Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Frost’s poem “Iris by Night” unfolds a mystical and transformative experience shared between two individuals on a misty evening. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Frost explores themes of connection, natural wonders, and the extraordinary moments that transcend ordinary life.

The poem begins with a scene of mutual guidance: “One misty evening, one another’s guide, / We two were groping down a Malvern side.” This opening line establishes the bond between the two individuals, suggesting a journey taken together in uncertain conditions. The use of “groping” emphasizes the difficulty of their path and the need for mutual support.

As they traverse the “last wet fields and dripping hedges home,” they encounter a moment of disorienting lights: “There came a moment of confusing lights / Such as according to the tale at Rome / Were always seen at Memphis on the heights / Before the fragments of a former sun / Could concentrate anew and rise as one.” Frost draws a parallel to the ancient tale of lights seen in Memphis before a sun’s rebirth, hinting at a moment of rebirth or renewal in their own experience. The light, described as “a paste of pigment in our eyes,” blurs their vision and creates an otherworldly atmosphere.

Amidst this confusion, the moon emerges, revealing a scene that appears almost underwater: “And then there was a moon, and then a scene / So watery as: to seem submarine; / In which we two stood saturated, drowned.” The imagery of standing in a submarine-like environment, saturated with moisture, enhances the surreal and immersive quality of the moment. The natural elements around them, such as the clover-mingled rowan, absorb the dew, yet the air remains heavy with moisture.

The pivotal moment of the poem occurs with the appearance of a small rainbow: “Then a small rainbow like a trellis gate, / A very small moon-made prismatic bow, / Stood closely over us through which to go.” This moonlit rainbow, or “iris,” becomes a gateway, symbolizing a passage into a miraculous experience. The rainbow’s formation and presence create a sense of intimacy and wonder.

Frost then describes an extraordinary occurrence: “And then we were vouchsafed the miracle / That never yet to other two befell / And I alone of us have lived to tell.” This preamble heightens the anticipation for the miraculous event, suggesting its uniqueness and the privilege of witnessing it. The rainbow, instead of moving with them, transforms: “It lifted from its dewy pediment / Its two mote-swimming many-colored ends / And gathered them together in a ring.” The rainbow’s ends come together to form a ring, encircling the two individuals.

In this magical circle, they find themselves “softly circled round / From all division time or foe can bring, / In a relation of elected friends.” The ring of the rainbow symbolizes a protective and unifying force, transcending any potential division or conflict. It represents a profound bond and a moment of perfect unity, emphasizing the deep connection between the two individuals.

“Iris by Night” is a beautifully crafted poem that captures a moment of natural wonder and personal transformation. Through his evocative imagery and contemplative language, Frost explores the themes of companionship, the sublime in nature, and the extraordinary experiences that can arise in ordinary life. The poem’s blend of mythological references and personal reflection invites readers to consider the profound and often mystical connections that shape our human experience.

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