James discussed two Robert Frost poems last Tuesday and today. Here is some of the discussion.

Teacher: Frost’s poems deal with man in relation with the universe. Man’s environment as seen by Frost is quite indifferent to man, neither hostile nor benevolent. Man is alone and frail as compared to the vastness of the universe. 

Teacher: Why might man be frail in comparison to the universe?

James: REALLY SMALL AND WE DIE

A famous line from one of Frost’s poems is,

“But I have promises to keep

And miles to go before I sleep…”

Teacher: What do you think that means?

James: THINGS TO DO BEFORE WE DIE

Teacher: IF you have miles to go before you sleep or many things to do before you die what are some of those things?

James: DEMAND BETTER EDUCATION AND NEW LIFE ON MY OWN

Today they read THE ROAD NOT TAKEN by Robert Frost and when James was asked how it made him feel he said ENLIGHTENED.  When asked what he thought the poem was about he said LIFE CHOICES.

Teacher: Some people think that this poem suggests that one road is worn more than the other, however if you look at the last line of the second stanza, it says “had worn them really the same”. So if both sides look equally appealing, how would you choose?

James: FAMILY OPINION (obviously not a full blown teenager! : ) 

Teacher:  Can you think of a time in a person’s life when he might need to make an important choice?

James: COLLEGE

Teacher: Imagine that you have just made an important choice about your future and are about to set down that road. Describe what your road looks like.

James: LONG LEAF COVERED PATH WITH ROCKS ON BOTH SIDES AND LIGHT AT THE END

(that answer may be inspired by my blog picture–not sure!)