Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Frost’s poem “How Hard Is It to Keep from Being King When It's in You and in the Situation” presents a narrative that examines themes of power, destiny, and the inherent qualities of leadership. Through a story of abdication, the poem explores the tension between the desire to escape responsibility and the inevitable pull of one's innate nature and circumstances.

The poem begins with a dramatic scene: the King, weary of his duties, offers the crown to his son, saying, “Enough of this! / The Kingdom’s yours to finish as you please. / I’m getting out tonight. Here, take the crown.” The son, however, hesitates and pulls his hand away, unsure if he wants the responsibility. The crown falls, scattering its jewels, symbolizing the abandonment of power and the ensuing disorder.

The son’s reluctance is evident as he replies, “Sire, I’ve been looking on and I don’t like / The looks of empire here. I’m leaving with you.” This response highlights a disillusionment with the trappings of power and a desire to escape the burdens that come with it. Together, the King and the Prince flee the palace, adopting disguises to blend in with ordinary men.

As they journey into the night, they find themselves sitting on a bank of dusty weeds, taking a moment to rest and contemplate the stars. The ex-King expresses a fear that he will not escape his destiny, saying, “Yon star’s indifference / Fills me with fear I’ll be left to my fate: / I needn’t think I have escaped my duty.” He reflects on historical figures like Julius Caesar and George Washington, who were unable to avoid their fates as leaders. The ex-King predicts that his crown will eventually catch up with him, much like a rolling hoop.

The Prince, more pragmatic, suggests they should have brought the crown to pawn for money. This practical concern highlights their need for resources in their new life. The ex-King then humorously suggests that the Prince could sell him into slavery to raise funds, even offering his own worth as a guarantee.

The narrative shifts to the marketplace, where the ex-King tries to present himself as valuable by claiming knowledge of the “Quintessence of many things.” He is eventually purchased and taken to Xanadu to work in the kitchen, where his talents soon earn him favor with the Great King. Despite his new status as a slave, he impresses the court with his knowledge and abilities, particularly when he identifies a defective pearl.

This success story continues with the ex-King rising in esteem, until he is called upon by the Great King to diagnose his unhappiness. The ex-King boldly reveals that the King is not of royal blood but the son of a cook. This revelation brings about a crisis, leading to an exploration of themes of identity, destiny, and the intrinsic qualities that define a ruler.

The dialogue between the ex-King and the Great King delves into philosophical discussions about leadership, freedom, and the role of a ruler. The ex-King advises that a leader must give character to his people, not just food, emphasizing the importance of moral and ethical leadership over mere sustenance. This exchange underscores the complexities of governance and the challenges of fostering a society’s character.

The poem also touches on the concept of freedom, with the ex-King’s son, who aspires to be a poet, embodying the struggle for creative and personal liberty. The son’s journey reflects the broader theme of seeking purpose and fulfillment beyond traditional roles and expectations.

Frost’s narrative is rich with historical and literary allusions, adding depth to the exploration of its themes. The poem’s structure, with its shifts between dialogue and reflection, mirrors the complex interplay between personal desire and external obligations.

In “How Hard Is It to Keep from Being King When It's in You and in the Situation,” Robert Frost masterfully weaves a tale that examines the inescapable nature of leadership and destiny. Through the story of an abdicated king and his reluctant heir, the poem explores the burdens of power, the quest for personal freedom, and the inevitable pull of one's innate qualities and circumstances. Frost’s narrative invites readers to reflect on the enduring struggle between individual aspirations and the roles imposed by society and destiny.

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