Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Frost's "Choose Something Like a Star" is a contemplative poem that reflects on the human desire for guidance and stability amidst life's uncertainties. The poem engages with themes of aspiration, knowledge, and constancy, using the star as a central metaphor for a source of wisdom and steadfastness. Structurally, the poem is written in rhymed couplets, which lends a rhythmic and harmonious quality that complements its philosophical musings.

The poem begins with an invocation to the star, addressing it as the "fairest one in sight." This opening line sets a tone of admiration and reverence, acknowledging the star's beauty and prominence in the night sky. The speaker grants the star the right to "some obscurity of cloud," recognizing that part of the star's allure lies in its mystery and partial concealment. This idea is further developed with the assertion that "Some mystery becomes the proud," suggesting that a certain degree of enigma is fitting for something as majestic as a star.

Despite this acknowledgment, the speaker expresses a desire for the star to communicate in a way that can be understood. The plea, "Say something to us we can learn / By heart and when alone repeat," underscores a human need for tangible wisdom that can be internalized and recalled in moments of solitude. The star's response, "I burn," is both profound and simple, capturing the essence of its existence. However, the speaker's insistence on more specific information—"But say with what degree of heat. / Talk Fahrenheit, talk Centigrade"—reflects a human yearning for precise and scientific understanding.

The star's reticence to provide detailed explanations "gives us strangely little aid," yet it does offer something significant in the end. The reference to Keats' "Eremite" aligns the star with the steadfast and solitary nature of the hermit in Keats' poem "Bright Star." This comparison highlights the star's constancy and its ability to remain unperturbed by earthly concerns.

Frost then shifts the focus to the star's silent request for humanity: "It asks of us a certain height." This line suggests that the star, in its elevated position, encourages humans to aspire to a higher standard of thought and behavior. The poem concludes with a reflection on the societal tendency to be swayed by "the mob" and to "carry praise or blame too far." In such moments of instability, the poem advises choosing "something like a star" to focus on and draw steadiness from.

The star, therefore, becomes a symbol of constancy and calm, offering a counterbalance to the fluctuating opinions and emotions that characterize human society. It represents an ideal to strive towards, one that embodies permanence and reliability. Frost's use of the star as a metaphor aligns with the Romantic tradition of seeking inspiration and guidance from nature, while also incorporating a modern awareness of the limitations of scientific knowledge.

The language of the poem is both accessible and evocative, blending conversational tones with philosophical depth. The repetition of the plea "Say something!" underscores the urgency of the speaker's desire for understanding, while the star's concise response, "I burn," encapsulates its elemental nature. The use of scientific terms like "Fahrenheit" and "Centigrade" juxtaposed with the poetic imagery of the star creates a tension between the need for empirical knowledge and the acceptance of mystery.

In conclusion, "Choose Something Like a Star" is a meditation on the human quest for meaning and stability. Frost masterfully uses the star as a metaphor for an ideal source of guidance, one that remains constant and unchanging amidst the tumult of human affairs. The poem invites readers to find something steadfast to anchor their thoughts on, suggesting that in doing so, they can achieve a measure of calm and clarity. Through its blend of philosophical reflection and lyrical beauty, the poem resonates with the timeless human desire for constancy and understanding.

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