Poem Analysis - Come In

Introduction: An Invitation to the Abyss

Robert Frost's "Come In" is a contemplative poem that explores the allure and resistance to darkness, both literal and metaphorical. The poem initially evokes a sense of peaceful observation, drawn by the enchanting song of a thrush. However, this tranquility quickly shifts to a more somber mood as the speaker confronts the encroaching darkness of the woods and the melancholic invitation it offers. The poem grapples with the tension between succumbing to despair and maintaining a hopeful outlook.

The Seduction of Darkness: A Central Theme

One of the central themes in "Come In" is the seductive power of darkness and the temptation to embrace despair. The poem establishes a dichotomy between the diminishing light of the outside world and the enveloping darkness within the woods. The thrush's song, initially presented as beautiful, transforms into "almost like a call to come in / To the dark and lament." This suggests that darkness offers a release, a space for mourning and acknowledging pain. The imagery of the "pillared dark" further emphasizes the structured, almost inviting nature of this despair, suggesting that it is a place one can enter and find a strange sort of solace.

Resisting the Lure: Hope and Determination

Counterbalancing the theme of darkness is the speaker's resolute refusal to yield to it. The lines "But no, I was out for stars; / I would not come in" demonstrate a conscious decision to seek light and hope even as darkness beckons. This illustrates a theme of resilience and the conscious effort required to maintain a positive outlook. The deliberate repetition in "I meant not even if asked; / And I hadn't been" reinforces the speaker's unwavering commitment to resisting the call of despair, emphasizing that this is a pre-determined choice, not just a momentary whim. The pursuit of stars symbolizes a desire for something brighter and more hopeful, something beyond the immediate darkness.

The Dual Nature of Nature: Beauty and Foreboding

Nature itself is presented with a dualistic quality in the poem, embodying both beauty and a sense of foreboding. The thrush's song is initially presented as a source of beauty and wonder, a final burst of life as the day fades. However, as the darkness deepens, the song takes on a more melancholic tone, becoming "almost like a call to come in / To the dark and lament." This illustrates how nature can be both comforting and unsettling, reflecting the complex emotions within the speaker. The "woods" shift from a peaceful refuge to a symbol of the unknown and potentially threatening.

Symbolism of Light and Dark: A Battle Within

The recurring symbols of light and darkness serve as representations of hope and despair, respectively. The "last of the light of the sun" symbolizes the fading hope that still persists, while the "dark" represents the encroaching despair that threatens to consume the speaker. The speaker's determination to seek "stars" is a deliberate choice to focus on sources of light and inspiration, actively combating the pull of the darkness. This constant interplay between light and dark highlights the internal struggle between optimism and pessimism, suggesting that maintaining hope requires conscious effort and a deliberate turning away from the allure of despair.

Conclusion: A Moment of Conscious Choice

"Come In" is a powerful meditation on the human tendency to be drawn to darkness and the importance of actively resisting that pull. The poem's significance lies in its depiction of a moment of conscious choice, where the speaker acknowledges the allure of despair but ultimately chooses to seek light and hope. The poem suggests that the battle against darkness is an ongoing one, requiring vigilance and a deliberate focus on the sources of light in our lives. The poem resonates with readers because it captures the universal struggle between hope and despair, and the active role we must play in choosing the former.