Poem Analysis - Putting In The Seed

A Portrait of Passion and Labor

Robert Frost's "Putting In The Seed" is a concise yet evocative poem that blends the physical labor of farming with the intimate passion of love. The poem initially presents a domestic scene, tinged with gentle reluctance, before blossoming into a celebration of nature's regenerative power and the human connection to it. The tone shifts from the hesitant yielding of the speaker to a vibrant, almost ecstatic appreciation of the budding life. Ultimately, the poem suggests that love and labor are intertwined, fueling each other in the cycle of life.

The Unseen Force of Love

One of the primary themes of the poem is love, which is presented both in its romantic and broader, life-affirming forms. The opening lines establish a marital relationship where the speaker is being "fetched" from work. This fetching itself indicates love and caring. The line "How Love burns through the Putting in the Seed" directly equates love with the act of planting, suggesting it is a powerful, almost primal force driving creation. This "Springtime passion for the earth" is not merely agricultural; it represents a deeper connection to the natural world, a passionate engagement with the cycle of birth and growth that mirrors human love and desire.

Impermanence and Rebirth

The poem also touches on the themes of impermanence and rebirth, vital to understanding the core message. The "white soft petals fallen from the apple tree" represent beauty and life that has faded. However, they are "not so barren quite," as they mingle with the seeds that hold the promise of new life. This juxtaposition of decay and potential underscores the cyclical nature of existence. The final image of the "sturdy seedling with arched body" pushing through the soil embodies the triumphant force of rebirth, overcoming the "earth crumbs" (symbolic of obstacles) to emerge into the world.

Buried Potential

A key symbol in the poem is the seed itself. It represents potential, buried deep within the earth, waiting for the right conditions to germinate and flourish. The act of "Putting in the Seed" is not just a literal act of planting; it's a symbolic investment in the future, a hopeful gesture of faith in the regenerative power of nature. This symbol can be extended to suggest the potential within any endeavor, human relationship or creative pursuit, that requires nurturing and patience to realize its full potential. The wrinkled pea and the smooth bean further symbolize diversity, showing the breadth of possibilities contained within the earth.

A Timeless Connection

In conclusion, "Putting In The Seed" is a rich and resonant poem that beautifully interweaves the themes of love, labor, impermanence, and rebirth. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Frost crafts a portrait of a life deeply connected to the natural world, where love fuels the cycle of growth and the act of planting becomes a metaphor for hope and renewal. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the simple yet profound act of engaging with the earth and the enduring power of love to sustain us through the seasons of life. The simple act of the wife calling her husband in for supper also reinforces the deep connection to land, family, and nature's cycles.