Question

The line " God fences make.................................... appears in Robert Frost's poem................

• A. Better friends , Birches
• B. Relations goods , " Road not Taken"
• C. Good neighbours, " Mending Wall"
• D. Good friends , " After Apple - Picking

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Good neighbours, " Mending Wall"

Robert Frost's "Mending Wall" - A Deeper Dive

• Poem Analysis: "Mending Wall" is one of Robert Frost's most famous poems, first published in 1914 in his collection North of Boston. It explores themes of boundaries, tradition, human interaction, and the nature of separation.
• Key Line: The line "Good fences make good neighbours" is a pivotal statement within the poem, encapsulating the speaker's somewhat paradoxical view on the necessity of physical barriers.
• Speaker's Perspective: The speaker participates in the annual ritual of mending a stone wall that divides his property from his neighbor's. While he initiates the act, he questions its underlying purpose, particularly as there are no real threats (like wolves or bears) that necessitate such a strong division in their rural setting.
• The Neighbor: The neighbor is portrayed as a stickler for tradition, repeating the adage "Good fences make good neighbours" without much deeper thought, embodying a more conventional perspective on property and social relations.
• Symbolism of the Wall: The wall itself symbolizes more than just a property line. It can represent the barriers people create between themselves, both physically and emotionally. The act of mending the wall, therefore, can be seen as an attempt to maintain these boundaries, even if their original purpose is lost.
• Frost's Ambiguity: Frost masterfully uses ambiguity. The poem doesn't definitively state whether the speaker agrees with the neighbor's maxim. It leaves the reader to ponder the true meaning and effectiveness of boundaries in human relationships.
• Literary Significance: "Mending Wall" is often studied for its use of conversational language, its rural New England setting, and its philosophical undertones. It exemplifies Frost's ability to discuss complex ideas through simple, accessible imagery.
• Competitive Exam Relevance: Questions on this poem often focus on:
  • Identifying famous lines and their context.
  • Understanding the speaker's tone and attitude.
  • Interpreting the symbolism of the wall and the act of mending.
  • Recognizing the poem's themes and Frost's characteristic style.