Poem Analysis - Pan With Us

Introduction: A Lament for Lost Paganism

Robert Frost's "Pan With Us" presents a melancholic encounter between the ancient god Pan and a modern world where his influence has waned. The poem unfolds with a quiet observation of Pan's arrival in a landscape devoid of human presence, quickly shifting to a poignant realization of his diminished power. The tone is initially descriptive, almost pastoral, but soon deepens into a sense of loss and displacement. The poem explores themes of cultural change, the loss of connection with nature, and the obsolescence of old mythologies.

Pan's Arrival and the Absence of Humanity

The poem opens with Pan emerging from the woods, described in shades of gray ("His skin and his hair and his eyes were gray"). This emphasizes his connection to the natural, unadorned world. The absence of human presence is immediately established ("He saw no smoke and he saw no roof"), which initially pleases Pan ("That was well! and he stamped a hoof"). This suggests a preference for untouched nature over civilization. The only human interaction is fleeting and minimal: "Someone to salt the half-wild steer" or "homespun children" who are observant but silent ("Who see no little they tell no tales"). This lack of engagement highlights the widening gap between humanity and the natural, mythical realm.

The Fading Power of Paganism

A central theme is the decline of pagan influence in the face of a changing world. Pan's pipes, once a source of vibrant life and energy, are now "too hard to teach a new-world song." This symbolizes the inability of ancient traditions to adapt to modern sensibilities. The "blue jay's screech" and "the whimper of hawks" are deemed "music enough" for him, suggesting a retreat to a simpler, more primal form of expression. The juniper and bluets, symbols of natural beauty, are no longer stirred by his pipes, indicating a loss of his power over the natural world. "Times were changed from what they were", a direct statement underscoring this transition.

Symbols of Nature and Mythology

Several symbols enrich the poem's meaning. Pan himself represents the embodiment of paganism and the connection to nature. His gray appearance suggests a fading presence, like an old memory. The pipes symbolize artistic expression and the power of myth, now ineffective in the modern world. The "sun-burned earth" is a reminder of the harsh reality of change and the sun's indifferent gaze upon Pan's decline. The act of "ravelling a flower" suggests a futile attempt to find solace or meaning in the natural world. Is the question "Play? Play? —What should he play?" a sign of his artistic impotence, or does it represent his weariness after millennia of existence?

The Significance of Lost Connection

In conclusion, "Pan With Us" is a poignant reflection on the loss of connection between humanity and the natural, mythical world. Through vivid imagery and a somber tone, Frost portrays the obsolescence of paganism and the displacement of ancient forces. The poem's significance lies in its exploration of cultural change, the enduring power of nature even in the face of its diminishing influence, and the elegiac recognition that some forms of expression and belief may be lost to the relentless march of time. The poem subtly suggests that humanity’s loss of connection with the ancient ways has left a void, represented by Pan's inability to find a new song.