Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Frost’s poem “Her Husband Gave Her a Ring” uses irony and wordplay to explore themes of fidelity, virtue, and the contrasting values embodied by different types of gifts. The poem’s concise, almost epigrammatic structure enhances its pointed commentary on moral behavior and societal expectations.

The poem begins with a straightforward statement: “Her husband gave her a ring / To keep her a virtuous thing.” This line sets up a traditional image of marriage, where the ring symbolizes a commitment to virtue and fidelity. The husband’s gift of a ring is intended to signify and secure his wife’s virtue, reflecting societal norms that link a woman’s moral behavior with her marital status.

The poem takes a sharp turn with the introduction of another figure: “But the fellow to whom I'm referring / He gave her an earring for erring.” The use of “erring” here plays on the word’s double meaning—both a mistake and moral wrongdoing. The earring, a more frivolous and ornamental gift compared to the ring, is given as a reward for her moral transgression. This juxtaposition highlights the contrast between the husband’s attempt to enforce virtue and the other man’s encouragement of vice.

Frost continues this theme with the lines: “He also gave her a necklace / For being so sinfully reckless.” The necklace, another piece of jewelry, is awarded for the woman’s reckless behavior, further emphasizing the connection between material gifts and moral lapses. The repetition of “gave” underscores the transactional nature of these relationships, where gifts are tied to specific behaviors.

The poem’s structure, with its tight rhyming couplets, contributes to its succinct and pointed delivery. Each pair of lines encapsulates a complete thought, mirroring the clear-cut moral distinctions and the sharp contrast between the characters’ actions. The rhyme scheme also lends a rhythmic quality to the poem, enhancing its memorable, almost proverbial nature.

“Her Husband Gave Her a Ring” is a satirical take on the differing motivations behind gifts and the behaviors they incentivize. The husband’s ring represents a societal expectation of virtue and fidelity within marriage, while the earring and necklace signify rewards for infidelity and recklessness. Frost’s use of irony and wordplay effectively critiques these moral double standards, suggesting that the outward symbols of virtue and vice are often more about social control and superficial judgments than genuine moral integrity.

Through its brief yet incisive commentary, the poem invites readers to reflect on the true nature of virtue and the ways in which societal norms and material rewards can influence behavior. Frost’s clever use of language and structure ensures that the poem’s message is both impactful and thought-provoking, making it a memorable exploration of human relationships and moral expectations.

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