Poem Analysis - Unharvested

A Momentary Detour into Desire

Robert Frost's "Unharvested" is a short, evocative poem that captures a moment of unexpected delight and expands it into a broader philosophical reflection. The poem begins with a sense of intrigue as the speaker is drawn off course by a tempting smell. This leads to a visual feast of fallen apples, prompting a desire to leave some things untouched, outside the realm of planning and ownership. The tone is initially one of curiosity and then transforms into a wistful appreciation and a quiet call for restraint.

Echoes of Eden: The Allure of the Apple

The poem subtly alludes to the biblical story of Adam and Eve. The "apple fall / As complete as the apple had given man" directly references the fall from grace in the Garden of Eden. However, unlike the biblical narrative, where the apple represents disobedience and loss, here the apple, particularly the unharvested ones, represents potential and freedom from constraint. The "circle of solid red" on the ground could be seen as a reminder of the consequence of that first apple, but here it is presented as a beautiful, natural occurrence, suggesting a different interpretation of the "fall."

The Appeal of the Untouched: Freedom and Chance

One of the main themes of "Unharvested" is the value of the unplanned and the unpossessed. The speaker expresses a desire for "something to go always unharvested," highlighting the importance of leaving room for the unexpected in life. This theme is developed through the imagery of the untouched apples, which represent opportunities, experiences, or even ideas that are deliberately left unexplored. The act of *not* harvesting becomes a deliberate choice, a rejection of constant striving and control in favor of embracing the potential of the unknown.

Sweetness Beyond Possession: Senses and Ownership

The poem also explores the theme of sensory experience versus ownership. The speaker desires that "smelling their sweetness would be no theft." This suggests that the enjoyment of something beautiful or pleasant does not require possession. The value lies in the experience itself, in the way the scent of the apples can transport and delight, regardless of who "owns" them. This challenges the conventional notion that value is tied to ownership and highlights the importance of appreciating the world around us without feeling the need to possess it.

A Fragrant Reminder: Simplicity and Restraint

The image of the "apple tree / That had eased itself of its summer load" is particularly striking. It symbolizes a sense of release and lightness, suggesting that true freedom comes not from accumulation but from letting go. The tree, "Now breathed as light as a lady's fan," embodies a state of peaceful resignation, having completed its task of bearing fruit. The image of the "trivial foliage free" emphasizes the pure essence of the tree now, free of burden, which contrasts greatly with the expectation to harvest the fruit and underscores the poem’s central theme of restraint.

A Lasting Fragrance: A Call to Acceptance

In conclusion, "Unharvested" is a subtle yet powerful poem that celebrates the beauty and value of the unplanned and the unpossessed. Through vivid imagery and a gentle tone, Frost encourages us to appreciate the sensory experiences of life without feeling the need to control or own them. The poem serves as a reminder that sometimes the greatest joys come from leaving things untouched, allowing them to exist in their natural state, offering sweetness and potential to all who encounter them. The poem’s impact resides in its simplicity, urging us to reconsider our relationship with nature and with life itself, inviting us to leave a little something "unharvested."