Poem Analysis - The Gift Outright

A Nation's Identity Crisis: Introduction

Robert Frost's "The Gift Outright" is a complex meditation on American identity, exploring the fraught relationship between the colonists and the land they inhabited. The poem initially presents a sense of alienation and incompleteness, a nation struggling to fully claim its belonging. As it progresses, the tone shifts towards a hard-won resolution, acknowledging the violence inherent in the nation's founding. This transition culminates in a somewhat ambiguous acceptance of the land's potential and the nation's evolving destiny.

Historical Echoes and Patriotic Purpose

Given that Frost recited this poem at John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961, its historical context is particularly significant. The poem attempts to grapple with the contradictions of American history – the ideal of freedom juxtaposed with the reality of colonization and conquest. By acknowledging the colonists' initial detachment from the land and the violence involved in claiming it, Frost aims to forge a stronger, more honest sense of national identity, one that acknowledges its past while looking towards the future. This sets the stage for the nation to move forward with a sense of purpose rooted in understanding and reconciliation.

The Burden of Unbelonging: A Central Theme

One of the poem's central themes is the struggle to belong. The opening lines, "The land was ours before we were the land’s," establish a paradoxical relationship. The colonists physically occupied the land, but they lacked a true sense of connection, remaining psychologically tied to England. This theme is developed through the language of possession and dispossession: "Possessing what we still were unpossessed by, / Possessed by what we now no more possessed." This internal conflict weakens the colonists, as highlighted by the line "Something we were withholding made us weak". Ultimately, they achieve a sense of belonging by surrendering themselves to the land, acknowledging its power and embracing their role in shaping its future.

Sacrifice and Salvation: A Journey to Acceptance

Linked to the theme of belonging is the idea that sacrifice is necessary for salvation. The colonists must "give ourselves outright," a phrase that emphasizes the totality of their surrender. This act of giving is not passive but rather forged through violence, as "The deed of gift was many deeds of war". The poem doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the violent underpinnings of American expansion. Through this sacrifice, the colonists are seemingly redeemed. This redemption is gained only through the full commitment and acceptance of their new reality, despite its flawed beginnings.

The Land as a Blank Canvas: A Symbol of Potential

The image of the land itself acts as a significant symbol. It is described as "vaguely realizing westward, / But still unstoried, artless, unenhanced." This suggests that the land is a blank canvas, waiting to be shaped by the colonists' actions. Its "unstoried" nature implies both potential and a lack of inherent meaning. While it could be seen as an opportunity for creation and progress, the phrase also raises a question about the responsibility and consequences of imposing a narrative onto a land that already existed with its own inherent value, but was ignored.

A Complicated Legacy: Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Gift Outright" is a nuanced exploration of American identity, grappling with themes of belonging, sacrifice, and the complex relationship between people and the land. Through vivid imagery and carefully chosen language, Frost portrays a nation struggling to define itself, acknowledging its past and its potential. The poem's lasting significance lies in its honest portrayal of the challenges and contradictions inherent in the American experience, and its call for a deeper understanding of the nation's complicated legacy, allowing for a more thoughtful approach to its future.