Analysis of Frosts Neither Out Far nor In Deep.
Robert Frost, in his poem Neither Out Far nor In Deep, demonstrates the futility of humanity as it longs for that which it can neither own nor understand. He achieves the conveyance of his message through a series of images relating to the sea. Despite the relative simplicity and terseness of his language, Frost expresses a deep meaning in this short poem.
The poem is divided into four stanzas of four lines each. The stanzas separate the poem into four distinct thoughts. The first stanza serves to introduce the reader to the situation and the thoughtlessness of the peoples actions. In the second stanza, some observations of the sea are disclosed. Stanza three gives clues to the relationship between the people, their surroundings, and their desires. Finally, the fourth stanza shows the peoples shallowness and general purposeless in the task which they have undertaken.
Although he does not use uniting techniques such as alliteration, Frost achieves flow and connection in this poem by rhyming every other line. Primarily, Frost uses an iambic rhythm, although it is by no means steady. His reason for utilizing iambs most likely stems from the fact that the views he expresses in the poem would be more easily accepted in a colloquial tone. Through the use of this tone, Frost could more readily reach his readers. Also, each line ends in a stressed syllable, adding to the forcefulness and authority in the tone of the poem, making it more difficult to question Frosts assertions.
Frost uses the symbol of people standing along the sand (line 1) to illustrate longing. By giving no specific details, Frost imbues the people looking at the sea with a distinct anonymity. They all turn and look one way (line 2). Not one person differs from this action; not one submits to distraction and glances in another direction. Their singleness of purpose imparts a robotic feeling into the scene.