Poem Analysis - The Vanishing Red

Introduction: A Dark Stain on Progress

Robert Frost's "The Vanishing Red" is a chilling narrative poem that recounts the likely murder of a Native American man by a white miller. The poem is steeped in a tone of unsettling ambiguity, hinting at the violence and injustice that marked the relationship between European settlers and Native Americans in the United States. While the poem initially adopts a detached, almost conversational tone, a sense of growing dread permeates the narrative as the miller's actions become clearer. This creates an atmosphere of unease, forcing the reader to confront the uncomfortable truths of history and the legacy of dispossession.

Historical Echoes: A Nation's Troubled Past

Frost's poem resonates with the historical context of the displacement and violence inflicted upon Native Americans by settlers in the United States. The phrase "the last Red man / In Action" immediately signals the dwindling Native American population and the consequences of westward expansion and government-sanctioned removal policies. The miller's casual cruelty and the lack of legal or social repercussions for his actions reflect a societal disregard for Native American lives and rights during that era. The poem, therefore, becomes a commentary on the historical power imbalance and the erasure of indigenous people.

Silence and Complicity: The Weight of Unspoken Truths

One of the prominent themes is the silence surrounding the violence. The miller's laugh is not given a "laugher's license," meaning no one else is allowed to acknowledge or share in it. The man with the meal-sack "didn't catch" what the miller said, further highlighting the unwillingness to confront the truth. The repeated use of phrases like "is said to have been" and "if you like to call such a sound a laugh" creates a sense of uncertainty and detachment, as if the community is complicit in covering up the crime. This silence speaks volumes about the societal acceptance of violence against Native Americans and the unwillingness to challenge the status quo.

Power and Possession: The Miller's Mill as Symbol

The mill itself serves as a powerful symbol of the white settlers' dominance and control over resources. The "great big thumping shuffling millstone" represents the relentless engine of progress that grinds down anything in its path, including Native American lives and culture. The wheel-pit, where the miller lures the "Red man," becomes a symbolic grave, a hidden space where violence can be perpetrated with impunity. The "water in desperate straits like frantic fish, / Salmon and sturgeon, lashing with their tails" suggests the desperation and powerlessness of the Native American man, trapped and struggling against an overwhelming force. The miller's knowledge and manipulation of this space demonstrate his power and control over both the physical environment and the "Red man's" fate.

The Guttural Exclamation: Dehumanization and Disregard

The "guttural exclamation of surprise" made by the "Red man" is a crucial detail. The miller finds it "disgusting...as coming / From one who had no right to be heard from." This emphasizes the dehumanization of Native Americans in the eyes of the colonizers. The miller sees the Native American man not as an individual deserving of respect, but as a nuisance, an unwanted presence whose voice has no legitimacy. This sentiment rationalizes the miller's subsequent actions, framing them as a justified response to an unwelcome intrusion rather than a brutal act of violence.

Conclusion: Unsettling Ambiguity and Enduring Legacy

"The Vanishing Red" is a haunting exploration of historical injustice and the insidious nature of prejudice. The poem leaves many questions unanswered, forcing the reader to grapple with the unsettling ambiguity of the events and the motivations of the characters. By focusing on the miller's actions and the community's silence, Frost subtly exposes the complicity of society in the erasure of Native American lives and culture. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to provoke reflection on the dark chapters of American history and the lasting impact of colonization on Native American communities. It serves as a stark reminder of the need to confront uncomfortable truths and acknowledge the ongoing legacy of injustice.