But as he admits, "way leads on to way," (line 14). He was unable to return back to pick up the other path in the same way that it is impossible to turn back time.

The Road Not Taken" can apply to almost any point in anyone's life when a person is faced with a decision. Because the literal scene and setting cover up the poet's underlying intentions, the metaphor of "The Road Not Taken" can apply to nearly anything. For example, the narrator might have chosen to be with one romantic partner over another, thinking that he would be with her or him for only a short while. In this case, the road not taken would be the other person. Or, the road not taken could refer to a business opportunity, or simply a chance to board a different bus than the one he was used to taking to...
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