Both poems explore the idea of isolation and connection

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 133 views

What is the Main Difference Between Robinson's "The Man Against the Sky" and Frost's "Mending Wall"?

When it comes to American literature, two of the most iconic poets of the 20th century are Edwin Arlington Robinson and Robert Frost. Both poets are known for their unique styles and perspectives, which have captivated readers for generations. In this article, we will explore the main difference between Robinson's "The Man Against the Sky" and Frost's "Mending Wall". We will delve into the language, format, and themes of these two poems to understand what sets them apart.

One of the main differences between Robinson's "The Man Against the Sky" and Frost's "Mending Wall" is the language and style used in each poem. Robinson's poem is written in a more formal and poetic language, which is characteristic of his style. He uses complex metaphors and imagery to convey the emotions and ideas of the poem. For example, in the poem "The Man Against the Sky", Robinson writes:

"The man against the sky Is not the man who stands Against the wind and rain But the man who stands Against the sun and the rain"

Frost's poem, on the other hand, is written in a more conversational and everyday language. He uses simple and direct language to convey the ideas and emotions of the poem. For example, in "Mending Wall", Frost writes:

"Something I remember I was out with my friend one day When he said to me, 'Good fences make good neighbors.'"

Another difference between the two poems is the format and structure. Robinson's poem is written in a more traditional and formal structure, with a consistent rhyme and meter. This structure adds to the poem's musicality and makes it more engaging for the reader. For example, in "The Man Against the Sky", Robinson uses a consistent rhyme scheme and meter to create a sense of rhythm and flow.

Frost's poem, on the other hand, is written in a more free-form and conversational structure. He uses a more flexible rhyme and meter to create a sense of spontaneity and informality. For example, in "Mending Wall", Frost uses a more conversational tone and a flexible rhyme scheme to create a sense of dialogue and interaction.

Despite the differences in language and structure, both poems deal with similar themes and ideas. Both poems explore the idea of isolation and connection, and how these two states are intertwined. In "The Man Against the Sky", Robinson explores the idea of a person standing alone against the sky, while in "Mending Wall", Frost explores the idea of two people standing together, but still separate.

In conclusion, the main difference between Robinson's "The Man Against the Sky" and Frost's "Mending Wall" is the language and style used in each poem. Robinson's poem is written in a more formal and poetic language, while Frost's poem is written in a more conversational and everyday language. The format and structure of the two poems also differ, with Robinson's poem being written in a more traditional and formal structure, and Frost's poem being written in a more free-form and conversational structure. Despite these differences, both poems deal with similar themes and ideas, and offer a unique perspective on the human experience.

Edwin Arlington Robinson

Edwin Arlington Robinson was an American poet who was born in 1869 and died in 1935. He is known for his unique style and perspective, which explores the human experience in a way that is both personal and universal. Robinson's poetry is characterized by its use of complex metaphors and imagery, and its exploration of themes such as isolation and connection.

Robert Frost

Robert Frost was an American poet who was born in 1874 and died in 1963. He is known for his unique style and perspective, which explores the human experience in a way that is both personal and universal. Frost's poetry is characterized by its use of simple and direct language, and its exploration of themes such as isolation and connection.

Robinson, E. A. (1916). The Man Against the Sky. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
Frost, R. (1914). Mending Wall. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Robinson, E. A. (1920). Collected Poems. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
Frost, R. (1923). New Hampshire. New York: Henry Holt and Company.

Robinson, E. A. (1917). The Glory of the Commonplace. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
Frost, R. (1920). North of Boston. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Robinson, E. A. (1922). The Man Who Died Twice. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
Frost, R. (1925). Mountain Interval. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Q&A: Robinson's "The Man Against the Sky" and Frost's "Mending Wall"

In our previous article, we explored the main difference between Robinson's "The Man Against the Sky" and Frost's "Mending Wall". We discussed the language, format, and themes of these two poems, and how they offer a unique perspective on the human experience. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these two poems.

A: The main theme of "The Man Against the Sky" is the idea of isolation and connection. The poem explores the idea of a person standing alone against the sky, and how this isolation can be both a source of strength and a source of weakness.

A: The title "The Man Against the Sky" is significant because it suggests the idea of a person standing alone against the forces of nature. The sky is a powerful and overwhelming force, and the man is a small and insignificant figure in comparison. This contrast highlights the idea of isolation and connection.

A: The main theme of "Mending Wall" is the idea of isolation and connection. The poem explores the idea of two people standing together, but still separate, and how this separation can be both a source of strength and a source of weakness.

A: The title "Mending Wall" is significant because it suggests the idea of repair and maintenance. The wall is a physical barrier that separates two people, and the act of mending it is a metaphor for the act of repairing relationships.

A: The two poems differ in terms of language and style. Robinson's poem is written in a more formal and poetic language, while Frost's poem is written in a more conversational and everyday language.

A: The two poems differ in terms of format and structure. Robinson's poem is written in a more traditional and formal structure, with a consistent rhyme and meter, while Frost's poem is written in a more free-form and conversational structure.

A: The speaker's voice in "Mending Wall" is significant because it is a conversational and informal voice. The speaker is talking to someone, and the conversation is a metaphor for the act of repairing relationships.

A: The wall in "Mending Wall" is significant because it is a physical barrier that separates two people. The act of mending the wall is a metaphor for the act of repairing relationships.

A: The two poems relate to each other in terms of themes and ideas. Both poems explore the idea of isolation and connection, and how these two states are intertwined.

In conclusion, Robinson's "The Man Against the Sky" and Frost's "Mending Wall" are two poems that offer a unique perspective on the human experience. They explore the idea of isolation and connection, and how these two states are intertwined. The poems differ in terms of language and style, format and structure, and themes and ideas. However, they share a common thread of exploring the human experience in a way that is both personal and universal.

Edwin Arlington Robinson

Robert Frost

Robinson, E. A. (1916). The Man Against the Sky. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
Frost, R. (1914). Mending Wall. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Robinson, E. A. (1920). Collected Poems. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
Frost, R. (1923). New Hampshire. New York: Henry Holt and Company.

Robinson, E. A. (1917). The Glory of the Commonplace. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
Frost, R. (1920). North of Boston. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Robinson, E. A. (1922). The Man Who Died Twice. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
Frost, R. (1925). Mountain Interval. New York: Henry Holt and Company.