Poem Analysis - Spoils Of The Dead

Introduction: A Playful Encounter with Mortality

Robert Frost's "Spoils of the Dead" presents a chilling juxtaposition of innocence and mortality. The poem opens with a whimsical scene of fairies playing in the woods, only to stumble upon the grim reality of death. This encounter sparks a reflection on human responses to death, contrasting the fairies' naive delight with the speaker's sorrow and revulsion. The tone shifts dramatically from lighthearted playfulness to somber contemplation as the poem progresses, highlighting the speaker's profound awareness of death's significance.

The Naive Innocence of Fairies: A Stark Contrast

One of the central themes explored in the poem is the contrast between innocence and experience, particularly in the face of death. The fairies, with their carefree play and flower-guided steps, represent a state of naive innocence. They approach the dead body without fear or understanding, drawn only to the "glittering things" – the ring and chain – as objects of amusement. This is emphasized by the lines "They knelt in the leaves / And eerily played / With the glittering things, / And were not afraid." Their actions, devoid of any emotional weight, highlight the stark difference between their perception of death and the speaker's.

Mortality and Human Perception: A Source of Sorrow

The theme of mortality is central to the poem, explored through the decaying body and the speaker's contrasting reaction. The description of the corpse, "And the body he wore / Nigh gone with the snow," vividly portrays the relentless passage of time and the inevitable decay of the physical body. Unlike the fairies, the speaker recognizes death with "sorrow and dread," highlighting the human capacity for empathy and the understanding of loss. This recognition fuels the speaker's "hate" for "the spoils of the dead," symbolizing a deep-seated aversion to profiting or taking pleasure from death's remnants.

Symbols of Disconnect: Flowers and Spoils

Several symbols contribute to the poem's overall message. The flowers, initially associated with innocent play, subtly transform into guides leading to death. This suggests that even in the most idyllic settings, mortality is an inescapable reality. The "ring on his hand / And a chain at his side" are potent symbols of worldly possessions that become meaningless in death. The fairies' eagerness to claim these "spoils" underscores their lack of understanding about the value of life and the finality of death. These objects, once symbols of status or attachment, are now simply playthings, devoid of their original significance. The fact that the "spoils" are taken to the fairy’s "burrow" to "play with to-morrow" reinforces their shallow understanding.

A Haunting Question of Empathy

The poem concludes with a poignant question, "When you came on death, / Did you not come flower-guided / Like the elves in the wood?" This suggests that perhaps all encounters with death are initially approached with a degree of naivete or unawareness. However, the speaker immediately contrasts this with their own experience: "But I recognised death / With sorrow and dread." This raises a crucial question: Is the ability to recognize and empathize with death a defining characteristic of humanity, setting us apart from those who lack such understanding? The speaker clearly judges the fairies' behavior, viewing it as a sort of transgression. The poem prompts the reader to contemplate our own responses to mortality and the complex emotions it evokes.

Conclusion: Confronting the Inevitable with Sorrow and Reflection

In conclusion, "Spoils of the Dead" is a powerful meditation on mortality, innocence, and the human capacity for sorrow. Through the contrasting perspectives of the fairies and the speaker, Robert Frost explores the complex emotions that death evokes. The poem's significance lies in its ability to confront the reader with the inevitability of death and the diverse ways in which we grapple with its profound implications. It suggests that while innocence may shield us from the immediate pain of loss, the recognition of death's significance is an essential aspect of the human experience, leading to both sorrow and a deeper understanding of life's fragility. Ultimately, the poem leaves us to ponder how we should best approach death: with naive disregard, or with a heavy heart full of empathy and reflection on the significance of loss.