Why read Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken"? Why listen to the poet read it? Try listening, then see if you agree with me....
Video entry Link to text of poem "The Road Not Taken"
As an English teacher, I've read the poem, "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost many times. I read it as a student. I've taught it over several years. Many of you have read it or studied it along the way, too. I've examined it line by line with Freshmen, annotating it along the way. I may get it right when I interpret the tone (the author's attitude towards the subject) of wistful regret when looking back at past choices. I will probably keep learning as I return to the poem over time. Here's the gist of my understanding:
Each of us has a fork in the road, where a choice was made. One direction was taken over another. The "road not taken" was left behind. Like Frost, I have "kept the first [road] for another day!" Whether it is a relationship, a school, a friendship, or place where I lived, I believe that I can return, even as I walk down another path.
Frost's voice soothes us as he closes the poem, stating he "took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference." The cadence of his voice, the pauses and inflections give the poem greater impact and meaning. Do you find this to be true?
So, I wonder what is your "road less traveled by"? Will you take the unusual route, or follow the crowd? I like Frost's advice to find and follow my own road. Tweet out your travel plan or view looking back at a choice using the hashtag #roadnottaken .
