Poem Analysis - Now Close The Windows

A World Silenced: An Introduction to Frost's "Now Close the Windows"

Robert Frost's "Now Close the Windows" is a quiet poem, imbued with a sense of resignation and a desire for internal peace. The tone is contemplative and somber, as the speaker seeks to shut out the external world in anticipation of a period of quietude and perhaps even loneliness. There's a feeling of acceptance rather than lament; the speaker isn't railing against the coming stillness, but rather embracing it. The poem progresses from a directive to silence the outer world to a focus on the speaker's internal experience of that silence, suggesting a shift from action to contemplation.

The Embrace of Stillness: A Reflection of Time

While specific historical events don't directly influence the poem, Robert Frost's New England background and his frequent use of nature as a mirror for human emotions are relevant. Frost often explored themes of isolation and the human relationship to the natural world. In this poem, the approaching winter, a common metaphor for aging or a difficult period in life, seems to prompt the speaker's desire for seclusion and inward reflection. The poem reflects a universal human experience: the need for quiet and solitude, especially during times of change or uncertainty.

The Theme of Isolation: Shutting Out the World

One of the central themes is isolation, expressed through the speaker's urgent plea to "close the windows and hush all the fields." This isn't simply about physical comfort; it's a deliberate attempt to cut off sensory input from the outside world. The speaker acknowledges the potential loss of beauty, admitting "if there is, Be it my loss," suggesting a willingness to sacrifice external pleasure for inner peace. The imagery of silenced birds and still trees emphasizes the depth of the desired isolation. The closing of the windows acts as a physical manifestation of emotional withdrawal.

The Theme of Anticipation: Waiting for Renewal

The poem also grapples with the theme of anticipation. The lines "It will be long ere the marshes resume, I will be long ere the earliest bird" highlight a waiting period. The speaker acknowledges that a significant amount of time will pass before life and vibrancy return to the natural world and, perhaps, to their own spirit. The repetition of "long ere" underscores the duration of this waiting period. This isn't necessarily a negative anticipation, but rather a realistic acceptance of the time needed for renewal and rebirth.

The Significance of Inner Vision: Seeing Wind-Stirred Silence

The final two lines of the poem, "So close the windows and not hear the wind, But see all wind-stirred," offer a crucial insight. The speaker isn't simply seeking to eliminate the wind; they want to experience it internally. This suggests a desire to internalize the energy and movement of the world, even while physically isolating themselves. The image of "see all wind-stirred" implies a form of inner vision or understanding. What does it mean to "see" the wind? Perhaps it means to perceive the underlying forces of change and energy that continue to operate even in moments of apparent stillness. This introduces an ambiguity: is the speaker finding peace or merely creating an echo chamber for future distress?

Concluding Thoughts: A Poem of Quiet Acceptance

In conclusion, "Now Close the Windows" is a poignant exploration of isolation, anticipation, and the search for inner peace. Frost uses simple yet evocative language and imagery to convey a sense of quiet resignation and a deliberate embrace of solitude. The poem’s significance lies in its exploration of the human need to withdraw from the external world in order to find clarity and understanding within oneself, even if that understanding is tinged with a certain melancholy. The closing lines challenge us to consider the power of internal perception and the possibility of experiencing the world in new ways, even in the absence of external stimuli.