Mending Walls- Robert Frost

 Short summary 

"Mending Wall" is a well-known poem by Robert Frost, first published in 1914,highlights the themes like boundaries, relationships, and our habit of following traditions. The poem tells the story of two neighbors who come together each year to fix the wall between their homes, allowing Frost to explore the complexities of how people interact and the contradictions of being both separate and connected.

The wall represents the divisions that people create between themselves, whether it's for reasons like privacy, safety, or cultural practices. Fixing the wall turns into a routine that strengthens these separations. 

"Good fences make good neighbors,"

The main idea in "Mending Wall" revolves around the idea of boundaries, both in a physical sense and as a deeper concept. The wall represents the barriers that people create between themselves, which can be for reasons like privacy, safety, or sticking to tradition. Each year, when the neighbors repair the wall, it turns into a routine that strengthens these divisions. 

"Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,

That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, 

 And spills the upper boulders in the sun."

"Mending Wall" explores the aspects of human relationships, showing that walls can serve to both shield and separate people. The yearly act of fixing the wall creates a moment of connection for the neighbors, but it also points out the distance between them. 

"We keep the wall between us as we go."

Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall" offers a deep look into themes like boundaries, tradition, and how people relate to one another. With its striking imagery and casual tone, the poem prompts readers to think about the walls they create in their own lives and how these barriers affect their relationships. Frost skillfully highlights the contradictions in human interactions and the challenges of maintaining traditions, making "Mending Wall" a classic examination of what it means to be human.