"Mending Wall" is a poem by Robert Frost that was published in 1914. It explores the theme of boundaries and the human desire to define and protect them.
In the poem, Frost presents the narrator's experience of repairing a wall that divides his property from his neighbor's. The narrator reflects on the purpose of the wall, wondering why it is necessary to have a physical barrier between their properties. He notes that the wall serves no practical purpose, as it does not keep out the animals that roam freely in the surrounding woods. Instead, the wall seems to exist solely as a symbol of separation and division.
As the narrator and his neighbor work together to mend the wall, he begins to question the value of such boundaries. He wonders why they feel the need to "set the wall between us," and suggests that the wall may be more of a hindrance than a help, as it requires constant maintenance and repair.
Despite this, the neighbor insists on the importance of the wall, stating that "good fences make good neighbors." This phrase has become famous and is often used to suggest that clear boundaries and mutual respect are necessary for a harmonious relationship. However, the narrator remains unconvinced, and suggests that the wall may actually serve to create distance and mistrust between them.
Throughout the poem, Frost uses a variety of literary devices to convey the theme of boundaries and their impact on human relationships. One such device is the use of imagery, as the narrator describes the wall and its surroundings in vivid detail. The wall is presented as a physical manifestation of the separation between the two properties, and the narrator's observations of the natural world around it serve to highlight the artificial nature of such boundaries.
Another device Frost employs is the use of symbolism. The wall itself serves as a symbol of the barriers that can exist between people, and the act of mending it can be seen as a metaphor for the effort required to maintain and repair relationships. The neighbor's insistence on the wall's importance can also be seen as a symbol of the way in which we often cling to rigid boundaries and ideologies, even when they may not be necessary or beneficial.
Overall, "Mending Wall" is a thought-provoking poem that encourages readers to consider the role of boundaries in their own lives and relationships. It suggests that the desire to define and protect ourselves can sometimes lead to division and conflict, and encourages us to consider the value of openness and understanding in our interactions with others.
