Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Frost's poem "Fountain, a Bottle, a Donkey’s Ears, and Some Books" unfolds a layered narrative that touches upon themes of exploration, discovery, the passage of time, and the enduring value of literature. Through a journey that seems, at first, to be a physical quest for a lost artifact, the poem ultimately reveals deeper insights about human nature and our quest for meaning.

The poem begins with a seemingly straightforward premise: Old Davis, the narrator's companion, owns a mica mountain that holds the promise of fortune. However, instead of exploring this lucrative prospect, the narrator persuades Davis to take him to see a stone baptismal font built by early Mormon settlers on Kinsman Mountain. The font symbolizes a lost piece of history, a tangible connection to the past that contrasts with the more immediate, materialistic lure of the mica mountain.

As the journey progresses, it becomes clear that finding the baptismal font is no easy task. The poem captures the arduous nature of their quest: "We made a day of it out of the world, / Ascending to descend to reascend." The repetitive, almost Sisyphean effort underscores the persistence required to uncover hidden truths, whether they be physical or metaphorical.

During their trek, Davis and the narrator encounter various natural and man-made landmarks, including a bottle painted on a cliff and the distinctive "donkey's ears" formed by converging avalanches. These sights, while interesting, are dismissed by the narrator as distractions from their true goal. This reflects a broader commentary on human focus and the importance of staying true to one's pursuits despite numerous diversions.

Eventually, the journey leads them to an abandoned house once owned by the Robinson family, home to Clara Robinson, a poetess who lived a secluded life. The discovery of her attic, filled with unsold copies of her book, shifts the poem's focus from the physical journey to a meditation on legacy and the impact of creative work. The books, "overflowing like a horn of plenty," symbolize the abundance of her creative output, yet also the limited reach of her efforts during her lifetime.

The poignant description of the neglected books—"Enough to stock a village library— / Unfortunately all of one kind, though"—reflects the irony of an artist's prolific production going largely unrecognized. The presence of these books, untouched and gradually decaying, speaks to the transient nature of human endeavors and the often delayed recognition of artistic merit.

In a touching moment, Davis invites the narrator to take one of the books. The narrator selects a small book, feeling a connection with the poetess and acknowledging the subtle impact of his choice on her posthumous legacy: "The poetess had sighed, I knew, in heaven / At having eased her heart of one more copy— / Legitimately." This act of taking the book serves as a metaphor for the ongoing interaction between reader and writer, and the way literature continues to find new life with each reader it reaches.

Throughout "Fountain, a Bottle, a Donkey’s Ears, and Some Books," Frost weaves a narrative that moves seamlessly between physical exploration and introspective reflection. The poem's rich imagery and conversational tone draw readers into the journey, making them participants in the quest for meaning and connection.

In conclusion, Frost's poem captures the essence of human curiosity, the search for lost histories, and the enduring value of literary creation. Through the journey of Old Davis and the narrator, Frost highlights the contrasts between material wealth and cultural heritage, the persistence needed to uncover hidden truths, and the ways in which literature continues to resonate and find relevance long after its creation. The poem ultimately celebrates the power of discovery, both in the physical world and within the pages of a book.

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