Mending Wall Meaning Line By Line

Mending Wall: A Line-by-Line Exploration of Robert Frost's Masterpiece

Robert Frost's "Mending Wall" is more than just a poem about repairing a stone wall; it's a profound meditation on human nature, boundaries, and the nature of communication. Published in 1914, this deceptively simple poem continues to resonate with readers due to its timeless themes and Frost's masterful use of language. This in-depth analysis will delve into each line, exploring its nuances and contributing to a richer understanding of the poem's overall meaning.

Part 1: Setting the Scene and Introducing the Wall (Lines 1-8)

1. "Something there is that doesn't love a wall,"

This opening line immediately establishes the central conflict. "Something" – an undefined, almost mystical force – opposes the existence of the wall. This "something" could be nature itself, the force of entropy, or even a deeper, more abstract concept like human connection. The line sets a tone of subtle rebellion against the artificiality of boundaries.

2. "That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,"

Here, the natural world actively works against the man-made structure. The "frozen-ground-swell" represents the relentless power of nature, subtly undermining the wall's integrity. The imagery emphasizes the futility of trying to completely control nature.

3. "And spills the boulders in the sun,"

The image of "boulders in the sun" is vivid and evocative. It suggests a slow, deliberate process of disintegration, the wall crumbling under the weight of natural forces. The sun, often associated with life and growth, becomes an agent of destruction in this context.

4. "And makes gaps even two can pass abreast."

The wall's deterioration is further emphasized by the creation of gaps large enough for two people to walk through side-by-side. This detail hints at the potential for connection and communication, which is a central theme of the poem. The wall, despite its intended purpose, fails to completely separate.

5. "The work of hunters is another thing:"

This line introduces a new element: human intervention. The "hunters" are not simply destroying the wall; they are actively using it for their own purposes, highlighting human agency and its impact on the natural world.

6. "I have come to know their passage here,"

The speaker acknowledges the hunters' actions, suggesting a level of acceptance or even understanding. This implies that not all breaches in the wall are inherently negative. The speaker's observation reveals an element of passive observation, a willingness to see the wall as part of a larger ecosystem.

7. "They have broken the wall they have let it go to ruin,"

The directness of this line highlights the hunters' disregard for the wall. Their actions are not unintentional; they deliberately damage it. This introduces a sense of human irresponsibility and the potential for conflict arising from such disregard.

8. "I see the wall in the process of mending."

The poem's central action is introduced. The speaker is involved in the repair of the wall. This act becomes a metaphor for human attempts to maintain separation and control.

Part 2: The Dialogue and the Wall's Symbolic Meaning (Lines 9-28)

9. "There where it is we do not need the wall:"

The speaker and his neighbor are repairing a section of the wall where it is not, arguably, needed. This highlights the irrationality of maintaining the wall in some areas. The "need" for the wall is being questioned.

10. "He is all pine and I am apple orchard."

This line introduces a key element of difference between the speaker and his neighbor. Their contrasting properties suggest different perspectives and approaches to life, reinforcing the idea of separation.

11. "My apple trees will never get across"

The speaker emphasizes the irrelevance of the wall concerning his own property. His trees, being rooted, cannot cross the boundary. The statement is almost a rhetorical one, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation.

12. "And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him."

This line is a playful yet pointed remark, further emphasizing the unnecessary nature of the wall. It points toward a lack of genuine threat or need for separation.

13. "He only says, “Good fences make good neighbours.”

This is the neighbor's iconic statement, the central argument for the wall's continued existence. It summarizes the poem's core theme of boundaries and relationships. The simplicity of this phrase belies its complex implications.

14. "Spring is the mischief in me,"

The speaker's internal conflict is revealed. Spring, a symbol of renewal and growth, is associated with his desire to break down boundaries. This line contrasts the neighbor's rigid perspective with the speaker's more open and fluid approach to human interaction.

15. "and I wonder if I could put a notion in his head:"

The speaker considers influencing his neighbor's views, suggesting a desire for understanding and communication.

16. "Why do they make good neighbours?"

This is a direct challenge to the neighbor's statement. The speaker questions the logic and underlying assumptions behind the common proverb. It suggests a deeper skepticism towards the simplistic view of boundaries.

17. "It comes to little more than that in the end,"

The speaker reflects on the neighbor's simple explanation, acknowledging its limited scope and the underlying lack of genuine reasoning. The wall acts as a barrier to a deeper understanding.

18. "he will not go beyond it,"

The neighbor is portrayed as resistant to questioning or change. This demonstrates a stubborn adherence to tradition and a reluctance to engage in introspection or deeper communication.

19. "It is a good fence that keeps a neighbour close, it is a good neighbour that keeps a fence close,"

The speaker explores the paradoxical nature of fences and neighbours. A seemingly straightforward saying is deconstructed to highlight its double meanings and complexities.

20. "There are some that cannot do this,"

This lines highlights the difference in mindset that creates the conflict. The speaker appears to recognize that not everyone is capable of understanding or accepting differing perspectives.

21. "There are some that will not do this,"

This adds another layer of complexity. Not only is it difficult for some to understand and reconcile the complexities of human interactions but there are some who will actively resist doing so.

22. "There are some that cannot do it,"

The repetition reinforces the inability and unwillingness of some to accept nuances and embrace complexities.

23. "Some that will not do this,"

This line also emphasizes the choice and will of individuals to maintain rigid boundaries, even if it means impeding deeper connections.

24. "Those are not neighbours, they are strangers,"

This defines the consequences of such unwillingness. The rigid adherence to boundaries transforms relationships from neighbourly intimacy to distant, stranger-like interactions.

25. "I keep the wall between us as we go."

The speaker acknowledges the continuation of the wall, despite his internal conflict. This reflects a pragmatism; despite his philosophical disagreements, the wall remains a reality.

26. "To each the boulders that have fallen to each."

The speaker and his neighbor share the responsibility of repairing the wall. This practical act underscores the continued existence of the boundary between them.

27. "We have laid them so."

This simple line underscores the collaborative nature of their activity, despite the intellectual and philosophical divergence.

28. "And we go on as we have always done."

The poem ends on a note of quiet acceptance and resignation. The act of mending the wall persists, symbolizing the persistence of social divisions, and the ongoing cycle of maintaining boundaries.

Part 3: Analyzing the Poem's Themes and Lasting Impact

"Mending Wall" is a powerful exploration of several interwoven themes:

• The Nature of Boundaries: The wall itself is a powerful symbol of boundaries, both literal and metaphorical. It represents the divisions between people, nations, and cultures. The poem questions the necessity and effectiveness of these boundaries.

• Human Nature and Communication: The interaction between the speaker and his neighbor reveals the complexities of human communication and the challenges of bridging differences. The neighbor's stubborn adherence to tradition highlights the resistance to change and the limitations of simplistic solutions.

• The Conflict Between Nature and Culture: The poem juxtaposes the natural world's relentless forces with human attempts to control and order it. The wall's constant need for repair symbolizes the futility of trying to completely dominate nature.

• Tradition vs. Individuality: The poem explores the tension between adhering to established traditions and embracing individual perspectives. The neighbor's adherence to the proverb "Good fences make good neighbors" represents a reliance on tradition, while the speaker's questioning reveals a more individualistic approach.

The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ambiguity and its open-endedness. Frost avoids providing definitive answers, leaving the reader to ponder the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of tradition. The act of mending the wall becomes a metaphor for the ongoing human struggle to balance connection and separation, understanding and difference. The poem's lasting impact lies in its ability to provoke thought and encourage further reflection on the themes it explores. The seemingly simple act of mending a wall becomes a profound exploration of human nature and the nature of existence itself. The poem's concise yet powerful language, along with its rich imagery and symbolism, ensures its continued relevance and its place as a cornerstone of American literature. The line-by-line examination helps reveal the layers of meaning embedded within this seemingly simple poem, making it a rewarding experience for readers of all levels.