Poem Analysis - In A Poem

A Poem About Poetry's Power

Robert Frost's "In A Poem" is a concise meditation on the compelling force of language and the inescapable nature of poetic expression. The poem possesses a confident, almost inevitable tone, suggesting that once set in motion, the act of writing, particularly poetry, follows its own determined course. There isn't a significant mood shift, but rather a steady affirmation of poetry's inherent power. The overall feeling is one of acceptance and understanding of this inherent quality of poetry.

The Inevitable Sentence

One of the poem's central themes is the inevitability of expression. The opening line, "The sentencing goes blithely on its way," immediately establishes this idea. The word "sentencing" here is cleverly used as a double entendre, referring both to the construction of sentences in a poem and, metaphorically, to a judgment or fate that moves forward inexorably. The poem suggests that the act of creation, once started, is a process with a definite conclusion and that it follows rules whether or not we welcome them.

Rhyme as a Guide, Not a Master

The poem also touches upon the theme of artistic constraint and freedom. The phrase "playfully objected rhyme" speaks to the challenges and choices poets face. Even when a rhyme seems forced or undesirable, it can still be incorporated and used to add meaning to a work. The word "playfully" is key here, suggesting that poetry uses these constraints to make a work better rather than being limited by it. In short, the poet can push against the constraints of form and rhyme, but ultimately, the poem’s inherent direction prevails.

Time and Stroke: The Poet's Tools

The image of "stroke and time" is especially vivid and alludes to both the physical act of writing (the stroke of a pen or keystroke) and the temporal dimension of creating art. "Stroke" is also a very physical action, suggesting that writing is a labor. "Time" suggests the investment and process that is required to write. Together, these suggest that the creation of the work is like a painter creating their art: the poem is the stroke, and time is the process.

The Undeniable Voice

The poem’s conclusion, with its “undeviable say,” reinforces the idea of poetry's unyielding voice. The poem implies that once a poem finds its direction, nothing can truly divert it. This voice is definitive, assertive, and ultimately, a reflection of the poem's own inherent nature. Does this "undeviable say" refer only to the direction of the poem itself, or also to the lasting impact and interpretation it has on the reader long after it’s written?

A Legacy of Poetic Certainty

In conclusion, "In A Poem" is a short but insightful exploration of the power and inevitability of poetic expression. Through careful word choice and imagery, Frost suggests that poetry, like life, follows its own determined path, and the poet's role is not necessarily to control it, but rather to recognize and embrace its inherent force. The poem celebrates the beauty and unyielding nature of art itself.