Heart of Darkness

Essay by bic121University, Bachelor'sA+, May 2004

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Heart of Darkness

Robert Frost is a master of creating intense pictures in people's minds of what he is trying to convey. His descriptions are subtle, yet meaningful. One word in the right place can really have a deep impact on the reader. Frost's poem entitled "Once by the Pacific", is a wonderful example of how his choice of words paints pictures in people's minds. At first the word "Once", doesn't seem very important to the title, but the reader soon learns that the experience he/she is reading about is a one-time event. Looking out over the tormented sea Frost reveals the coming of darkness. Much more than a thunderstorm, more like the end of mankind.

The first four lines of Frost's poem give a good basis for what is about to occur, "Once by the Pacific." His use of personification gives the reader a sense that the ocean is alive.

For example, in line one he talks about how, "The shattered water made a misty din." By using the word "shattered", he creates the picture of a sea so tormented that it will never again be at peace. In line two he tells how, "Great waves looked over others coming in." Again he brings the ocean to life with the use of two words. By allowing waves to look over each other, Frost gives me the impression of towering rage. This comment is supported by the next two lines, which talk of the devastation the sea is about to bring onto the land. Yet again he gives the waves human qualities by allowing them to think of, "doing something to the shore/ That water never did to land before."

Next Frost talks shortly about the sky, using personification again to give human qualities to the clouds. Lines five and...