|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Robert Frost’s poem "Restoration" is a playful and allegorical exploration of identity, recognition, and the anxiety of losing one's sense of self. The poem combines classical mythology with a touch of humor, creating a narrative that is both whimsical and thought-provoking. The poem begins with the speaker experiencing a "dark moment on the Eastern Stairs," a setting that immediately suggests a journey or a transition. The "Eastern Stairs" could symbolize an ascent toward enlightenment or understanding, but instead, the speaker encounters a moment of fear and uncertainty. This fear arises from the unsettling realization that he has "missed" his name, an integral part of his identity. The emphasis on having had his name when he came indicates a sudden and distressing loss. The gods’ bragging about their own names contrasts sharply with the speaker's predicament. The mention of "Osiris and O Horus" situates the poem within the context of Egyptian mythology, where names held significant power and were crucial for one's identity in the afterlife. The speaker’s plea to these deities, "Oh let my name be given back to me," underscores the urgency and desperation of his situation. The use of names from mythology also adds a timeless and universal dimension to the poem's exploration of identity. The dialogue with Osiris introduces a punning humor, with Osiris suggesting that the speaker might have lost his name "through a hole," to which the speaker responds, "N'Osire it was stole." This wordplay lightens the tone and adds a layer of irony to the speaker’s serious concern. The introduction of a female voice, likely Isis, asking, "Is something missing?" and the speaker’s affirmative response, "Aye, Aye-sis," continues this playful use of language while highlighting the speaker’s distress. The speaker's assertion that his name is not merely a pseudonym but his "Kudo" elevates the importance of the name beyond a superficial label. "Kudo," derived from the Greek "kudos," meaning glory or honor, implies that the name carries a deeper significance related to the speaker's reputation and achievements. The insistence on the name being his "Kudonym" reinforces the idea that the name is essential to his very being and recognition. The poem reaches a resolution when the "Ra Rah Rah King" summons Robert Hillyer, a real-life contemporary of Frost and a fellow poet. Hillyer is tasked with restoring the speaker’s "Kudonym," and he succeeds, much to the speaker's relief. The line "Oh what a friend to have for my familiar" expresses gratitude and camaraderie, suggesting that the restoration of the name is also a restoration of the speaker’s sense of self and community. Frost’s use of rhythm and rhyme adds to the poem's musical quality, making the narrative engaging and memorable. The playful language and mythical references create a rich tapestry of meanings, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of identity and the importance of names. In summary, "Restoration" by Robert Frost is a whimsical yet profound exploration of identity and the anxiety associated with losing one's name. Through the interplay of mythology, humor, and poetic wordplay, Frost crafts a narrative that highlights the significance of names in defining who we are. The poem’s resolution, with the restoration of the speaker’s name, underscores the importance of recognition and the role of friends and community in reaffirming our identities.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A DREAM OF JULIUS CAESAR by ROBERT FROST A PECK OF GOLD by ROBERT FROST A STEEPLE ON THE HOUSE by ROBERT FROST A SUMMER'S GARDEN by ROBERT FROST A WINTER'S NIGHT by ROBERT FROST AMERICA IS HARD TO SEE by ROBERT FROST AN UNSTAMPED LETTER IN OUR RURAL LETTER BOX by ROBERT FROST |
| |