Poem Analysis - Iris By Night

Robert Frost's "Iris By Night" is a poem steeped in wonder and enchantment. It recounts a mystical experience shared by two individuals during a misty evening walk. The poem's initial tone is one of quiet observation, gradually shifting to awe and reverence as the extraordinary event unfolds. Through vivid imagery and symbolic representation, Frost explores themes of connection, transcendence, and the power of shared experience.

A Moment Out of Time

The poem begins with a simple, relatable scene: two people walking together in misty conditions. This ordinariness sets the stage for the extraordinary. The phrase "one another's guide" suggests a sense of mutual support and dependence, a crucial element that allows them to experience the subsequent miracle together. The reference to "confusing lights" and the comparison to "Memphis on the heights" introduces an element of the otherworldly, hinting at a reality beyond the mundane. This blurring of the natural and supernatural primes the reader for the unusual event that is about to occur.

The Binding Power of Wonder

One of the central themes of the poem is the power of shared experience to forge a deep connection. The encounter with the "small rainbow like a trellis gate" becomes a transformative moment for the two figures. The rainbow, initially a visual spectacle, evolves into a symbolic circle that encloses them, creating a space of unity and belonging. The line, "And we stood in it softly circled round / From all division time or foe can bring," explicitly states the enduring bond created by this shared wonder. This miracle transcends the individual, highlighting the profound impact of experiencing something extraordinary with another person.

The Transcendence of the Ordinary

Another theme explored in the poem is the potential for transcendence found within the ordinary. The setting – a "Malvern side" with "wet fields and dripping hedges" – is initially unremarkable. However, Frost elevates this common landscape through evocative imagery, transforming it into a mystical space where miracles can occur. The transformation of "airy pressure" into "water weight" and the rainbow's lifting from its "dewy pediment" suggest a shift in the laws of nature, blurring the lines between the real and the fantastical. By grounding the extraordinary in the everyday, Frost suggests that moments of transcendence are not limited to the realm of the divine, but can be found within the fabric of ordinary life.

Symbolism and the Iris Image

The recurring symbol of the rainbow, referred to as "Iris" in the title, is rich with meaning. Traditionally, the rainbow symbolizes hope, promise, and a connection between heaven and earth. In this poem, it takes on an additional layer of significance, acting as a unifying force that binds the two individuals together. The description of the rainbow as a "trellis gate" suggests a passage or threshold into a new reality. The image of the rainbow "lifting from its dewy pediment" and gathering its "many-colored ends" into a ring reinforces its role as a symbol of wholeness and unity. Furthermore, the fact that only one of them survived to tell the tale amplifies the weight and significance of the shared experience, suggesting that it was a moment permanently etched in memory, shaping the narrator's understanding of connection and the ephemeral nature of life.

Final Thoughts: A Fleeting Glimpse of Unity

"Iris By Night" is a testament to the power of shared experiences and the potential for transcendence within the everyday. Through vivid imagery and symbolic representation, Robert Frost captures a fleeting moment of unity and wonder. The poem suggests that true connection can be found in sharing extraordinary moments with others, creating bonds that transcend the limitations of time and circumstance. The miracle vouchsafed to the two figures serves as a reminder that beauty and enchantment can be found in the most unexpected places, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.