The Psychology of Robert Frost's Nature Poetry
Robert Frost's nature poetry occupies a significant place in the poetic arts; however, it is likely Frost's use of nature that is the most misunderstood aspect of his poetry. While nature is always present in Frost's writing, it is primarily used in a "pastoral sense" (Lynen 1). This makes sense as Frost did consider himself to be a shepherd.
Frost uses nature as an image that he wants us to see or a metaphor that he wants us to relate to on a psychological level. To say that Frost is a nature poet is inaccurate. His poetry is in the main psychologically oriented with emphasis on specific recurring themes, which include, but are not limited to, loneliness, retreat, spirituality, darkness, and death. Frost said himself repeatedly, "I am not a nature poet. There is almost always a person in my poems" (quoted in Thompson). This may be hard for some to grasp, as Frost is world renowned for his alleged nature theme. Contrary to popular opinion, nature is not Frost's central theme in his poetry; it is the contrast between man and nature as well as the conflicts that arise between the two entities.
Frost's nature poetry interconnects the world of the natural and the world of human beings Both key elements of his motivation in writing poetry. The harsh reality of nature and the thoughtless expectations in the minds of man scarcely cohere to one another. Frost usually starts with an observation in nature, contemplates it and then connects it to some psychological concern (quoted in Thompson). According to Thompson, "His poetic
impulse starts with some psychological concern and finds its way to a material embodiment which usually includes a natural scene" (quoted in Thompson). According to John F. Lynen, "Frost sees in nature a symbol of man's relation to the world. Though he writes about a forest or a wildflower, his real subject is humanity his concept of nature is a paradox and it