Love and a Question (Poem by Robert Lee Frost)

Love and a Question

By Robert Lee Frost

A stranger came to the door at eve,

And he spoke the bridegroom fair.

He bore a green-white stick in his hand,

And, for all burden, care.

He asked with the eyes more than the lips

For a shelter for the night,

And he turned and looked at the road afar

Without a window light.

The bridegroom came forth into the porch

With, 'Let us look at the sky,

And question what of the night to be,

Stranger, you and I.'

The woodbine leaves littered the yard,

The woodbine berries were blue,

Autumn, yes, winter was in the wind;

'Stranger, I wish I knew.'

Within, the bride in the dusk alone

Bent over the open fire,

Her face rose-red with the glowing coal

And the thought of the heart's desire.

The bridegroom looked at the weary road,

Yet saw but her within,

And wished her heart in a case of gold

And pinned with a silver pin.

The bridegroom thought it little to give

A dole of bread, a purse,

A heartfelt prayer for the poor of God,

Or for the rich a curse;

But whether or not a man was asked

To mar the love of two

By harboring woe in the bridal house,

The bridegroom wished he knew.

Poem Analysis:

Robert Frost's "Love and a Question" is a contemplative and introspective poem that delves into the complexities of love, morality, and the choices one faces when confronted with unexpected circumstances. It presents a narrative that questions the priorities and dilemmas of a bridegroom upon the arrival of a stranger seeking shelter for the night.

1. The Stranger's Arrival: The poem commences with the arrival of a stranger seeking refuge. The bridegroom, faced with the decision of whether to offer shelter, initiates a contemplative dialogue about the uncertainties of the night, using the sky as a metaphor for the unknown future.
2. Symbolism and Imagery: Frost uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the setting. The woodbine leaves and berries denote the change of seasons, suggesting autumn's transition into winter. The scene symbolizes a time of change, mirroring the uncertainty and transition the characters are facing.
3. Internal Conflict: The bridegroom’s internal conflict becomes the focal point of the poem. He contemplates the significance of giving material offerings versus the moral dilemma of potentially harboring woe or disrupting the sanctity of his bridal house.
4. Morality and Love: The bridegroom grapples with moral quandaries and the value of love. He reflects on the true meaning of giving - whether it's simply providing physical necessities or respecting the sanctity of love and not allowing the harboring of potential conflict to disrupt it.
5. Complexity of Choices: Frost highlights the complexity of decision-making when faced with moral dilemmas. The bridegroom questions whether it's enough to offer tangible aid or whether certain choices could jeopardize the love and sanctity shared between him and his bride.
6. Human Emotions and Priorities: The poem touches upon the human condition, the intricacies of human emotions, and the struggle to prioritize between immediate needs and the sanctity of love and relationships.
7. Unresolved Ending: The poem ends without a clear resolution, leaving the reader pondering the bridegroom's final decision. This open-ended conclusion invites interpretation and contemplation regarding the values and choices one faces in such situations.

In conclusion, "Love and a Question" by Robert Frost is a thought-provoking exploration of moral dilemmas, the complexities of love, and the weight of choices. Frost intricately weaves a narrative that prompts reflection on the priorities one faces when confronted with difficult decisions, leaving the reader to consider the true essence of giving, the complexities of moral choices, and the significance of protecting and cherishing love in the face of uncertainties.