Mending Wall Summary Line By Line

Mending Wall: A Line-by-Line Summary and Analysis

Robert Frost's "Mending Wall" is a deceptively simple poem that explores themes of boundary, communication, and the human tendency towards division. Through seemingly straightforward imagery of stone walls and spring's renewal, Frost delves into complex questions about human nature and the nature of neighborly relations. This line-by-line analysis will unpack the poem's subtleties, revealing its layered meanings and enduring relevance.

Line-by-Line Analysis:

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

The poem begins with a powerful assertion, introducing an unnamed, almost mystical force that actively opposes the existence of walls. This sets the stage for the central conflict: the natural world's aversion to artificial barriers versus the human impulse to build and maintain them. The "something" remains undefined, leaving it open to interpretation – nature itself, perhaps, or a more profound, almost spiritual energy.

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

This line immediately introduces the natural forces at work undermining the wall. The "frozen-ground-swell" represents the relentless power of nature, constantly pushing and shifting the earth, causing the wall to crumble. This is a physical manifestation of the poem's central theme: the inevitable erosion of boundaries.

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

The image of "boulders in the sun" is both powerful and evocative. It suggests the raw, uncontainable energy of nature, breaking down the man-made structure and exposing it to the elements. The sun, a symbol of life and vitality, highlights the contrast between the static wall and the dynamic natural world.

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

This line emphasizes the effectiveness of nature's work. The wall, intended to separate, is now breached, allowing easy passage for two people side-by-side. This suggests the possibility of connection and communication, despite the human effort to maintain separation.

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

This introduces a new element – human interference, specifically the actions of hunters. The hunters, by their presence and activities, further damage the wall, albeit unintentionally. This suggests that human actions, even those seemingly unrelated to the wall's purpose, still contribute to its breakdown.

6. "I have come to believe in them

The speaker admits to a growing belief in the hunters, perhaps alluding to a acceptance that the natural world and human activity, in their own ways, cause disruption to man-made boundaries.

7. "I doubt not if none has seen them;

The speaker displays a confidence in the power and presence of these actions, implying that such interference is common.

8. "They are the most dangerous kind;

This line suggests that the hunters' impact, though unintentional, is the most significant because it's both consistent and disruptive.

9. "Though the wall they have broken is not so high;"

The relatively low height of the damaged section emphasizes that even small acts of transgression can significantly affect the overall integrity of the wall.

10. "Hunters only are interested in a good hunt;"

This emphasizes the self-interest of the hunters; their actions are driven by personal pursuits that disregard the structure of the wall and its implications.

11. "And the wall that they break down is not a boundary."

A distinction is made between the purpose of the wall, as perceived by the neighbor, and the act of the hunters; the wall's integrity is damaged in a way that transcends the neighbor's intended use.

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

The speaker points out that the damaged section's location negates the wall's original purpose. This highlights the irrationality of maintaining a boundary where it's unnecessary.

**13. "He is all pine and I am apple orchard. **

This line introduces the two neighbors and their contrasting properties, establishing a visual representation of their differences. The differences in their land highlight the arbitrary nature of the wall's division.

14. "My apple trees will never get across

This line further emphasizes the lack of practical necessity for the wall. The trees pose no real threat to the neighbor’s land, indicating the wall serves only symbolic purposes.

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

The speaker is making a playful comment about the physical limitations of the apples trees, making the wall completely superfluous.

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

This is the poem's most famous line, encapsulating the neighbor's core belief and revealing his resistance to change. The proverb, seemingly innocuous, is used to justify the maintenance of the wall, even when it serves no practical purpose.

17. "Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder

This reflects the speaker's conflicting feelings; he acknowledges his own natural inclination to break the wall, to resist the barrier.

18. "If I could put a notion in his head:

The speaker contemplates influencing his neighbor, trying to see past the neighbor's traditional view.

19. "Why do they make good neighbours?"

This reveals the speaker's doubt in his neighbor's assertion, questioning the necessity of the wall.

20. "And some say –"

The speaker introduces a series of speculative responses to the question raised.

21. "But I can't talk to him. We keep the wall between us

The speaker's attempts at communication are consistently frustrated by the wall's physical and metaphorical presence.

22. "As we go along to find out where it is

The repair of the wall becomes a ritual, a symbolic act that reinforces the separation, instead of bridging the gap.

23. "That we have made gaps even two can pass abreast."

This line underscores the cyclical nature of the process; the wall is repaired, only to be broken again by nature or human actions.

24. "The work of hunters is another thing:

This line re-introduces the hunter's role, reinforcing the idea that external forces beyond their control further damage the wall.

25. "I see him there / Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top

The neighbor’s actions are described physically, revealing a strong commitment to keeping the wall intact.

26. "In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed."

The neighbor is presented as determined and resistant to change, suggesting the wall acts as a defense against communication.

27. "He moves in darkness as it seems to me —"

The speaker depicts the neighbor as somewhat enigmatic and mysterious in his steadfast commitment to the wall.

28. "Not of woods only and the shade of trees."

This expands on the darkness, suggesting a deeper, more complex layer of resistance than simply a physical obstacle.

29. "He will not go beyond his father’s word."

The neighbor's actions stem from tradition and his unquestioning acceptance of his father's wisdom. He isn’t thinking for himself.

30. "He builds the wall because he has been told to build the wall."

This directly points out the neighbor's unquestioning adherence to tradition and the uncritical acceptance of a worldview established by previous generations.

31. "And the wall between us keeps growing in its way."

The poem concludes with a sense of inevitability; the wall, a symbol of division, continues to grow, metaphorically separating the two neighbors.

Themes and Interpretations:

"Mending Wall" explores several interconnected themes:

• The Nature of Boundaries: The wall itself is a powerful symbol of human attempts to impose order on the natural world and create artificial divisions between individuals and communities. The poem questions the necessity and efficacy of these boundaries, suggesting they often impede connection and understanding.

• Tradition vs. Change: The neighbor's unwavering adherence to the proverb "Good fences make good neighbours" represents the resistance to change and the power of ingrained traditions. The speaker, in contrast, appears more open to questioning these established norms.

• Communication and Misunderstanding: The poem highlights the difficulties in communication and understanding between individuals, even those who are geographically close. The wall serves as both a physical and metaphorical barrier, preventing genuine connection and fostering misunderstandings.

• Human Nature and Isolation: The poem subtly suggests the human tendency toward isolation and the self-imposed barriers that separate us from others. The wall's continued existence, despite its impracticality, points to the deeper psychological need for boundaries.

• Nature's Power: The natural world, through its unrelenting forces, consistently undermines the man-made wall, highlighting the limitations of human control and the enduring power of nature.

Conclusion:

Robert Frost's "Mending Wall" is a powerful and resonant poem that continues to resonate with readers because of its exploration of universal themes. Through its evocative imagery and deceptively simple structure, the poem reveals the complexities of human relationships, the persistence of tradition, and the enduring power of nature to challenge our efforts to impose order and control. The line-by-line examination reveals the depth and subtlety of Frost's work, allowing for a richer understanding of its enduring relevance. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to provoke thought and reflection on our own tendencies towards division and the importance of fostering genuine connection and understanding.