Robert Frost portrays thematic elements of his poem The Road Not Taken in various ways. He used simplistic language to enable the common man to be able to read, understand, and enjoy his works. However, simplistic language is not the only factor we can see in his poetry. His poetry is very evident of his ability to write, and understand as well as very dependent upon his background. Frost was an American poet who drew his images from the New England countryside and his wording from New England speech. He used literal scenes from the New England countryside to exhibit the emotions and the points he was trying to make in his work. He also uses mood and metaphorical implications to show us a possible outcome as well as a rhythm pattern. Frost was an excellent poet who became known for his lesser works such as The Road Not Taken. .
The literal scene of Frost's poem The Road Not Taken can be described as a walker coming to a sort of fork in the road. Here the traveler must decide which of the two paths to take. Should he take the path that leads where many have traveled before? Or should he be adventurous and take the path least traveled by travelers? Regardless of the way he chooses, he knows that he will not be the same as he was before he started upon his journeys.
While Frost is showing us the simplicity of the choice between two paths in the woods, I think a more symbolic meaning lies beneath the surface of his statement, "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood" . I believe Frost is using this phrase or statement to embody the fact of a difficult choice he has to make. He is debating on whether he should be "safe" and follow the crowd, or if he should be adventurous and take a risk that not many have. Like many others before him, I think Frost finds himself wishing he could travel down both paths to see the end outcome and then decide which path to take. Unfortunately this cannot be. He will have to make a decision based on his knowledge and live with the outcome, for surely he will not be the same person he was before this decision had to be rendered.