Mending Wall 4

MENDING WALL (NOTES)
 The wall in the poem serves as a metaphorical and literal boundary between two
neighbors. It symbolizes the barriers that people create in their lives, both physical and
emotional.
 The poem raises questions about the necessity and purpose of walls in human
relationships. It reflects on the tension between the desire for connection and the fear of
vulnerability and intrusion.
 The poem explores the idea of tradition and inherited beliefs through the repetition of the
phrase "Good fences make good neighbors." It raises questions about the unquestioning
adherence to tradition and the need to critically examine its relevance.
 The contrasting attitudes between the speaker and the neighbor represent different
perspectives on boundaries and interpersonal relationships. The speaker questions the
necessity of the wall, while the neighbor upholds the tradition and values its purpose.
 The poem juxtaposes the wall, which is man-made, with the natural landscape
surrounding it. It hints at the cycle of creation and destruction in nature, questioning the
human inclination to impose order and separation.
• "Mending Wall" invites readers to reflect on the nature of boundaries, the limitations they
impose, and the potential consequences of rigidly upholding them. It encourages questioning and
challenging inherited beliefs and traditions to foster greater understanding and connection.
• The central theme of the poem revolves around the ideas of boundaries, human
connection, tradition, and the inherent desire for separation and isolation.
• The poem raises questions about the tension between the individual's desire for personal
freedom and connection versus societal expectations and the pressures to conform.
• The poem prompts readers to consider the value of open communication, empathy, and
understanding in fostering meaningful connections between individuals. It also encourages
questioning traditions and inherited beliefs.
 The moral dilemma in the poem revolves around the conflict between the speaker's
questioning of the necessity of the wall and the neighbor's steadfast adherence to
tradition, raising questions about the balance between individual autonomy and societal
expectations.
• The setting, with its rural and natural landscape, juxtaposed against the man-made wall,
creates a sense of isolation, introspection, and contemplation. It reflects the contrast between the
human desire for separation and the organic interconnectedness of nature.
• The setting, with its depiction of a rural boundary between two neighboring properties,
serves as a physical representation of the theme of boundaries and the divisions that humans
create in their lives.
• In "Mending Wall," the speaker and his neighbor have contrasting attitudes towards the
wall. Analyze the perspectives of the speaker and the neighbor, and discuss how their attitudes
reflect larger themes in the poem.
Answer: In "Mending Wall," the speaker and his neighbor have divergent views regarding the
wall that separates their properties. The speaker questions the necessity of the wall and
challenges the traditional belief that "Good fences make good neighbors." He sees the wall as an
unnecessary barrier that hampers connection and understanding between people. The speaker
takes an open and inclusive stance, seeking to bridge the divide between himself and his
neighbor.
On the other hand, the neighbor represents the conservative and traditional perspective. He
upholds the belief in the wall's importance, adhering to the notion that boundaries maintain order
and protect personal privacy. He says, "Good fences make good neighbors," emphasizing the
value he places on maintaining a clear separation between their properties. The neighbor's
attitude embodies a cautious and guarded approach to relationships, prioritizing boundaries and
maintaining distance.
These contrasting attitudes between the speaker and the neighbor reflect larger themes in the
poem. The poem explores the tension between the desire for connection and the fear of
vulnerability and intrusion. It prompts readers to question the necessity and consequences of
rigidly upholding boundaries and traditions. The speaker's open-mindedness and curiosity
contrast with the neighbor's entrenched beliefs, prompting a critical examination of inherited
values and the potential for human connection beyond physical barriers.
• Nature and natural cycles play a significant role in "Mending Wall" and contribute to the
poem's themes and symbolism. The poem juxtaposes the man-made wall with the natural world
surrounding it, presenting a contrast between human-imposed boundaries and the organic
interconnectedness of nature.
The presence of nature in the poem is depicted through various images and references. For
instance, the opening lines describe a boundary "that sends the frozen-ground-swell under it" and
hints at the natural forces that challenge the stability of the wall. The mention of "apple trees"
and "pine" further emphasizes the presence of the natural world.
The natural cycles highlighted in the poem suggest a constant process of creation and
destruction. The speaker questions the purpose of the wall by invoking the idea that "Something
there is that doesn't love a wall," suggesting a force in nature that resists human-imposed
barriers. Frost presents the cyclical nature of creation and decay, hinting at the futility of trying
to maintain artificial divisions.
By incorporating elements of nature and natural cycles, the poem invites readers to consider the
human inclination to impose order and separation. It questions the necessity of boundaries and
challenges the idea that they are essential for human relationships. The imagery of nature in
"Mending Wall" serves as a reminder of the larger forces at play and encourages a reevaluation
of the walls we create in our lives.
These long-answer responses explore the contrasting attitudes of the speaker and the neighbor
towards the wall and delve into the role of nature in the poem. By analyzing these aspects, we
gain a deeper understanding of the themes and symbolism present in "Mending Wall" by Robert
Frost.

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MENDING WALL (NOTES)

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