Frost V. Dickinson

December 8th, 2013

Paired Poetry

Both Frost and Dickinson claim they are familiar with the “dark” and the “night.” The two explain that it is something that meets with a single person. The main point is that it is there, and practically inevitable.

Dickinson speaks of the dark as if it is the hardships that everyone goes through. “A moment – We uncertain step for newness of the night – Then – fit our Vision to the Dark – and meet the road – erect –“ (D. lines 5-8) gives a strong example as to how the darkness is a phase we as living beings go through; it literally changes us. Every day we must adapt, whether we are left by a loved one, or if we simply stray too far into the dark depths of our own minds. However, at the end of the darkness we are able to move on, “And Life steps almost straight”(D. line 20)

Frost, on the other hand, speaks from a solitary, 1st person point of view. All throughout this work, one can feel a “been there, done that, but never really cared for it” attitude. He states that he is indeed acquainted with the night, but what is an acquaintance? An acquaintance is nothing more than a familiar face. “I have passed by the watchman on his beat And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.” (F. lines 5-6) The depressing tone to this line alone depicts acknowledging another life form, yet not caring enough to open himself up to that life. The night begins to resemble a significant sadness; sadness so deeply embedded into a single person, that they grow to see many different things, yet do not have a drive to acknowledge them. Yes, he is one acquaintanced with the night, but it is only just a familiar face.