher to review obtainable
information and answer the query of why and how. In theoretical framework, we scrutinize
different solutions and develop logical relations with the guidelines of the already formulated
model or framework. The analysis of the articles has been conducted by combining the
following theoretical approaches collectively.

25. 25

3.3.1 Power and Interpersonal Relations
In order to make their written work more effective, productive, widespread and valuable
similar authors uses their writing powers to make their articles powerful and appealing.
similarly, the reader and researchers use control to understand the concealed genuineness at the
back the screen of expression so that they probably will find it more un touched. An
interpersonal friendship is sandwiched between the reader and writer. Writing power of the
author offer often forces the reader to acknowledge and submit to the author’s power.
3.4. Population
The whole set of items or personal deliberate for a study is called population. The
population for the current study consisted of two poems “Fire and Ice” and “A Question”
written by Robert Frost.
3.5. Sampling
For this research, we will use convenience sampling technique to collect the data for
these two poems. This sampling technique is non-probability sampling; in this technique
researcher takes those samples, which are easily available. These samples have primary
information about the phenomenon. So, we can rely on data collection from those population
members who are conveniently available to participate in study. To analyze this poem, we will
study the complete poem, because it is not a larger poem. So, we can easily find different
analyst to study the poem.

26. 26

Chapter 4
Analysis and Findings

This chapter would discuss on the outcome of the current study. Using the
aforementioned research methodologies and paradigms, the deducted results would be
highlighted and elaborated in detail.
4.1. Analysis of ‘Fire and Ice’
It consists of only one nine-line stanza. Robert Frost is famous for writing deep
philosophical ideas through intense and exquisite imagery, he has been called the “voice of
America”. In the poem “Fire and Ice” symbolizes the end of world with emotions like fire with
desire and ice with hate. This poem is considered one of the most popular anthologized poem.
4.1.1. Title
The title of this poem is very simple and easy to understand. The main agenda which
the poet has narrated in this poem is the equivalent destructive potentials of the elements fire
and ice. This poem is actually a literary irony which has extreme brevity in its wordy
expression. As far as title is concerned, it represents a contrast between Fire and Ice. It asks a
rhetorical question of how the world will end, on fire or ice. Besides, title is symbolic as Fire
is the symbol of desire and ice is the symbol of hate. The world’s fate is adhered with this ice
and fire and in this way title seems to be ironic as well. Although poem is small but it has a
huge title which covers end of whole world within only three words.

27. 27

4.1.2. Theme
The major theme of this poem is greed and worldly desire which has been defined as
destructive forces to the earth. The poet has explained that the world itself a peaceful destination
but it is the human who demolishes it through hatred and greed. He has created metaphors of
fire and ice. The fire is greed and the hatred is ice which act in the same manner and results to
bring destruction for this world.
4.1.3. Diction and choice of words
The poet of this poem has selected very easy words to express his thoughts and
emotions for the ease of his readers but his selection of words is quite sensible. The most
prominent word in this poem is the word “desire”. This word has helped the poet to manage
his rhyme scheme in an absolute manner. The word desire here is used in the meanings of
hunger and lust not in the true sense of its literary meanings. In fact, if we can say that, here
the word desire has more stress on lust than anything else.
The poet’s selection for the words such as “desire” instead of using it into “lust” seems
to bring positivity of his impression. He kept a balance between the desire and lust. The word
lust comes out with severe negativity in its meanings which in a curtain of word desire provides
a message to avoid it for the betterment of humanity.
The other important word used by Frost is “tasted”. This selection defines huge
concepts of desire to several human experiences. In this regard, the Poet has left a vast choice
on his readers to conclude whatever meanings they want to assert from his poetry. The Frost’s
diction in this poem has provided to his readers an unprejudiced space where they have huge
room to conclude his poetry with their own understandings.

28. 28

4.1.4. Syntax or Grammatical Structures
Grammatical structures are significant in composition of a poem. In the opening line of
“Fire and Ice”, there is a pronoun “some” which helps to initiate the thought of poet. With this
indefinite pronoun, Frost starts his poem and complete his sentence with a comma after “fire”
and ends on “ice”. Second line and second last line are short, which helps in maintaining rhythm
and rhyme. Third line starts from a preposition “From” and then an interrogative “what” which
is used for a rhetorical purpose and the Subject verb and object structure is followed. However,
if we draw the tree diagram of the sentences of this poem, there can be simple noun phrases
and verb phrase drawn. Agent and goals are also obvious in case of fire and ice.
4.1.5. Rhyme Scheme
This ironic styled, short poem (consisting only on 9 lines) has a great brevity and
conciseness in its expression of scheme. We find a great deal of word’s economy throughout
in this poem. This poem has been expressed in 9 lines stanzas which have extreme brevity in
its last couple of lines. The poet has casted his great creativity through experimenting the
mixing of “Iambic tetrameter” and “Diameter” in this poem. The rhyme scheme is following
the layout of, “Terza Rima” which is “ABA, ABC, BCB”.
4.1.6. Paradox
At the most essential level, a paradox is an announcement that is self-conflicting in light
of the fact that it regularly contains two proclamations that are both valid, however by and
large, can't both be valid in the meantime. In this short poem, a great paradox has been defined.
There is discordance in the belief of the world’s destruction. A scientific study says that the
world will be ended through a freezing or icing temperature while the other religious and
cultural believes of destructions suggests it will be by fire. So there is a big paradox has kept

29. 29

in this poem by the poet. He has left it undecided that either mode of destruction shall activate
at time of ending this world.
4.1.7. Irony
Irony in the poetry is basically the selection of words which perform different meanings
in their functionalities rather their literal meanings. By the poet, it is also possible to have a
condition or a situation where the generally anticipated or prevailed belief is taken in a total
different context to the poetic language. Yet Irony is a great theme for this poem. It has total
ironic impression in all its words. The poet has represented his thought of irony through two
things: the fire and the ice. In this poem, the poet connoted the fire as the human greed and ice
is human hatred. These two concepts apparently are very concise but have a great depth. The
situation the poet has explained is a disturbed condition where this world finally has to be
finished. The irony which poet suggests is the ending of world through two human actions, the
fire which is desires and hatred which is ice.
4.1.8. Stylistic Devices
4.1.8.1 Assonance
Similarity of sound between syllables of close-by words, emerging especially from the
rhyming of at least two focused on vowels, however not consonants (e.g. song, morning),
additionally from the utilization of indistinguishable consonants with various vowels (e.g.
cycle, psycho, syrup). In this poem, the poet had consumed fewer assonance. Only “I” is
repeated thrice as assonance in the entire poem. It can be seen in this line:
“I hold with those who favor fire.”

30. 30

4.1.8.2. Cacophony
If we speak literally, cacophony points to a situation where there is a mixture of harsh
and inharmonious sounds. In literature, however, the term refers to the use of words with sharp,
harsh, hissing and unmelodious sounds primarily those of consonants to achieve desired results.
4.1.8.3. Consonance
The repetitive sounds of a sentence or phrase are called as consonance. The consonance
in poetry refers to the rapid sequence of chasing the sounds in a poetic line. For example the
driller and killer have consonance of the sounds‘ll’. In this poem, the consonance as poetic
device has not been used at all.
4.1.8.4. Alliteration
The poetic device that repeats a particular speech sound in poetic line/phrase/words is
called as alliteration. Mostly it consumes consonants in the start of words to bring a match in
all the syllables of a poetic sequence. This device in poetic language has a special role as it
provides poetry a charm maintaining music and rhythms. In the selected poem, “Ice and Fire”
the poet Frost has used this device to maintain the charm of this poem. In the first to lines the
“S” has been used twice which is the alliteration.
“Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice”.
Than in the 4rth line sound “f” is used twice.
“I hold with those who favor fire”
In the 5
th
line “I” sound is used two times.

31. 31

“But if it had to perish twice”
In the 6
th
line “I” sound is again used more than one times.
“I think I know enough of hate”
4.1.8.5. Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is the word which poetry consumes in the imitation of natural sounds
for example the sound of rain, a sparrow’s voice or any other possible natural sound. So far,
this piece of poetry has not consumed any of the onomatopoeic sounds.
4.1.8.6. Imagery
The imageries are the visuals parts of poetry which poet creates through his words for
the readers. These visual signs are always designed to display the human five basic senses of
feeling. The Frost as a poet of this poem has created two beautiful different visuals for his
readers by using the poetic device of imagery. The image of “fire” available in this poetry has
two things the sense to see something and to feel it deeply. We can also observe the word
“tasted” as an image of poet’s experience provide a full sense and an experience.
The imageries used in this poet have strong visuals that impact on our feelings and
senses. This poem has consumed two basic senses of human feelings, the cold and the heat.
The visual of fire, used in this poetry reflects heat. Fire for the heat can be destructive but in
moderation it is good for human beings. In the same manner, the concept of Ice works, its
consumption in limitation is useful but when it comes in larger quantity it has power to destroy
same as fire. Frost connotes through these visuals of “fire and ice” the emotions of human
desire and fire. Frost says the human desire is fire but only when it crosses its limitations. In

32. 32

the same way, the visual of ice for hatred works. The bad thing in hate is its nature which only
brings destruction.
Sense Images Described
Sight Fire, Ice, and Desire on someone’s face, Hate
Sound Burning of fire, Crushing of ice, and desire in voice
Smell Nothing
Taste The mood I taste is desire
Touch nothing
4.1.8.7. Personification
Personification is basically the human characteristics which are defined through
different object and non-human items. In this poem, the Ice and fire are two objects which have
been broached by the poet as non-human elements but are designed to spread the human
characteristics of hatred as worldly desires.
4.1.8.8. Antithesis
Antithesis have opposite meanings in the poetry between two objects, phrases etc. For
example, the dark is the antithesis of bright and open is the antithesis of cold. In this poem, the
poetic device of antithesis has been great consumed. The word ice has extreme opposite and
contrastive word fire. We can see them through their literal meanings as well. The ice refers to
the cold and chill where the fire has opposite meanings to it. The fire is greatly refers to the
heat and warmth.

33. 33

4.1.8.9 Metaphor
Metaphor is basically a tactic of comparing to the one object to another. In metaphor,
we see that it switches the name between the two. Fire and Ice uses a metaphor although it is
an implied metaphor where Robert Frost compares fire and ices without implying it or pointing
it out. In this poem two metaphors have been used where the word ice has a metaphor to the
word hatred and the fire is a metaphor of human desire but after creating to metaphors, the poet
has created an intra comparison between these two metaphors also.
4.1.8.10. Symbolism
The entire poem hover about two great symbols. From its first and second lines even
we can’t judge we are being told about symbols of fire and ice. In fact these two lines dictate
about scientific justification of reality. In later lines when Frost modifies his concepts of fire
and ice than we come to that these are symbols of hatred and human worldly desires. The
interesting part of reading these two symbols utilized by Frost is that, it never stops on a narrow
definition of hatred and desire but it provides a huge space to being into the definition of
provided symbols of fire and Ice. The readers are allowed by the Frost to add their own
experiences and imaginations with the concepts provided through the symbols of fire and ice.
4.1.8.11. Connotation
In poetry, the poetic device connotation refers to those selected words and phrases by
the poet which do not explain the plain and common meanings attached to them. The
connotations may be descriptions of contexts related to the culture and emotions. In this poem,
the two words are greatly used as connotation. The ice and fire, these two words have different
context and meanings here rather their original literal meanings. The ice connotes for the
human hatred and the fire is human desire.

34. 34

4.2. Analysis of ‘A Question’
4.2.1. Title
The title of the poem is the key to its understanding. The title best suits the content of
the poem as it has been written in the form of a question where the poet poses a question to his
readers. The theme of the poem revolves around a valid and compelling question about the
existence of human being on earth and the price they have to pay for their birth on the earth. It
is highly philosophical and abstract question in its very nature.
4.2.2. Theme
This poem is a recollection of those moments which have now become part of the past.
stands for one's reflection on their past life. The poem is about the complicated phenomenon
of life and death which is as absurd as man himself. Man suffers on this planet earth for
something which is ambiguous and vague. This poem, ‘A Question’ primarily unveils the
invisible link between human life and death and the man is put in a situation where he can
question about what all good he has been doing and what are the implications of these actions
on his life. The man has to value his life as something that is worth-living. Another perspective
is that the man has to suffer in this worldly life. The poet is trying to portray that a depressing
image of human life and he says that man is just like a pawn in the hands of fate and this
suffering never comes to an end. The very nature of the poem is beautifully described with the
question word, ‘Why’ which actually depicts the mental status of the poet himself.
4.2.3. Diction or choice of words
The diction used in the poem, ‘A Question’ is very vivid and elaborative which clearly
expresses the thoughts and feelings of the poet, thus creating a pictorial image of human life,

35. 35

death and sufferings. Although the poem contains a lot of images and symbolism, but still the
words and phrases help the reader understand the message of the poet.
4.2.4. Syntax or Grammatical Structures
The poem has simple grammatical structures but they have diversity in their used the
poet has successfully tried to employ these grammatical devices to give pictorial expression to
his feelings and thoughts. The verbs which have been used in the poem are mostly finite and
infinite. For example, the verbs, ‘said’, ‘look’, and ‘tell’ are finite verbs while “to pay” is an
infinitive. First and third line of stanza are finite clauses which shows tense while second and
fourth line are non-finite clauses which contain a verb but does not show tense. Use of commas,
use of hyphen and full stop is used in the poem and it shows poet inquisitive and dissatisfied
nature. Poet does not have clarity about the purpose of life. Does life is the name of sorrow
and suffering?
4.2.5. Rhyme Scheme
This poem consists of only one stanza. Each line is composed by trochaic tetrameter.
Stanza of “A Question” has the pattern of rhyme scheme: ABAB pattern, For instance, in the
first stanza, “stars” rhymes with the word “scars” and “earth” rhymes with the word “birth.”
4.2.6. Paradox
A single voice is asking to look me in the stars instead of listening. One voice should
be associated to one star. Soul and body scars cannot be compared as a price to take birth on
earth. Soul and body are two different prospective of human life. Man having difficulties in
life may not necessarily be having hardship in his soul. Rather these two aspects of life are
contradicting each other in every religion; one is examined with in life i.e. physical human

36. 36

body and the other is addressed after life i.e soul. If life is given by the God, then why He is
asking the men of earth about its price in form of soul and body scars?
4.2.7. Irony
Robert Frost’s poetry is depleted with irony which is obvious in his poems which
typically depict the differences between human perceptions and realities. However not irony
is ever directed against man’s nature to deceive himself. We can see ironic treatment of self-
deception in these lines. Though Frost is a pessimist in its very nature, but his vision of man’s
dilemma is not negative as it is clear in these lines. The poet has great ability to represent the
horrifying essence of human life and his eagerness to recognize man’s suffering from bumpy
patches is clearly mentioned in these lines.
4.2.8. Stylistic Devices
Following stylistics devices are used by Robert Frost in this poem:-
a. Assonance. It refers to the repetition of vowel sounds. For example, ‘too
much to pay’.
b. Cacophony. The poet uses cacophony in this poem to describe a distressing
situation of human emotional upheaval. The poet uses words such as voice, look,
stars, soul and body scars, Pay for birth, with discordant sounds as descriptive
words, and tries to generate a dialogue between the humans and the God to
display human emotional state in the form of scars on body and soul that they
have to pay to live on earth.
c. Consonance. It refers to the repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words.
For example, , ‘said and stars’

37. 37

d. Alliteration. We can also find a few examples of alliteration as well. For
example, ‘Tell me Truly’, ‘too --- to pay’, soul and scars’, ‘.
e. Onomatopoeia
f. Imagery. Robert Frost has frequently used ambiguous and abstract
imagery in his poetry to create a vivid picture of the subject at hand. The
invisible voice without being physically seen is the dominant imagery in these
lines. I would say that the voice is the voice of god. The stars rest in "heaven"
which is where god would be. This is supported because the voice is not that of
a man. This deals with many subjects. The poet was able enough to be very
thoughtful about free will and the survival of very evil. Similarly, ‘body and
soul scars’ is another example of imagery. If you are to be free, then there are
certain things an omnipotent, omniscient being cannot save you from... those
are the soul-and-body scars... If your mother smokes cigarettes and does crack
while you're a baby and you are born with three arms, don't blame god. That's
free will. You might also even say that, at least in the Christian viewpoint, you
have to prove yourself before god. That might be a soul-scar and you are not
born saved or good; rather the man has to prove it with his survival against all
odds.
g. Personification. The start of the stanza with the words, ‘A voice said’ is a
clear example or personification. Asking man to ‘look me in the starts’ just like
we see different objects on the earth. That voice tries to compare itself with
something visible.
h. Antithesis. Beauty of life is comparing with the hard ships in the form of
soul and body scars, is a clear antithesis of the poet’s thought and imagination
of this world. Although, it is a natural law that comfort cannot be achieved

38. 38

without bearing hardships and difficulties, even then the poet considered these
difficulties too much for the sake of life on the earth.
i. Metaphor. Frost compares scars on the soul and body as a cost for living in
this world. The poet poses a serious question that is it not a heavy price to pay
for having birth on the earth.
j. Symbolism. This poem symbolically represents the pain and sorrow of
humans while living on the earth in the form of scars, presence of God in the
starts having qualities of listening and visualizing. The tone of the poem is
always slimy but that actually means that you can opt for any tone you feel you
can absorb. This is also called voice. You may hear an annoyed tone or an
informal tone. What could be the symbolic meaning of 'Voice'? At times, it is
the Creator but it seems doubtful here. It could be devil as well. There are no
quotation marks, but the capital letter “L” after the first comma suggests that he
wants the remaining passage to look like a quote. The philosophical drive is if
the pang and suffering that we endure to feel the essence of life, is really worth
it. That is whether the life is to be enjoyed or do we only undergo suffering
through it?’
k. Connotation. The word “scar” is used as a representation of hardships
and difficulties, a man has to pay in return of life on earth. This word gives a
feeling of un-healing wound that a man carries after the death.

39. 39

Chapter 5
Conclusion
The Poem fire and ice by Robert Frost is a literary Irony in which he has chosen to talk
about the darkest aspect of human world. He has stressed on the importance of ending this
universe and accounted two most potential elements of threats which may act like ending
agents for this world which are either Ice or the fire.
Robert Frost has included most visionary concepts in this poem. He has also given
metaphors to his lifted concepts of Ice and Fire. For him the Ice is in fact hatred and human
grudge and the fire is human desire (the greed of human for luxury and worldly material).
The two elements of fire and Ice are equally destructive for the poet which are
associated to the destruction of this world but by deeply analyzing these two concepts of fire
and ice it can be concluded that the element of Ice is however less destructive than the fire. The
metaphors in these two concepts dictate that human hatred acts like Ice which freezes the
sentiments but there is a chance of its restoration for example the ice again can be liquefy same
as the hatred can be turned into love and affection but the fire is an eventual end. The
destructions made through fire have no compensation. Once fire burns, it finishes the objects
completely there is no chance of renewal after the attack of fire which is human desire. So the
Ice has revival. It has capability to reinstate. Ice when melts turns into water which is a sign of
life and its flow offers the continuity of human life. From stylistic analysis of the poem, it is
inferred that the poem is an exquisite example of symbolic title. Fire represents desire while
ice symbolizes hate. The poem predicts the end of world if human beings keep on hating each
other or the desire of the one destroys the other. The eloquent use of imagery and alliteration
for deep philosophical purpose make the poem worth reading. Diction of the poem is simple
but it is evocative. The irony in the poem is that the poetic predicting about the end of the world

40. 40

but he himself is not sure whether the world will end on fire or ice. There is a deep pragmatic
thinking in the poem. The analysis proves that Frost is true lover of realistic nature.
The poem ' A Question' revolves around a vivid and compelling question about the
existence of human being on earth and the price they have to pay for their birth on the earth.
The diction used in the poem is very vivid and elaborative which clearly expresses the thoughts
and feelings of the poet, thus creating a pictorial image of human life, death and sufferings.
The poem has simple grammatical structures but they have diversity in their used the poet has
successfully tried to employ these grammatical devices to give expression to his thoughts. This
poem consists of only one stanza. Each line is composed by trochaic tetrameter with a rhyme
scheme of ABAB pattern. Robert Forst has used assonance, cacophony, alliteration,
personification, antithesis, metaphor, symbolism and connotation as stylistic devices in this
poem. Frost has also frequently used ambiguous and abstract imagery to create a vibrant picture
of the subject in hand.
This poem “A Question” is about a question as we can easily interpret from its title. It
is a question about life, suffering, pains and hardships of life. Human beings on the earth are
bearing number of hardships in number of ways which is actually a price for the precious gift
of endowed life. Different stylistics devices like: assonance, consonance, alliteration,
metaphor, cacophony, imagery, antithesis etc. are used in this poem. This poem is beautifully
adorned by word choice and diction. The poet conveys a huge message through limited set of
vocabulary. This poem is from every side is a complete; title is very suitable, theme is superb
and style is grand, these all make it beautiful and thought provoking.

41. 41

References
Bloch, B., & Trager, G. (1942). Outline of Linguistic Analysis. University of California,
California: Linguistic Society of America, Waverly Press.
Bloom, H. (1999). Robert Frost Bloom's Major Poets. Broomall, Pennsylvania: Chelsea House.
Britannica (2016). Language. Retrieved October 16, 201 6, from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/language
Burke, M. (Ed.). (2014). The Routledge Handbook of Stylistics. New York, NY: Routledge.
Faggen, R. (2008). The Cambridge Introduction to Robert Frost. Cambridge, United Kingdom:
Cambridge University Press.
Galperin, I. (1977). Galperin Stylistics (2nd ed.). Moscow: Moscow Higher School.
Geoffrey, N. L. (2000). A Linguistic Guide to English Poetry Foreign Language Teaching and
Research. London, UK: Oxford University Press.
Leech, G. N. (1969). Styles and Methods. Retrieved October 09, 2016, from
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poets/detail/robert-frost/
Leech, G. N., & Short, M. H. (1981). Style in fiction: A linguistic introduction to English
fictional prose. London: Longman.
Lyons, J. (1981). Language and Linguistics. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge
University Press.
Niles, J. D., & Niles, J. D. (2016). Old English literature: A guide to criticism with selected
readings.
Nørgaard, N., Busse, B., & Montoro, R. (2010). Key Terms in Stylistics. London: Continuum
International Publishing Group.
Sapir, E. (1921). Language, An Introduction to the Study of Speech. University of Michigan,
NY: Harcourt Publishing Company.

42. 42

Simpson, P. (2004). Stylistics A Resource Book for Students. London: Routledge.
Skandera, P., & Burleigh, P. (2011). A Manual of English Phonetics and Phonology (2nd ed.).
Sofia, Bulgaria: NarrFrancke Attempto Verlag GmbH KG.
Toolan, M. (2013). Linguistics (3rd ed.). New York, United States of America: Routledge.
Trask, R. (2007). Stylistics (2nd ed.) (P. Stockwell, Ed.). New York, United States of America:
Routledge.
Winters, Y. (1957). The Function of Criticism: Problems and Exercises (1st ed.). Ohio, United
States of America: Swallow Press.
Wright, L., & Hope, J. (2005). Stylistics: A Practical Coursebook. London, United Kingdom:
Routledge.