Notes on ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost

Describe the two roads which Robert Frost had once come across 

Once the poet Robert Frost on the way of his journey, halted at a point where the road was divided into two. One of the roads was much trodden and therefore, it was rough. The other road was hardly trodden by anyone and so, it looked fair and was covered with green grass. To the poet the less trodden path was more luring than the much trodden one.  

Which of the two roads did Robert Frost choose? Why? 

The poet Robert Frost chose the road which was less trodden and covered with grass. Initially, the poet was full of doubts about that less trodden path because it might not be safe to walk on a less trusted path. The next moment he thought that he should take this road to reach his destination and it might make a difference in his life. The poet had the confidence and courage to meet the challenge of treading the path which was hardly walked on by any traveler. Indifferent to the fate and the future consequences, Robert Frost dared to go different from the common lot. 

Click here for more English literature study notes

Explanatory Note on ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost

Synopsis of ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost

Once Robert Frost was confronted with a situation which required him to make a choice during his journey to a destination. At times in life, making a choice or decision is an uphill task, if there is more than one option and all the options seem to be luring. The poet had to choose one of the two roads in order to reach his destination. After a little toing and froing, he decided to choose the road which as less travelled and therefore, covered with grass. Initially, he had doubt if he would be able to reach his goal and come back safely. Then, he desired to go different from the common run of mill, and gathered courage to take the challenge of treading the less trodden path. In later life, the poet Robert Frost had no regrets for his decision. His choice made all the difference in his life. If he walked down the much travelled road, he would have to share the fate of the common lot. His choice was influenced by none but his mind and his insight into future. Therefore, the poet was happy about his decision. 

The kernel of the poem “The Road Not Taken” is that we face mental conflict while taking a decision at some or the other turn in human life, and that the way to get out of that mental conflict is only the right decision. To be facing mental conflict when time and situation require us to choose between two options is an integral part of human existence.   

Click here for more English literature study notes