Question

What is the narrative in "mending wall", and what is one central theme explored in that narrative?

Answer 1

The narrative of the poem describes the process the speaker and his neighbor go through to repair the wall that divides their farm properties. The speaker relates his discussion with his neighbor, as well as his reflection about the purpose and process of fixing the wall.

One of the poem’s central themes is the purpose of building such a wall. The speaker seems to be saying that the wall that exists between him and his neighbor doesn’t really serve any purpose. He argues that there are no cows or any other animals to be contained that could damage either of their properties. The use of the phrase “old-stone savage” may also indicate that the speaker sees the wall as representing an outdated way of thinking. Because the wall seems to have no practical function, the speaker evaluates its social or philosophical purpose for both him and his neighbor.

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Answer 2

WARNING ⚠️ IM NOT TOTALLY SURE IF I AM CORRECT SO PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK.


"Mending Wall" is marked by a sense of ambiguity that is also evident in other works by Frost. For example, at the beginning of the poem the speaker states that the wall seems unnatural:

Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,
And spills the upper boulders in the sun;
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.