Robert Frost Quotes

Powerful Robert Frost for Daily Growth

About Robert Frost

Robert Lee Frost, one of America's most celebrated poets, was born on March 26, 1874, in San Francisco, California, but spent his formative years in New Hampshire, which became the backdrop for much of his work. After losing his father to tuberculosis at age eleven and being sent to live with relatives, Frost developed a deep appreciation for nature, a theme that would dominate his poetry. He attended Dartmouth College but left without graduating in 1892. He worked as a teacher, farmer, and railway surveyor before publishing his first collection of poems, "A Boy's Will," in 1913, at the age of 40. The book showcased Frost's knack for capturing the essence of rural life and human nature through simple yet powerful language. In 1914, he won his first Pulitzer Prize for "North of Boston," a collection that included the famous poem "The Road Not Taken." He would win another Pulitzer in 1924 for "New Hampshire," further solidifying his status as one of America's foremost poets. Frost's work often features complex moral dilemmas, decisions with far-reaching consequences, and the weight of choice. His most famous works include "The Mending Wall," "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," and "Birches." Robert Frost lived an extraordinary life, both as a poet and as a private individual. He was married twice, first to Elinor White (1895-1915) with whom he had four children, and then to Elinor Miriam "Eddie" Robinson (1916-1938), who inspired many of his later poems. Frost died on January 29, 1963, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence and inspire readers worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

Robert Frost's quote, "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood" is a metaphor for choices and decisions we face in life, particularly difficult ones where both paths seem equally appealing or beneficial. The yellow wood symbolizes the autumn season, a time of change and transition. As the speaker stands at this fork in the road, he must choose which path to take, aware that his decision will have significant consequences. This quote encourages introspection, inviting us to consider the potential outcomes of our choices before making a decision that could shape our future.


And sorry I could not travel both

This line from Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken," expresses a sense of regret and longing for the possibility of experiencing multiple paths or options in life, rather than being confined to only one. It speaks to the human condition, where we are often faced with choices and must decide on one path, while the other remains an unfulfilled dream or opportunity. The "both" represents two equally attractive paths that one cannot traverse at once. The speaker expresses sympathy for their inability to experience both, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of life's choices.


And be one traveler, long I stood

This quote by Robert Frost suggests the idea of being a thoughtful observer in life's journey. The phrase "long I stood" implies patience and reflection, suggesting that the speaker took their time to contemplate and absorb their surroundings. The phrase "be one traveler" means to approach life with an open mind, ready to learn and grow from new experiences. Overall, this quote encourages us to embrace a curious, patient, and reflective attitude towards life's adventures.


And looked down one as far as I could

This line from Robert Frost's poem, "The Wood-Pile," suggests a feeling of curiosity or exploration. The speaker is looking at a woodpile from a distance, intrigued by its size, and wishing to investigate further, but only able to gaze as far as they can see. It could symbolize the human tendency to contemplate and yearn for knowledge beyond our immediate reach, emphasizing that sometimes, the desire to learn or understand is more significant than actual discovery itself.


To where it bent in the undergrowth;"

This line from Robert Frost's poem suggests that the speaker, or the reader, is being guided to a hidden place within the natural environment - a secret spot concealed by the underbrush. It implies a sense of discovery, mystery, and potential intimacy with nature. The "bending" in the undergrowth might symbolize a pathway or an invitation to explore deeper into the unknown.


"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."

This quote by Robert Frost conveys a message that, despite the challenges and hardships one may encounter in life, it continues unabated. It suggests resilience, endurance, and the acceptance that life is ongoing and must be navigated through to its natural end. Essentially, Frost is reminding us that life moves forward regardless of our personal struggles or triumphs, and we must learn to adapt accordingly.


"Nature's first green is gold,

This line from Robert Frost ("Nature's first green is gold") poetically captures the essence of new life and growth that unfurls in nature during spring, symbolizing the freshness, vitality, and beauty inherent in both natural landscapes and our own potential for renewal. It suggests that the initial hue of new leaves or buds, before they mature into deeper greens, is a brilliant, radiant gold - a testament to the transformative power of time and the rebirth that follows winter's end.


Her hardest hue to hold."

The phrase "her hardest hue to hold" by Robert Frost implies a struggle to maintain or preserve something precious, significant, or beautiful that is inherently delicate or transient. It could be referring to a relationship, an emotion, or a state of being, suggesting that they are difficult to sustain due to their fragility. The quote suggests the need for resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity to keep hold of what truly matters.


"I shall be telling this with a sigh

This quote, penned by Robert Frost in his poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," suggests a deep sense of longing or regret. The speaker is recounting an experience that left them with a feeling of wistfulness or sadness. It's as if they are reminiscing about a moment, a place, or an encounter that they find difficult to forget and can only describe by sighing.


Somewhere ages and ages hence:

The quote, "Somewhere ages and ages hence:" by Robert Frost, suggests a future that is far distant, possibly even timeless or eternal. It implies a state where events are separated significantly from the present moment. This line can be seen as an invitation to ponder the consequences of our actions, which may affect future generations in ways we cannot yet imagine. In essence, it encourages us to think about the impact of our lives and decisions on the distant future.


Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

This quote by Robert Frost symbolizes the choices we often encounter in life, where two paths or options present themselves, each with its unique outcomes. The poem suggests that the speaker stood at a crossroads and had to make a decision about which path to take. The "wood" could represent a metaphorical or literal journey, signifying life's complexities and uncertainties. The significance of the quote lies in its emphasis on personal responsibility and individualism. By choosing one road, the speaker acknowledges that their choice will shape their destiny. This decision reflects the human condition: we are all faced with choices and must decide which path to take, even when unsure about the consequences. The quote invites readers to ponder their own decisions and the impact those choices have on their lives.


I took the one less traveled by,

The quote "I took the one less traveled by" by Robert Frost symbolizes the idea of choosing an unconventional path, often associated with individuality, creativity, and personal growth. It implies that taking risks, exploring uncharted territories, or daring to diverge from societal norms can lead to unique experiences and self-discovery.


And that has made all the difference."

This quote by Robert Frost, "And that has made all the difference," suggests that a small choice, decision, or action can have profound and transformative effects on one's life, relationships, or circumstances. It underscores the idea that seemingly insignificant events can lead to significant outcomes and highlights the power of choices in shaping our lives.


"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"

This quote emphasizes that everything in life has its own time or season. It suggests a cyclical understanding of life where each phase serves a unique purpose. The implication is that we should embrace the present moment, recognizing it as part of a larger plan or cycle, and wait patiently for the right opportunity to fulfill our purposes in life. The quote also highlights the interconnectedness of all things and events under heaven, reminding us that our individual actions and experiences have an impact on the greater whole.


You don't have to deserve your mother's love. You have to deserve your father's.

- Robert Frost

Love, Mother, Deserve, Father's Day

The best way out is always through.

- Robert Frost

Inspirational, Always, Best Way

The figure a poem makes. It begins in delight and ends in wisdom... in a clarification of life - not necessarily a great clarification, such as sects and cults are founded on, but in a momentary stay against confusion.

- Robert Frost

Against, Momentary, Figure, Founded

Humor is the most engaging cowardice.

- Robert Frost

Humor, Cowardice, Most, Engaging

Always fall in with what you're asked to accept. Take what is given, and make it over your way. My aim in life has always been to hold my own with whatever's going. Not against: with.

- Robert Frost

Always, Over, Given, Asked

We dance round in a ring and suppose, but the secret sits in the middle and knows.

- Robert Frost

Ring, Middle, Secret, Round

A poem begins as a lump in the throat, a sense of wrong, a homesickness, a lovesickness.

- Robert Frost

Poetry, Begins, Homesickness, Poem

A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.

- Robert Frost

Wisdom, Begins, Ends, Poem

A bank is a place where they lend you an umbrella in fair weather and ask for it back when it begins to rain.

- Robert Frost

Rain, Money, Back, Umbrella

A successful lawsuit is the one worn by a policeman.

- Robert Frost

Legal, Successful, Worn, Lawsuit

The strongest and most effective force in guaranteeing the long-term maintenance of power is not violence in all the forms deployed by the dominant to control the dominated, but consent in all the forms in which the dominated acquiesce in their own domination.

- Robert Frost

Domination, Dominant, Which, Dominated

Poetry is what gets lost in translation.

- Robert Frost

Poetry, Lost, Gets, Translation

A civilized society is one which tolerates eccentricity to the point of doubtful sanity.

- Robert Frost

Society, Which, Civilized, Eccentricity

Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.

- Robert Frost

Love, Desire, Desired, Love Is

The chief reason for going to school is to get the impression fixed for life that there is a book side for everything.

- Robert Frost

Reason, Going, Side, Fixed

If one by one we counted people out For the least sin, it wouldn't take us long To get so we had no one left to live with. For to be social is to be forgiving.

- Robert Frost

Social, Had, Least, Counted

Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up.

- Robert Frost

Know, Ever, Take, Fence

The greatest thing in family life is to take a hint when a hint is intended-and not to take a hint when a hint isn't intended.

- Robert Frost

Family, Take, Intended, Greatest Thing

Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

- Robert Frost

Inspirational, Made, Took, Traveled

There never was any heart truly great and generous, that was not also tender and compassionate.

- Robert Frost

Never, Tender, Generous, Compassionate

And were an epitaph to be my story I'd have a short one ready for my own. I would have written of me on my stone: I had a lover's quarrel with the world.

- Robert Frost

Own, My Own, Lover, Stone

Let him that is without stone among you cast the first thing he can lay his hands on.

- Robert Frost

Hands, Him, Lay, Stone

I would have written of me on my stone: I had a lover's quarrel with the world.

- Robert Frost

World, Lover, Would, Stone

Poetry is about the grief. Politics is about the grievance.

- Robert Frost

Politics, Poetry, About, Grievance

Nothing can make injustice just but mercy.

- Robert Frost

Injustice, Nothing, Make, Mercy

The only certain freedom's in departure.

- Robert Frost

Freedom, Only, Certain, Departure

Two such as you with such a master speed, cannot be parted nor be swept away, from one another once you are agreed, that life is only life forevermore, together wing to wing and oar to oar.

- Robert Frost

Away, Another, Oar, Parted

My sorrow, when she's here with me, thinks these dark days of autumn rain are beautiful as days can be; she loves the bare, the withered tree; she walks the sodden pasture lane.

- Robert Frost

Rain, Here, Loves, Withered

A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age.

- Robert Frost

Birthday, Age, Always, Diplomat

The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.

- Robert Frost

Nature, Sleep, Lovely, Promises

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