Robert Frost

"Do not follow where the path may lead... Go instead where there is no

path and leave a trail." -Robert Frost

Everyone is a traveler, choosing the roads to follow on the map

of their continuous journey, life. There is never a straight path that

leaves one with but a sole direction in which to head. Regardless of

the original message that Robert Frost had intended to convey, his

poem, "The Road Not Taken", has left its readers with many different

interpretations. It is one's past, present and the attitude with which

he looks upon his future that determines the shade of the light that

he will see the poem in. In any case however, this poem clearly

demonstrates Frost's belief that it is the road that one chooses that

makes him the man who he is.

"And sorry I could not travel both..." It is always difficult to

make a decision because it is impossible not to wonder about the

opportunity cost, what will be missed out on.

English: Handwritten version of 'Happiness makes u...

A U.S stamp with the picture of the poet Robert Fr...

Poetry

There is a strong sense

of regret before the choice is even made and it lies in the knowledge

that in one lifetime, it is impossible to travel down every path. In

an attempt to make a decision, the traveler "looks down one as far as

I could". The road that will be chosen leads to the unknown, as does

any choice in life. As much he may strain his eyes to see as far the

road stretches, eventually it surpasses his vision and he can never

see where it is going to lead. It is the way that he chooses here that

sets him off on his journey and decides where he is going.

"Then took the other, just as fair, and having perhaps the better

claim." What...