Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Frost’s poem “Good Relief” is a contemplative reflection on the nature of happiness, the limitations of human efforts to alleviate suffering, and the simple joys that can be found amidst hardship. Through the lens of a Christmas scene, Frost explores themes of joy, compassion, and the often vain struggles of life.

The poem opens with a rhetorical question about the limitations of wishing "as many as possible / As merry Christmases as possible." This question suggests a recognition of the constraints of mere thought or well-wishing in truly impacting others’ happiness. Frost then counters this with a bold statement, advocating for a universal greeting: "A Merry Christmas to the World in Full." This line sets a hopeful tone, proposing an inclusive, all-encompassing wish for joy.

Frost introduces a poignant contrast by recalling a scene of two children on the street during a time when "many fathers [were] out on strike." This reference to a labor strike highlights the economic struggles and social unrest faced by many, setting a somber backdrop for the narrative. Despite these hardships, the children find joy in the simplest of pleasures: looking at Christmas toys behind a shop window.

The interaction between the speaker and the children is central to the poem's message. The speaker lowers himself to the children's level and asks what they find so captivating. One child, “confidentially and raptly,” points to a toy train. This moment of connection is touching and significant: “And when I lowered level with the two / And asked them what they saw so much to like, / One confidentially and raptly took / His finger from his mouth and pointed, ‘Those!’” The child’s simple act of pointing to the toy captures a pure, unfiltered joy that transcends their immediate circumstances.

The image of the child’s breath freezing on the window pane underscores the cold, both literally and metaphorically, of their environment. Yet, this small act of wonder provides a glimmer of warmth and relief. Frost muses on the impact of this moment: “What good did it do anyone but him -- / His brother at his side, perhaps, and me? / And think of all the world compared with three!” Here, Frost acknowledges the limited but significant reach of small joys in a vast, often grim world.

The poem then pivots to a broader reflection on the nature of relief from suffering. Frost critiques the partisanship and grim outlooks that often dominate societal responses to hardship: “But why like the poor fathers on the curb / Must we be always partizan and grim?” This line suggests a call for a more compassionate, less divided approach to addressing pain and suffering.

Frost concludes by recounting an encounter with a doctor of the Kickapoo, who declares that the best any remedy can offer is “Good Relief.” This statement, delivered “by torch light from a cart-tail,” emphasizes the transient and partial nature of relief from suffering, whether through medicine, law, or religion: “No state has found a perfect cure for grief / In law or gospel or in root or herb.” The notion of “Good Relief” is a humble acknowledgment of the limits of human efforts to alleviate pain, yet it also carries a pragmatic acceptance that even temporary relief is valuable.

“Good Relief” is a meditation on the interplay between joy and suffering, the small moments of happiness that can illuminate the darkest of times, and the realistic limitations of efforts to cure human grief. Frost’s use of a simple, relatable Christmas scene to explore these profound themes highlights the enduring power of small, compassionate gestures and the intrinsic value of shared moments of joy. Through its reflective tone and vivid imagery, the poem invites readers to appreciate the modest but meaningful moments of “good relief” in their own lives.

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