Naturalism and Symbolism in the Poem Design by Robert Frost Essay

Naturalism and Symbolism in the Poem Design by Robert FrostThe poem Design by Robert Frost is a praise written about mans relationship with nature. Frost deliberately uses the form of a sonnet, using the octave for a discussion and the sextet for questioning the fact that in that respect is a force that controls our existence. There are natural characters and some degrees of irony also that give this poem a naturalistic feel. Frost uses the style of a sonnet in Design to present a philosophical problem - who controls our destiny. The octave is a single, smooth flowing sentence full of description. We are introduced to third things the narrator happened upon one day. There is a scene of contradictory pictures. The color of the white heal--all, the white spider, and the white moth all suggest purity and innocence. These are the, as the speaker describes them, characters of death and blight. The octave has a lighter tone than the sextet. Even thought the tone is l ighter there still seems to be a tautness and seriousness that flows evenly to the sextet, which seems to bring chills to the readers spine. The sextet is a series of questions that reveals a blend of emotions. The sextet brings about an unexpected change in tone. The poet is no prolonged observing, but questioning. The first question sounds like he is questioning something that doesnt fit in. The next question brings about a harsher image. The last question is the revelation into the speakers torment. In the sextet, where the issues are raised, they should be solved in the following octet. They are not. Frost poses three unanswerable questions. The speaker seems reluctant to asks these questions and face them openl... ...ting there. It may be considered essential. The fate of the moth lay in the spider eating it. It was born to fly near that white flower and feed the spider. There is also a third debate that could be addressed. Naturally, a white m oth would be attracted to a white flower as camouflage from predators. The white spider would use the flower as projection screen from prey. There is a design at work but not a design of darkness. It is simply an order of nature. It can be attributed to survival of the fittest. The utmost verse however calls to doubt not just evidence of natural darkness but the entire epistomogical basis of the poem. Is there someone or something supreme us or are we so small that is doesnt really matter in the grand scheme of things. If design govern a thing so small questions the result and method of the rest of the poem.