Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

In this poem, the prose meaning is about a man who is on a “little horse” (5) going through the woods that are covered in snow. He is on a journey, to and where we do not know but he does stop to ask himself if he is lost, “to ask if there is some mistake” (10). He knows he cannot stop but most make it to his destination so he continues by giving “his harness bells a shake” (11). He finds the woods “lovely, dark and deep” (13) as he continues his journey so we know he is encouraged to move on and must make it to his destination because he tells himself he has “miles to go before [he] sleep[s]” revealing that he will not give up on his long journey (15, 16).

The total meaning of this poem is all about the journey of life. When the woods are called “lovely, dark and deep” they not only are referring to the beauty of nature but it is also describing life itself (13). Furthermore, when the man “stop[s] without a farmhouse near” it can reflect how he may feel alone in life and surrounded by “frozen lake[s]” and “the darkest evening[s]” (6,7-8). The cold icy lakes and darkness can be the obstacles and challenges of life that the man must pass. He may be asking himself why he is facing these hardships or “if there is some mistake” (10). However, the man tells himself, “I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep” (14-15). He recognizes the responsibilities and other obligations in life he must fulfill so he cannot just give up. He can also be viewed as being torn between the beauty of nature (being in the woods and snow) and the duties and tasks of life. Either way, he must go on through the “miles” of life and continue its long journey before he gives up and “sleeps”.

To me, this poem is symbolic of my life. As the years pass there are many times I must get through the lonely snow covered woods in order to get to where I want to be. When I’m hurting or frustrated I ask myself why this happening is, there must be some mistake. The stress and business of high school and college prep are the “frozen lakes” and empty farmhouses that I must pass. In the chaos I can sometimes forget the road that I’m on and it is the beauty in nature such as the snow covered trees or breathtaking sunrise that bring me back to the peace and love in Christ and his creation. I am then reminded of the miles before me filled with promise and hope. I realize that I can get through the dark woods and resist the “sleep” of giving up and quitting. There is so much God had planned for me and I know he has a special purpose for me so I will pick up the reins again and give the “harness bells a shake” and allow Him to guide me through life to me destination (9).