Subject
What is the subject, or basic topic, of the poem?
The subject is about making decisions in life and the consequences that come with choosing one path over another.
Applying these elements to the analysis of our poem, what is the geographic location in which the poem takes place?
A forest (referred to as a "yellow wood").
Who might the intended audience for this poem be?
Anyone facing a difficult decision or reflecting on life choices.
What is the difference between an author and a speaker in a piece of literature?
The author writes the work; the speaker is the voice or persona within the piece.
What is an example of imagery in this poem?
"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood."
What is the general content in stanza 1?
The speaker comes to a fork in the road in a yellow wood and reflects on the difficulty of choosing which path to take.
Setting was recently discussed as more than simply a specific time and place. Can you recall the 4 elements of setting covered in this week’s lesson?
Geographic location
Time period
Emotional state or atmosphere
Daily life or occupation of the speaker
Would you classify the purpose of this piece to persuade, inform, explain, or describe? Could multiple answers be applicable?
It describes a life decision and reflects on its impact. It could also persuade readers to think carefully about their choices.
Apply the concept of speaker versus author to our poem. Are the author and speaker the same person? If not, who is the author? Who is the speaker?
The author is Robert Frost, but the speaker is a reflective individual contemplating life choices.
How is this poem an extended metaphor?
The roads represent life choices.
What is the general content in stanza 2?
The speaker decides to take the road that seems less worn, though he notes that both paths are actually quite similar.
Applying these elements to the analysis of our poem, what is the time period in which the poem takes place?
Autumn, suggested by the reference to the yellow leaves.
What qualities, beliefs, or values do the audience members have in common? Would this be considered a universal audience?
Yes, the theme of making life choices is universal and resonates across cultures and time periods.
What point-of-view is used in this poem? (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) How do you know?
First person, indicated by the use of "I."
What is an example of symbolism in this poem?
The two roads symbolize life choices.
What is the general content in stanza 3?
The speaker acknowledges that he likely won’t be able to return and try the other path, as life tends to lead in one direction.
Applying these elements to the analysis of our poem, what is the emotion attached to this poem?
Reflective and somewhat wistful, with a hint of regret or uncertainty.
What are some examples of word choice that support ______ as the purpose of this piece?
Words like "sigh," "diverged," and "less traveled" support the reflective and contemplative tone.
How would you describe the tone of this poem?
Reflective, contemplative, and somewhat wistful.
Explain how the speaker feels about the two roads.
The speaker feels conflicted and uncertain but ultimately reflective and accepting of his choice.
What is the general content in stanza 4?
The speaker reflects that the choice he made "has made all the difference," suggesting that the path he chose shaped his life in a significant way.
Another element of occasion is the current situation or context (outside the poem/in the world) which gave rise to the writing, context or situation that catches the writer’s attention and triggers a response. What might this refer to in this piece of writing?
It reflects Frost’s personal reflections on life decisions and how they shape a person’s path.
In applying the literary term of theme to this poem, what does the speaker, writer, or filmmaker want the audience to do, feel, say, or choose? What is a possible message to the reader?
The theme is about the significance of choices and how they shape one’s life. The speaker encourages readers to reflect on their own decisions.
What choice of words and use of rhetorical devices (devices that help create emphasis in your story) let you know the speaker’s tone?
Words like "sigh" and "difference" suggest nostalgia and significance.
Why doesn’t the speaker think he’ll ever go back and travel down the other road?
Because life leads forward, and choices often create paths that can't be retraced.