(Student’s Full Name)
In Robert Frost’s “Mending Wall,” the poet explores the theme of the effects of separation and barriers on relationships. The stylistic devices that are used by the poet include the following: repetition, parallelism, metaphor and paradox.
One of the above stylistic devices is illustrated by the following: “To each the boulders have fallen to each” (l. 13). This use of parallelismand repetition shows not only the fact that there is a physicalbarrier between him and his neighbor, but that he and his neighbor are on opposite sides of a mental barrier.
Frost also employs the use of metaphors, as depicted by the following: “Another kind of out-door game” (l. 21). The “out-door game” is a metaphor for the process of mending the wall that continues to separate the two neighbors both mentally and physically.
The poem uses paradox to underscore the theme of the effect of physical barriers on the individual. This is demonstrated by the following lines: “Good fences make good neighbors” (l. 27) and “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall” (l. 1). These lines are paradoxical because the first one portrays barriers in a positive manner. On the other hand, the second one allows the barrier to be perceived from a negative perspective. This can be interpreted from the standpoint that barriers at first can be perceived as positive thing. However, in the end, it is negative as it creates a mental and physical divide between one individual and another.
In conclusion, Frost uses the poem, “Mending Wall,” paradox to treat the theme of mental effects of barriers and separation on relationships. The poet uses repetition, parallelism, metaphor and paradox.
Work Cited
Frost, Robert. "Mending Wall." Poets.org. Academy of American Poets, n.d. Web. 21 June 2016.
