Poem Analysis - The Trial By Existence

Introduction: The Poetic Inquiry into Existence

Robert Frost's "The Trial By Existence" is a contemplative and philosophical poem that explores the profound question of why souls choose to enter the world of suffering and earthly existence. The poem adopts a tone of reverent speculation, venturing into a realm beyond human comprehension. It starts with a paradisiacal setting, then shifts to the solemn moment of choice, and ends on a note of resigned acceptance of earthly amnesia. This journey grapples with themes of free will, sacrifice, and the inherent mystery of human suffering.

Theme of Choice: A Willing Descent

One of the central themes is the idea of choice. The poem consistently emphasizes that souls are not forced into earthly life but willingly choose it. As the poem states: "And none are taken but who will, / Having first heard the life read out." This implies a prior knowledge of the potential for both "good and ill" in human existence. Frost suggests that this choice stems from a desire to experience something that paradise lacks – perhaps challenge, growth, or the complexities of emotion. The constant repetition and final emphasis that the choice "must be again" (repeated through life, even though forgotten) solidifies the poem's focus on free will and responsibility.

Theme of Sacrifice: Giving Up Paradise

Related to the theme of choice is the theme of sacrifice. Souls are presented as sacrificing the idyllic perfection of paradise for the uncertainties of earth. "And the more loitering are turned / To view once more the sacrifice / Of those who for some good discerned / Will gladly give up paradise." The poem doesn't explicitly state what that "good" is, but the act of giving up paradise itself suggests a yearning for something more profound than eternal bliss – a purpose perhaps. This sacrifice speaks to a deep-seated human desire for meaning and experience, even if it entails suffering.

The Obscuration and the Mystery of Suffering

Another important theme is the obscuration of memory. The poem suggests that upon entering earthly life, souls lose the clear memory of their choice, and the reasons for making it. The speaker notes it is the "essence of life here," that the individual lacks "the lasting memory at all clear." This amnesia is crucial for the nature of earthly suffering, and also highlights a great mystery of existence. We are "stripped of pride" but also "crushed and mystified." Why are we not afforded a clear memory of such a critical choice? The poem does not offer answers, it simply presents this loss of memory as an intrinsic part of the human condition.

Symbolism of Light and Snow

The poem makes use of vivid imagery and symbolism, most notably light and snow. Light represents the unblemished perfection of heaven, where it "falls whole and white / And is not shattered into dyes." This contrasts with the fragmented and multi-faceted nature of earthly experience. The "hushed snow / Of the far-distant breaking wave" is a more complex symbol. Snow is often associated with purity and stillness, while the breaking wave suggests the beginning of movement and change. Together, they could represent the potential for disruption and challenge that awaits the souls descending to earth, a quiet and powerful shift.

Conclusion: The Enduring Enigma

In conclusion, "The Trial By Existence" is a profound exploration of the human condition, posing questions about free will, sacrifice, and the nature of suffering. Frost doesn't offer easy answers; instead, he invites readers to contemplate the mystery of existence. By presenting a world where souls willingly choose to leave paradise and embrace the challenges of earth, the poem emphasizes the importance of individual agency and the enduring power of the human spirit, even in the face of inevitable hardship and obscured origins. The poem's lingering question is not so much why we suffer, but why we choose to suffer, and what that choice ultimately means.