Question

Choose two poems and create a presentation explaining the ways in which the literary works were influenced by the events of this time period. "Rhapsody on a Windy Night" by T.S. Eliot "Mending Wall" by Robert Frost "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost

Answer 1

1. "Mending Wall" by Robert Frost

Answer: Frost wrote this poem based on his personal experience, at the time he lived in rural New England.

Explanation:

• "Mending Wall" is a poem written by Robert Frost. Published in 1914, it is set in rural New England, where Frost himself lived at the time he wrote the poem. The poem, therefore, describes a frequent ritual in this part of the world before the World War I.

• It tells a story about the two neighbors who work together on building a wall between their properties. The speaker of the poem argues that the wall is unnecessary - it only separates people and prevents them from socializing. His neighbor, however, insists that the wall is necessary for good relationships. In his view, when separated, people avoid conflicts.

• Frost actually found inspiration for this poem next door - his own neighbor, Napoleon Guay, insisted on this spring ritual of building the stone wall. He frequently repeated the saying "Good fences make good neighbors." The poem, thus, explores the boundaries between people - physical, as this stone wall, but also relationship boundaries.

2. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost

Answer: The poem metaphorically describes difficult financial situation in which some people, including Frost, found themselves after the war.

Explanation:

• "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" (1922) is another poem written by Robert Frost. In this poem, the speaker finds himself in the woods. It is dark and snowy, but the scene is beautiful, and the speaker enjoys it, until he remembers his reality and the obligations that await him. The speaker tells us that he has "miles to go before I sleep."

• The narrator is obviously short of money, just like Frost was at the time he wrote the poem. In 1915, Frost returned to America. Later, during the post-war period, he was in a difficult financial situation. 1920s was a decade when everything was centered around material possessions - the world was gradually recovering from the war, and the great part of the American population could afford themselves luxurious clothes, houses and cars. Frost, however, had "miles to go" before achieving his goals.