Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

In his poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," Robert Frost uses deceptively simple language to communicate his ideas. There is only one three-syllable word in the entire poem -- "promises." The rest of the poem is made up of one- or two-syllable words that are easily understood by virtually everyone. The sound of the poem, when read aloud, almost sounds like normal speech, although he has carefully chosen the words to fit a simple rhythm, four iambic pairs to a line. The poem is almost a conversation between Frost and his horse, whom he personifies, attributing human feelings to the animal. Mostly, however, Frost talks to himself.

The poem's title, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," suggests several things. We immediately know the setting, but we also have both the woods and the time of day -- evening -- suggesting...
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