Who was Robert Frost, and what were his primary contributions to American literature?

Robert Frost was an American poet born in 1874 and died in 1963. He is renowned for his realistic depictions of rural life and his skillful use of American colloquial speech. Frost frequently drew upon settings from rural New England in the early 20th century to explore complex social and philosophical themes, making him one of America's most significant literary figures.

When and where was Robert Frost born, and where did he pass away?

Robert Frost was born on March 26, 1874, in San Francisco, California. He died on January 29, 1963, in Boston, Massachusetts.

What were the occupations of Robert Frost's parents?

Robert Frost's father, William Prescott Frost Jr., was a journalist and editor for the San Francisco Evening Bulletin. His mother, Isabelle Moodie, was a Scottish immigrant.

What significant event marked the beginning of Frost's adult life in Massachusetts?

Following his father's death in 1885, an 11-year-old Robert Frost moved with his mother and sister to Lawrence, Massachusetts, under the care of his grandfather.

How did Robert Frost's early education prepare him for his literary career?

Frost graduated from Lawrence High School in 1892, where he published his first poem in the school magazine, served as class poet, and was a co-valedictorian with his future wife, Elinor White. This early engagement with writing and academic achievement foreshadowed his later literary success.

What was Robert Frost's relationship with higher education, specifically Dartmouth and Harvard?

Frost attended Dartmouth College for two months and later Harvard University from 1897 to 1899. However, he left both institutions without earning a degree, voluntarily departing Harvard due to illness.

When and to whom did Robert Frost get married?

Robert Frost married Elinor Miriam White on December 19, 1895, after proposing to her twice. She was his high school co-valedictorian.

What was Robert Frost's experience with farming, and where did he attempt it?

After leaving Harvard, Frost worked a farm in Derry, New Hampshire, for nine years. While he wrote many poems during this period, his farming endeavors were ultimately unsuccessful.

How did Robert Frost begin his publishing career, and what was the initial reception of his first published poem?

Frost sold his first poem, "My Butterfly. An Elegy," to The Independent magazine for $15 in 1894. He was proud of this accomplishment, which encouraged him to propose marriage to Elinor White.

What prompted Robert Frost's move to Great Britain, and what was the outcome of this period?

In 1912, Frost and his family moved to Great Britain, settling in Beaconsfield. This move proved pivotal as it led to the publication of his first book of poetry, *A Boy's Will*, in 1913, and allowed him to connect with influential poets like Edward Thomas and Ezra Pound.

Which of Robert Frost's poetry collections were published during his time in England?

During his stay in England, Robert Frost published his first poetry collection, *A Boy's Will*, in 1913, followed by *North of Boston* in 1914. These publications marked significant milestones in his career.

Upon returning to the United States, where did Robert Frost establish his primary residences and teaching posts?

After returning to the U.S. in 1915, Frost bought a farm in Franconia, New Hampshire, which served as a summer home. He also spent nearly every summer teaching at the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College in Vermont from 1921 to 1962. Additionally, he taught at Amherst College and the University of Michigan.

What was Robert Frost's connection to Amherst College and the University of Michigan?

Frost taught English at Amherst College intermittently from 1917 to 1938. He also resided in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from 1921 to 1927, where he held a lifetime appointment as a Fellow in Letters at the University of Michigan.

What significant event occurred at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961 that involved Robert Frost?

At the age of 86, Robert Frost was invited to read a poem at President John F. Kennedy's inauguration. Due to the bright sunlight, he was unable to read his prepared poem, "Dedication," and instead recited "The Gift Outright" from memory.

What was Robert Frost's role in advocating for peaceful relations during the Cold War?

In the summer of 1962, Frost accompanied Interior Secretary Stewart Udall on a trip to the Soviet Union. His objective was to meet with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to promote peaceful relations between the United States and the USSR during the Cold War.

How did Robert Frost's personal life reflect themes of grief and loss?

Frost's personal life was marked by significant tragedy, including the early deaths of his father and mother, the institutionalization and death of his sister Jeanie, and the deaths of two of his six children. His wife Elinor also suffered from depression and died relatively young.

What mental health challenges did Robert Frost and his family face?

Both Robert Frost and his mother experienced bouts of depression. Furthermore, his sister Jeanie was committed to a mental hospital, and his daughter Irma was also institutionalized. His wife Elinor also suffered from depression.

How many children did Robert Frost have, and how many survived him?

Robert Frost and Elinor had six children: Elliott, Lesley, Carol, Irma, Marjorie, and Elinor Bettina. Only two of his children, Lesley and Elinor Bettina, outlived him.

What was the cause of Elinor Frost's death?

Elinor Frost, who had lifelong heart problems, died in 1938 from heart failure, following a diagnosis of breast cancer in 1937.

What is the significance of Robert Frost's epitaph?

Robert Frost's epitaph, engraved on his tombstone, is the line "I had a lover's quarrel with the world," taken from his poem "The Lesson for Today." This phrase encapsulates his complex relationship with life and his work.

How did critics like Randall Jarrell and Harold Bloom view Robert Frost's poetry?

Randall Jarrell praised Frost's deep knowledge of people and his masterful use of colloquial speech, defending him against accusations of being too traditional. Harold Bloom recognized Frost as one of the "major American poets." Both critics highlighted the complexity and depth found beneath Frost's seemingly simple, rustic persona.

What did Frost mean by his concept of "the sound of sense"?

Frost used the term "the sound of sense" to describe his approach to language in poetry, emphasizing the importance of capturing the natural rhythms and intonations of spoken English. He encouraged his students to incorporate these nuances into their writing.

How did Frost's use of traditional forms contrast with the trends in American poetry at the time?

Frost famously stated that adhering to traditional poetic forms was like "playing tennis without a net." He believed that these self-imposed restrictions helped him focus on the content of his poems rather than solely on creating new verse forms, a stance that contrasted with the modernist trend towards free verse.

What themes are commonly explored in Robert Frost's poetry?

Frost's poetry often delves into fundamental questions of existence, depicting the loneliness of individuals within an indifferent universe. His work frequently explores the darker aspects of rural life, including degeneration and madness, while also capturing the human reaction to nature and employing sympathetic humor.

What influence did classical literature have on Robert Frost's work?

Frost's education was heavily rooted in the classics, and this influence is evident in his poetry. Scholars have noted connections between his imagery and actions in poems like "Birches" and "Wild Grapes" and classical works such as Euripides' *Bacchae* and Virgil's *Aeneid*.

How many Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry did Robert Frost win, and for which works?

Robert Frost is the only poet to have won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry four times. He received this award for: *New Hampshire: A Poem With Notes and Grace Notes* (1924), *Collected Poems* (1931), *A Further Range* (1937), and *A Witness Tree* (1942).

Beyond the Pulitzer Prizes, what other significant honors did Robert Frost receive?

Frost was appointed United States Poet Laureate in 1958, received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1960, and was named Poet Laureate of Vermont in 1961. He also received over 40 honorary degrees from various universities, including Harvard, Dartmouth, Princeton, Oxford, and Cambridge.

What is the significance of the poem "The Road Not Taken" in relation to Edward Thomas?

The text mentions that Edward Thomas, a poet and friend of Frost, was Frost's inspiration for the poem "The Road Not Taken." This highlights the personal connections that influenced Frost's creative output.

How has Robert Frost's poetry influenced popular culture and other artists?

Frost's work has had a notable cultural impact, appearing in literature like *The Outsiders*, inspiring George R. R. Martin's *A Song of Ice and Fire*, and being referenced by musicians and in film. His poems have been quoted at significant public events, such as presidential inaugurations and funerals.

What are some of Robert Frost's most notable poetry collections?

Some of Robert Frost's most significant poetry collections include *A Boy's Will* (1913), *North of Boston* (1914), *Mountain Interval* (1916), *New Hampshire* (1923), *West-Running Brook* (1928), *Collected Poems* (1930), *A Further Range* (1936), *A Witness Tree* (1942), and *In the Clearing* (1962).

What notable plays did Robert Frost write?

Robert Frost authored several plays, including *A Way Out: A One Act Play* (1929), *The Cow's in the Corn: A One Act Irish Play in Rhyme* (1929), *A Masque of Reason* (1945), and *A Masque of Mercy* (1947).

Where are significant collections of Robert Frost's materials held?

Major collections of Robert Frost's papers and manuscripts are housed in several institutions, including the Jones Library in Amherst, Massachusetts; Amherst College; the University of Michigan Library; and Dartmouth College Library.

What is the meaning behind Frost's quote, "No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader"?

This quote, from Frost's essay "The Figure a Poem Makes," suggests that for a poem to be effective, the writer should not be overly sentimental or emotional while creating it. The goal is to evoke a genuine emotional response in the reader without forcing it, allowing the reader to experience the revelation of the poem.

What did Frost consider the purpose of poetry to be?

Frost believed that poetry must be a "revelation, or a series of revelations, for the poet as well as for the reader." He emphasized the freedom of the material to establish its own relations, driven by affinity rather than external constraints.

How did Ezra Pound influence Robert Frost's early career?

Ezra Pound was one of the first Americans to write a favorable review of Frost's work and became an acquaintance during Frost's time in England. However, Frost later grew to resent Pound's attempts to influence his poetic techniques and prosody.

What specific role did Edward Thomas play in Frost's life and work?

Edward Thomas, a poet and friend of Frost, was a significant acquaintance and inspiration for Robert Frost. Specifically, Thomas inspired Frost's well-known poem "The Road Not Taken."

What is the significance of the Robert Frost Farm in Derry, New Hampshire?

The Robert Frost Farm in Derry, New Hampshire, is historically significant as the place where Frost lived and wrote many of his early poems, including "Tree at My Window" and "Mending Wall." It is now maintained as a museum and poetry conference site.

How did Frost's association with rural life develop, given his urban upbringing?

Although Frost grew up in San Francisco and later Lawrence, Massachusetts, he became strongly associated with rural New England life through his farming experiences and his choice of setting for many of his poems. This contrast between his upbringing and his poetic focus is a notable aspect of his biography.

What was the critical reception of Frost's poetry regarding its perceived simplicity versus its underlying complexity?

While often perceived as a "New England folkie" or a simple rustic poet, critics like Randall Jarrell and Brad Leithauser highlighted the "dark" and complex undertones in Frost's work. They argued that his poetry contained deeper psychological and philosophical layers beneath its accessible surface.

What specific phrase did Robert Frost use to describe his approach to language in poetry?

Robert Frost referred to his method of using colloquial language and natural speech rhythms as "the sound of sense." This concept emphasized the importance of capturing the authentic cadence of spoken English in his verse.

What literary movements or styles did Robert Frost's work bridge?

Frost's poetry is seen as existing at the intersection of 19th-century American poetry traditions and modernism. He utilized traditional forms while employing idiomatic language and focusing on everyday subject matter, bridging these two eras of poetry.

What was Robert Frost's stance on free verse compared to traditional poetic forms?

Frost famously expressed a preference for traditional poetic forms, likening free verse to "playing tennis without a net." He believed that the constraints of meter and form allowed poets to focus more effectively on the poem's content.

Which poems are cited as examples of Frost's masterful work by critics like Randall Jarrell?

Randall Jarrell identified several Frost poems as particularly masterful, including "The Witch of Coös," "Home Burial," "A Servant to Servants," "Directive," "Neither Out Too Far Nor In Too Deep," "Provide, Provide," "Acquainted with the Night," "After Apple Picking," "Mending Wall," "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," and "Design," among others.

What is the meaning of the epitaph on Robert Frost's tombstone?

The epitaph on Robert Frost's tombstone reads, "I had a lover's quarrel with the world." This phrase, taken from his poem "The Lesson for Today," suggests a complex, perhaps contentious, but ultimately affectionate relationship with the world throughout his life.

How did Robert Frost's personal tragedies influence his poetic themes?

While the text doesn't explicitly link specific tragedies to specific poems, the pervasive themes of loneliness, existential questioning, and the darker aspects of life in his work can be seen as reflecting the profound grief and loss he experienced throughout his personal life.

What specific influence did the poem "Fire and Ice" have on George R. R. Martin's work?

Robert Frost's poem "Fire and Ice" served as an influence on the title and thematic elements of George R. R. Martin's fantasy series, *A Song of Ice and Fire*.

In what context was the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" featured in popular culture?

The poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" gained significant recognition when it was featured in S. E. Hinton's novel *The Outsiders* and its film adaptation, recited by characters Ponyboy and Johnny. It has also been referenced in music and other media.

What honor did Robert Frost receive from the U.S. Congress?

In 1960, Robert Frost was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the United States Congress in recognition of his poetry's contribution to American culture and global philosophy.

How did Robert Frost's relationship with his alma mater, Dartmouth College, evolve?

Although Frost did not graduate from Dartmouth, he received two honorary degrees from the institution, highlighting his enduring connection and the college's recognition of his literary achievements.

What is the meaning of the title "Pencil Pines" given to Frost's Florida property?

Robert Frost named his five-acre plot in South Miami, Florida, "Pencil Pines" because he stated he had never earned money from anything that did not involve the use of a pencil, referring to his writing.

What literary figure did Robert Frost influence, according to the provided text?

The text lists several figures influenced by Robert Frost, including poets like Robert Francis, Seamus Heaney, Richard Wilbur, Edward Thomas, and James Wright.

Robert Frost Wiki: Robert Frost: The Bard of New England

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Biography

Origins and Early Life

Robert Lee Frost was born on March 26, 1874, in San Francisco, California. His father, William Prescott Frost Jr., was a journalist and editor, while his mother, Isabelle Moodie, was a Scottish immigrant. Following his father's death in 1885, the family relocated to Lawrence, Massachusetts. Frost graduated from Lawrence High School in 1892, where he demonstrated early literary talent, publishing his first poem and serving as class poet.

Education and Early Career

Frost briefly attended Dartmouth College for two months before returning home. He pursued various jobs, including teaching and factory work, but found his true calling in poetry. He sold his first poem, "My Butterfly. An Elegy," in 1894. He married Elinor Miriam White in 1895, after she completed her studies at St. Lawrence University. Frost later attended Harvard University from 1897 to 1899 but left without a degree.

Rural Roots and Literary Beginnings

In 1900, Frost's mother died of cancer. The family moved to a farm in Derry, New Hampshire, purchased by his grandfather. Frost worked the farm for nine years, writing in the early mornings and producing poems that would later gain fame. His farming endeavors were ultimately unsuccessful, leading him back to education as an English teacher.

Early Life and Influences

Ancestry and Upbringing

Frost's lineage traces back to early English settlers in New England. Despite his later association with rural life, his formative years were spent in urban environments. His father's career as a journalist exposed him to literary pursuits, though his father's early death significantly impacted the family.

Academic Pursuits

Frost's formal education included stints at Dartmouth and Harvard Colleges. Although he did not complete degrees at either institution, these periods provided exposure to academic environments and intellectual circles. His early academic experiences, coupled with his self-directed reading, laid the groundwork for his distinctive poetic voice.

First Publications

The sale of his first poem, "My Butterfly. An Elegy," marked a significant early milestone. This success bolstered his confidence and encouraged his pursuit of poetry. His marriage to Elinor White, a fellow student and intellectual companion, provided crucial support throughout his early career.

Adult Years and Recognition

Sojourn in England

In 1912, Frost moved his family to Great Britain, settling in Beaconsfield. This period proved pivotal, leading to the publication of his first poetry collection, A Boy's Will (1913), and North of Boston (1914). In England, he formed important connections with literary figures such as Edward Thomas, T. E. Hulme, and Ezra Pound.

Return and Esteem

Upon returning to the United States in 1915, Frost settled in Franconia, New Hampshire. He embarked on a career combining writing, teaching, and lecturing. He held teaching positions at Amherst College and the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College, significantly influencing literary education.

National Acclaim

Frost achieved considerable national recognition during his lifetime. He was the only poet to receive four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry. In 1958, he was appointed United States Poet Laureate, and in 1960, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. His status grew to that of a national literary institution.

Poetic Style and Themes

Colloquial Speech and Form

Frost was celebrated for his realistic depictions of rural life and his masterful command of American colloquial speech. He often employed traditional poetic forms, famously likening free verse to "playing tennis without a net." His idiomatic language and focus on everyday subjects placed him at the intersection of 19th-century tradition and modernism.

Rural New England Settings

His poetry frequently draws upon the landscapes and experiences of rural New England. These settings serve as a backdrop for examining complex social and philosophical themes, exploring the human condition against the backdrop of nature's processes and indifference.

Philosophical Depth

Beneath the accessible surface of his verse, Frost's work delves into profound existential questions. Critics note themes of loneliness, the individual's place in an indifferent universe, and the darker aspects of human experience, often juxtaposed with moments of stark beauty and resilience.

Awards and Honors

Pulitzer Prizes

Frost received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry four times, a testament to his sustained excellence and impact on American literature:

1924 for New Hampshire: A Poem With Notes and Grace Notes
1931 for Collected Poems of Robert Frost
1937 for A Further Range
1943 for A Witness Tree

National Recognition

Beyond the Pulitzers, Frost garnered significant national honors. He was appointed United States Poet Laureate in 1958 and received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1960 for his contributions to American culture and global philosophy.

Honorary Degrees

Despite not completing a formal degree, Frost was awarded over 40 honorary degrees from prestigious institutions worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge Universities. Dartmouth College notably awarded him two honorary degrees.

Legacy and Influence

Enduring Poetic Voice

Robert Frost remains one of America's most beloved and influential poets. His ability to blend accessible language with profound philosophical inquiry ensures his work continues to resonate with readers across generations. His poems are studied for their technical mastery, emotional depth, and keen observations of nature and human psychology.

Cultural Impact

Frost's poetry has permeated popular culture, influencing literature, film, and music. His lines are frequently quoted, and his themes are revisited in various artistic expressions, reflecting the enduring power of his vision and the universality of his concerns.

Educational Influence

His tenure as an educator, particularly at institutions like Amherst College and the Bread Loaf School of English, left a lasting mark on literary pedagogy. He encouraged students to engage deeply with language and the natural world, fostering a generation of writers.

Selected Works

Poetry Collections

Frost's major poetry collections established his reputation and continue to be read widely:

A Boy's Will (1913)
North of Boston (1914)
Mountain Interval (1916)
New Hampshire (1923)
Collected Poems of Robert Frost (1930)
A Further Range (1936)
A Witness Tree (1942)
In the Clearing (1962)

Plays

While primarily known for his poetry, Frost also authored several plays, often exploring philosophical themes through dramatic dialogue:

A Way Out (1929)
The Cow's in the Corn (1929)
A Masque of Reason (1945)
A Masque of Mercy (1947)

Letters and Prose

Frost's extensive correspondence offers significant insight into his life, creative process, and relationships. Published collections of his letters and prose provide valuable resources for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

The Letters of Robert Frost (multi-volume scholarly edition)
Collected Poems, Prose, & Plays (Library of America edition)
The Notebooks of Robert Frost

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References

Contemporary Literary Criticism. Ed. Jean C. Stine, Bridget Broderick, and Daniel G. Marowski. Vol. 26. Detroit: Gale Research, 1983. p 110.

Jarrell, Randall. "Fifty Years of American Poetry." No Other Book: Selected Essays. New York: HarperCollins, 1999.

Watson, Marsten. Royal Families - Americans of Royal and Noble Ancestry. Volume Three: Samuel Appleton and His Wife Judith Everard and Five Generations of Their Descendants. 2010.

Leithauser, Brad. Introduction. No Other Book: Selected Essays. New York: HarperCollins, 1999.

Jarrell, Randall. "Fifty Years of American Poetry." No Other Book: Selected Essays. HarperCollins, 1999.

McGrath, Charles. "The Vicissitudes of Literary Reputation." The New York Times Magazine. June 15, 2003.

Ellman, Richard and Robert O'Clair. The Norton Anthology of Modern Poetry, Second Edition. New York: Norton, 1988.

Squires, Radcliffe. The Major Themes of Robert Frost, The University of Michigan Press, 1963, pp. 106â107.

Bacon, Helen. "Frost and the Ancient Muses." The Cambridge Companion to Robert Frost. Cambridge University Press, 2001, pp. 75â99.

Contemporary Literary Criticism. Ed. Jean C. Stine, Bridget Broderick, and Daniel G. Marowski. Vol. 26. Detroit: Gale Research, 1983, pp. 110â129.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Robert Frost Wikipedia page

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This page has been meticulously crafted by an AI, drawing exclusively from the provided source material to offer an educational overview of Robert Frost. The content is intended for academic and informational purposes only.

This is not literary criticism or academic advice. The information presented here is a synthesis of publicly available data and should not substitute consultation with scholarly resources or literary experts. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the source, the AI cannot guarantee the absolute completeness or timeliness of the information.

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Robert Frost: The Bard of New England

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biography 🖋️

📍 Origins and Early Life

🎓 Education and Early Career

🏡 Rural Roots and Literary Beginnings

Early Life and Influences 🌱

📜 Ancestry and Upbringing

📚 Academic Pursuits

✍️ First Publications

Adult Years and Recognition 🌟

🇬🇧 Sojourn in England

🇺🇸 Return and Esteem

🏆 National Acclaim

Poetic Style and Themes 💡

🗣️ Colloquial Speech and Form

🌳 Rural New England Settings

🌌 Philosophical Depth

Awards and Honors 🏅

🏆 Pulitzer Prizes

🏛️ National Recognition

🎓 Honorary Degrees

Legacy and Influence 🌍

🗣️ Enduring Poetic Voice

🎬 Cultural Impact

🏫 Educational Influence

Selected Works 📖

📚 Poetry Collections

🎭 Plays

✉️ Letters and Prose

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biography

Origins and Early Life

Education and Early Career

Rural Roots and Literary Beginnings

Early Life and Influences

Ancestry and Upbringing

Academic Pursuits

First Publications

Adult Years and Recognition

Sojourn in England

Return and Esteem

National Acclaim

Poetic Style and Themes

Colloquial Speech and Form

Rural New England Settings

Philosophical Depth

Awards and Honors

Pulitzer Prizes

National Recognition

Honorary Degrees

Legacy and Influence

Enduring Poetic Voice

Cultural Impact

Educational Influence

Selected Works

Poetry Collections

Plays

Letters and Prose

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice