Poem Analysis - The Star Splitter

Introduction: A Tale of Ambition and Acceptance

Robert Frost's "The Star-Splitter" is a folksy narrative poem that explores the tension between practicality and aspiration, conformity and individuality. The poem presents a somewhat humorous, yet thoughtful, account of Brad McLaughlin, a farmer who prioritizes cosmic curiosity over earthly success. Its tone is initially bemused and slightly critical, mirroring the town's reaction to Brad's actions. However, the poem gradually shifts towards a more understanding and even admiring perspective, culminating in a reflection on the value of both earthly and intellectual pursuits.

The Allure of the Infinite Versus the Demands of the Earth

One of the central themes of "The Star-Splitter" is the contrast between the finite, practical world of farming and the infinite, abstract realm of astronomy. Brad's "hugger-mugger farming" symbolizes the messy, imperfect realities of life and labor. In contrast, the telescope represents a yearning for something beyond the mundane. Frost illustrates this tension from the very beginning, showing Orion, a constellation, "Throwing a leg up over our fence of mountains," suggesting that even the heavens struggle to break free from earthly constraints. Brad's act of burning down his house is a radical, almost absurd, attempt to escape these constraints, a desperate measure to pursue his intellectual passion.

Community and Forgiveness: The Social Fabric of a Small Town

Another significant theme is the relationship between the individual and the community. The town's initial "mean laughter" reveals their disapproval of Brad's unconventional choice. They are "not the least imposed on," suggesting a strong desire for conformity and a suspicion of anyone who deviates from the norm. However, the poem quickly moves towards an understanding of forgiveness. The lines "For to be social is to be forgiving" and the example of the town thief highlight the necessity of tolerance for the preservation of social harmony. The community ultimately decides that being "too hard on Brad" would be counterproductive, reflecting a pragmatic approach to social cohesion.

The Nature of Seeing: Beyond the Literal

The act of "seeing" is a recurring motif in the poem, extending beyond the literal act of observing. Brad's desire to "see" through a telescope symbolizes a quest for deeper understanding and a broader perspective on life. He believes "The best thing that we’re put here for’s to see," emphasizing the importance of intellectual curiosity and exploration. Even the act of "splitting stars" becomes symbolic. While the telescope may literally distort the stars, it also offers a new way of looking at the universe and, by extension, at our place within it. The poem questions whether this broader "seeing" truly improves our understanding or merely complicates it, asking, "after all where are we? / Do we know any better where we are?"

Symbols of Earth and Sky: The Lantern and the Telescope

The poem employs several vivid images that carry symbolic weight. The "smoky lantern chimney" represents the limited perspective of everyday life, casting a dim and imperfect light on our immediate surroundings. In contrast, the telescope, with its "brass barrel, velvet black inside," symbolizes the vastness and mystery of the cosmos. It provides a lens through which to view the infinite, offering a glimpse of something beyond our earthly concerns. The act of splitting a star "the way you split / A globule of quicksilver in your hand" is also a compelling image. The quicksilver could be interpretted as the human understanding of the world and the splitting of that into multiple pieces could represent the widening scope of human knowledge through scientific pursuit.

Conclusion: A Balancing Act Between Worlds

"The Star-Splitter" ultimately presents a nuanced perspective on the human condition. It acknowledges the importance of practical concerns and social cohesion, while also celebrating the value of intellectual curiosity and individual ambition. Brad McLaughlin's story serves as a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful discoveries are made when we dare to look beyond the confines of our everyday lives, even if it means challenging conventional expectations. While the poem poses the question of whether all pursuits, particularly those that may appear reckless or even selfish, ultimately lead to a better understanding of our place in the grand scheme of things, it leaves us to contemplate the value and the trade-offs of the journey. This poem is a testament to the fact that, as long as we strive to expand our horizons, we are taking steps in the right direction.