Choices of Society and Confinement or Individuality and Freedom in Robert Frost's 'The Vantage Point'

"The Vantage Point" by Robert Frost is a poem about the choices that are available to man. The narrator examines the choices of society, confinement and individuality, freedom.

At the beginning of the poem, the narrator is found "amid lolling juniper reclined" (4). The word reclined suggests that the figure is resting leisurely against a tree. From his position or “Vantage Point,” the best view, the narrator finds that he is able to see men’s houses, cattle, and graves. To his other side, he sees the “sunburned hillside” (11) that is covered with trees. On this side, he focuses on the trees, soil, and ants. Each of these scenes represents a choice or direction that the narrator may take for his future.

The cow is an animal associated with man. It is a docile, slow, meaty animal that man uses for food. It is easily contained in a fence and is commonly found around homes. In this poem, the cow represents a tame, confined society to which the narrator is able to belong, if he chooses.

The lawn also creates a domestic sensation. Most lawns are manicured by man; nature is not allowed to overtake them. In this poem, the cows are found on the lawn. Coupled with the cows, the lawn also represents society.

The “homes” (6) of men is another symbol for society. A home is a comfortable place to which one confines himself in order to be comfortable and safe. Just as the fence is used to confine the cow and keep it safe, the “home” is a place of confinement. Family responsibilities, financial burdens, and security keep a man limited at home.

Frost’s use of the word “home” rather than “house” or “dwelling” is also significant. A home is usually a place of comfort and love. The implications that are associated with the word “home” are those of security, assurance, warmth, and love.

The “graves of men” (7) is another symbol of confinement. Once committed to a grave, it is impossible to reemerge into society. The grave is an image of silence, finality, and gloom, but also a figure of society. When a person dies in society, he is placed in a grave. When he dies in the wilderness, he is not given a grave; he is left in the open.

These three domestic, societal images – the cow, the home, and the grave – are all confinements of society. The narrator realizes that he is able to choose and enter society. He may give up his leisure on the hill and join society where he can take security, confinement, and ritual from the others around him. He can mold himself to conform to their rules.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic