The Road Not Taken

“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost is a classic poem known by millions. Frost uses nature and scenery to examine individualism through this metaphorical style. This poem speaks of a man who comes across two paths. One path seems to be traveled and is well known. This path is worn down and covered in footprints. Another path stands in front of him, no signs of life ever crossing its way. The man decides to take the road untouched; discovering new ways of life and not following the crowd. He then explains that this decision had made all the difference. Although the reader never discovers the difference this made, they may understand he experien? ed something none other has.

At face value this poems theme and goal is to inspire readers to to be individuals. Mary Rose Napierkowski says “On the surface “The Road Not Taken” seems to be encouraging to the reader to follow “the road less
Frost used a character from his life to portray the traveler discussed throughout the poem. He had removed himself from the piece to add on to his message. “Frost would often introduce the poem in public readings by saying that the speaker was based on his Welsh Friend Edward Thomas” (Andrews 2). This specific friend had always had an issue making decisions which Frost had found humourous. “In Frost’s words Thomas was a person who whichever road he went, would be sorry he didn’t go the other”. (Andrews 2). The style of satire no longer becomes interpretation, but absolute fact based off of Frost’s words. “Frost used the work to poke gentle fun at an indecisive friend.” (Evans 2). Frost himself had admitted to his use of underlying sarcasm. The well known final lines suddenly earns a different meaning. Frost uses this line to tease those who take life and small decisions with such