Robert Frost, the Natural World, and “Human Nature”

Frost was a New England poet whose works transcended regionalism. For Frost, nature is “dark and deep,” and humans may not be able to illuminate those depths. His dialogue poems investigate whether human relationships are characterized by free will or determined by innate or learned behaviors. Reading his poetry closely, we’ll focus not only on sense but on versification and poetic devices.

Ed Walkiewicz is Professor Emeritus of English and Ann and Burns Hargis Professor Emeritus at Oklahoma State University. A prolific author of works on twentieth-century literature (and a regular Renesan discussion leader), he is the former editor in chief of the Cimarron Review.