Assignment

5.05Amanda Benn

Ms. Deborah Drinkwater

"StoppingbytheWoodsonaSnowyEvening"By: Robert Frost

Historical and personalcontext

Robert Frost's (born in 1974) creations have created a clear representation of the realistic human relations and often face very subjective and complex social issues, while keeping the vernacular of his poems very dramatic. Frost's life was not an easy one, and the poet faced many deaths and tragedies, which influenced is writing deeply.

The poem itself was published in 1942, during the last legs of the Great Depressions outreach. During this time, America specifically was desperate for reformation after so many job losses, which is a theme explored several of Frost's works.

The poem's significance Within the poem "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening", the narrator is on his way to visit an associate in the village, but is taken by the wintery landscape that lies on the path to his house.

He is caught between urge to stop and admire the beautiful landscape before him, and his personal obligation to continue his journey. The narrator's mental strain is representative of the strain in which America faced near the turn of the century, stuck in their objectives to fuel the war and economy, ignoring nationwide wholesome morals and lifestyles, instead only caring about their own end result.

"TheRiverMerchant'sWife:aLetter"By: Ezra Pound

Historical and personalcontext

Ezra Pound (born in 1885) is most well known for his controversial pieces and large influence upon the limits to which poetry could push to. Pound's contributions to literature and art include many pieces of which touched upon the cultures of many different cultures and countries, of which helped him to translate " The River Merchant's Wife: a Letter" .

Pound's offhand poetic aesthetics helped bring him to be one of the greats later in his life, but his fascist views during both world wars in a country ridden with adamant capitalists and patriots landed him in hot waters.

The poem's significance" The River Merchant's Wife: a Letter" signifies the growth and maturity of a person, and how certain behavioral changes and sacrifices are made once a certain age is met. The wife is yearning for her husband and recalling memories of their childhood as he's gone upon a work related trip.

One can draw the conclusion that Pound's choice to translate it to English in the 1920's was in order to spread awareness of culture throughout America, as racism against the Chinese was prevalent at this time. Both the citizens and government resented immigrants labor systems in the early 20th century, so the relation of Chinese life and love could help humanize the Chinese, and calm racial tensions.

Fin.