Understanding Robert Frost’s life and the enduring phrase "it goes on" requires delving into the poet's personal journey, literary contributions, and the themes that permeate his work. Frost’s poetry is often characterized by its deep reflection on life's perpetual motion, resilience, and the human condition. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Robert Frost's life, the significance of "it goes on," and how his experiences shaped his poetic voice.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family Roots
Robert Lee Frost was born on March 26, 1874, in San Francisco, California. His father, William Prescott Frost Jr., was a teacher and a journalist, while his mother, Isabelle Moodie Frost, was of Scottish descent. The family’s roots in New England and their academic inclinations played a significant role in shaping Frost’s future literary pursuits.
Childhood and Moving East
At just 11 years old, Frost’s father passed away, leaving the family in financial difficulty. The Frost family moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts, where young Robert developed a love for reading and poetry. His early exposure to literature and the hardships faced during his childhood imbued him with themes of perseverance and resilience that would later feature prominently in his poetry.
Academic and Personal Life
Educational Pursuits
Frost attended Harvard University but did not graduate. Despite his brief formal education, he was highly self-educated, voraciously reading classical literature, poetry, and philosophy. His time at Harvard exposed him to a diverse range of ideas, though he often felt out of place in academic settings.
Marriage and Family
In 1894, Frost married Elinor White, a fellow student. The couple had six children, and Frost’s role as a family man deeply influenced his poetry. His personal life was marked by both happiness and tragedy—his son Elliot died at age 4, and his wife battled mental health issues, experiences that contributed to themes of loss, endurance, and hope in his work.
Literary Beginnings and Career Development
First Poems and Publishing
Frost’s early poems were published in local newspapers, but it was not until the 1910s that he gained national recognition. His first collection, A Boy’s Will (1913), was met with critical acclaim and established him as a major American poet.
The Move to England and International Recognition
Seeking to escape the limited literary scene in the U.S., Frost moved to England in 1912 with his family. There, he published North of Boston (1914), which contained some of his most enduring poems. His success abroad helped garner attention back home, leading to his eventual return to America in 1915.
Thematic Elements in Frost’s Poetry
Nature and Rural Life
Frost’s poetry frequently depicts rural New England settings, emphasizing the relationship between humans and nature. His vivid imagery and colloquial language make his work accessible yet profound.
Existence and Resilience
Themes of perseverance, the passage of time, and the inevitability of change are central to Frost’s poetry. The phrase "it goes on" encapsulates this perspective—the idea that life continues despite hardships and setbacks.
Human Experience and Reflection
Frost often explores the complexity of human emotions, choices, and moral dilemmas, blending personal experience with universal themes.
Major Works and Poems
Selected Collections
- A Boy’s Will (1913)
- North of Boston (1914)
- Mountain Interval (1916)
- New Hampshire (1923)
- West-Running Brook (1928)
- A Further Range (1936)
Notable Poems
- "The Road Not Taken"
- "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening"
- "Mending Wall"
- "Birches"
- "Fire and Ice"
These poems exemplify Frost’s mastery in capturing life’s nuances, often reflecting on choices, resilience, and the ongoing flow of life.
Significance of "It Goes On"
Interpretation of the Phrase
While "it goes on" is not a direct quote from Frost’s poetry, it resonates with the recurring themes of continuity and perseverance in his work. This phrase symbolizes the idea that life persists despite challenges—a core message in Frost’s reflections on human resilience.
Connection to Frost’s Philosophy
Frost’s poetry suggests that, regardless of personal or collective hardships, life’s momentum persists. The phrase embodies the acceptance of change and the importance of moving forward, echoing Frost’s belief in enduring life's cycles.
Legacy and Impact
Influence on American Literature
Frost is considered one of America’s quintessential poets, known for his mastery of traditional form and colloquial speech. His work influenced countless poets and writers and helped shape modern American poetry.
Recognition and Awards
- Four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry
- Congressional Gold Medal (1960)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (1960)
Enduring Relevance
Frost’s themes of resilience, the natural world, and human perseverance continue to resonate. His emphasis on life’s ongoing nature aligns with the idea that "it goes on," inspiring readers to persevere through adversity.
Conclusion: The Life of Robert Frost and the Message of Resilience
Robert Frost’s life was marked by personal tragedy, professional perseverance, and a deep connection to the natural world. His poetry reflects these experiences, emphasizing that despite hardships, life persists—an idea encapsulated in the sentiment "it goes on." Frost’s ability to articulate the complexities of human existence, coupled with his mastery of poetic form, cemented his legacy as a poet whose work endures because it speaks to the universal truth of resilience and continuity.
Through examining his early life, literary career, themes, and impact, it becomes evident that Frost’s life exemplifies the very essence of "it goes on." His poetry not only captures the realities of life but also encourages us to face them with courage, understanding that, ultimately, life moves forward—an inspiring message that continues to resonate with readers around the world.
---
Note: The phrase "it goes on" is used here as a thematic summary reflecting Frost’s worldview rather than a specific line from his poetry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the phrase 'it goes on' in Robert Frost's life and poetry?
The phrase 'it goes on' reflects Frost's acknowledgment of life's continuous journey despite hardships. It signifies resilience and acceptance, themes often explored in his poetry, emphasizing that life persists regardless of challenges.
How did Robert Frost's personal experiences influence the themes of perseverance in 'It Goes On'?
Frost's personal struggles, including personal losses and the hardships of rural life, shaped his understanding that life moves forward. These experiences informed the recurring motif in his work that life continues despite adversity.
Is 'It Goes On' a poem by Robert Frost, or is it a thematic phrase associated with his work?
'It Goes On' is not a specific poem by Robert Frost but a thematic phrase often associated with his outlook on life, emphasizing resilience and persistence, which are central themes in his poetry.
How has Robert Frost's perspective on life's resilience influenced contemporary interpretations of his poetry?
Frost's emphasis on life's ongoing nature has led readers and scholars to interpret his work as a testament to perseverance and hope, inspiring modern discussions about overcoming difficulties and embracing life's continuous flow.
Are there modern adaptations or references to Robert Frost's 'it goes on' philosophy in current literature or culture?
Yes, many contemporary works and cultural references draw on Frost's themes of resilience and persistence, often echoing the sentiment that 'life goes on,' reflecting his enduring influence on literature and popular culture.
