Amused Repairs: Analyzing Which Lines from Mending Wall Prove the Speaker's Humor While Fixing the Barrier
The speaker in Mending Wall is amused while repairing the wall, especially when he says Something there is that doesn't love a wall.
The poem Mending Wall by Robert Frost is a fascinating piece of literature that explores the themes of boundaries, tradition, and human connection. Throughout the poem, the speaker recounts the annual ritual of repairing the wall between his property and his neighbor's. However, there are several lines in the poem where the speaker's tone shifts, indicating that he is amused by the experience of mending the wall.
One of the lines that best indicates the speaker's amusement is spring is the mischief in me. This line comes early in the poem, and it suggests that the speaker enjoys the playful challenge of mending the wall. It also implies that the speaker sees this ritual as a kind of game or sport, which adds a lightheartedness to the poem.
Another line that hints at the speaker's amusement is we have to use a spell to make them balance. This line comes as the speaker and his neighbor are trying to fit the stones together to repair the wall. The use of the word spell suggests that the speaker is not taking the task too seriously, and that he is perhaps amused by the idea of needing magic to make the stones fit.
Furthermore, the line good fences make good neighbors is often interpreted as a serious statement about the importance of boundaries. However, the fact that the speaker repeats this phrase twice in quick succession suggests that he may be using it ironically, or even sarcastically. This would imply that the speaker finds the idea of building walls between people to be somewhat humorous.
The line I let my neighbor know beyond the hill is also significant in this regard. The fact that the speaker is communicating with his neighbor in this way suggests that they share a friendly relationship, and that the wall-mending ritual is a way for them to connect and bond. This adds a warmth to the poem that is not present in lines where the speaker is more serious or detached.
Another line that hints at the speaker's amusement is and set the wall between us once again. This line comes at the end of the poem, and it suggests that the speaker finds the whole process of mending the wall to be somewhat comical. The use of the word set suggests that the speaker sees the wall as a kind of prop or stage decoration, rather than a serious boundary between himself and his neighbor.
Despite the fact that the speaker is amused by the experience of mending the wall, there are also moments in the poem where he seems frustrated or even angry. For example, the line I have come after them and made repair suggests that the speaker resents the fact that he must always be the one to initiate the wall-mending ritual. This adds a layer of complexity to the poem, and suggests that the speaker's feelings about the wall and his neighbor are not entirely straightforward.
In conclusion, there are several lines in Mending Wall that indicate the speaker's amusement while repairing the wall. These lines add a lightheartedness and warmth to the poem, and suggest that the speaker sees the ritual as a way to connect with his neighbor and assert his own playful spirit. However, there are also moments in the poem where the speaker's frustration and anger come through, indicating that his relationship with his neighbor is not always as simple as it may seem.
Introduction
Mending Wall by Robert Frost is a poem that describes the process of repairing a wall dividing two neighboring properties. The speaker in the poem has a humorous tone while working on the wall with his neighbor, which is evident in certain lines of the poem. This article will discuss some of the best lines from Mending Wall that indicate the speaker's amusement while repairing the wall.
The speaker's relationship with his neighbor
The opening line of the poem, Something there is that doesn't love a wall, shows that the speaker does not believe in the necessity of the wall between the two properties. However, he still works on it every year with his neighbor. This indicates that the speaker has a friendly relationship with his neighbor and enjoys spending time with him while repairing the wall.
The speaker's playful attitude towards the wall
In the third line of the poem, the speaker says, He is all pine and I am apple orchard. This line shows the speaker's playful attitude towards the wall. He is making a joke about the different trees on their respective properties. By using this metaphor, the speaker is indicating that repairing the wall is not a serious task for him but rather a fun activity.
The speaker's curiosity about the wall
In the seventh line of the poem, the speaker says, Spring is the mischief in me. This line indicates the speaker's curiosity about the wall and his desire to understand why it needs to be repaired every year. By using the word mischief, the speaker is portraying himself as a playful and curious individual who is interested in exploring the reasons behind the wall's existence.
The speaker's appreciation of the wall's beauty
In the twelfth line of the poem, the speaker says, We have to use a spell to make them balance. This line shows the speaker's appreciation for the wall's beauty and the effort it takes to maintain it. By using the word spell, the speaker is acknowledging the magical quality of the wall and the artistry involved in making it look perfect.
The speaker's humor towards his neighbor's beliefs
In the fifteenth line of the poem, the speaker says, Good fences make good neighbors. This line shows the speaker's humor towards his neighbor's beliefs about the importance of the wall. The speaker does not agree with this belief but still respects his neighbor's opinion. By using this line, the speaker is showing that he can find humor in even the most serious of situations.
The speaker's willingness to work together
In the seventeenth line of the poem, the speaker says, I'd rather he said it for himself. This line shows the speaker's willingness to work together with his neighbor to repair the wall. He does not want to speak for his neighbor but instead wants him to express his own thoughts. This indicates that the speaker values his neighbor's input and is willing to listen to him.
The speaker's belief in the importance of boundaries
In the nineteenth line of the poem, the speaker says, But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather he said it for himself. This line shows the speaker's belief in the importance of boundaries and the need to respect them. Although he does not believe in the necessity of the wall, he still respects his neighbor's opinion and is willing to work with him to maintain it.
The speaker's lightheartedness towards the wall's purpose
In the twenty-first line of the poem, the speaker says, Something there is that doesn't love a wall. This line shows the speaker's lightheartedness towards the wall's purpose. He does not take the wall seriously and believes that it is unnecessary. By using this line, the speaker is indicating that he finds humor in the idea of a wall dividing two properties.
The speaker's acceptance of his neighbor's beliefs
In the twenty-sixth line of the poem, the speaker says, I see him there bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top. This line shows the speaker's acceptance of his neighbor's beliefs about the importance of the wall. He sees his neighbor working hard to repair the wall and respects his efforts. This indicates that the speaker is willing to compromise with his neighbor and find common ground.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mending Wall by Robert Frost is a poem that portrays the speaker's friendly relationship with his neighbor while repairing a wall dividing their properties. The speaker has a humorous tone throughout the poem, which is evident in certain lines. These lines indicate the speaker's playful attitude towards the wall and his willingness to work together with his neighbor to maintain it. Despite his beliefs about the wall's necessity, the speaker respects his neighbor's opinion and finds humor in even the most serious of situations.
Amusement in Mending Wall
In Robert Frost's poem Mending Wall, the speaker and his neighbor are repairing a wall that separates their properties. Throughout the poem, there are several lines that indicate the speaker's amusement while repairing the wall. Let us take a closer look at these lines.
I let my neighbor know beyond the hill
The first line of the poem, I let my neighbor know beyond the hill, is not necessarily an indication of amusement. However, the fact that the speaker is initiating the conversation with his neighbor to repair the wall shows that he is willing to engage in this activity with a sense of humor. The speaker could have easily ignored the wall and let it fall apart, but instead, he chooses to work with his neighbor to fix it.
And on a day we meet to walk the line
The second line of the poem, And on a day we meet to walk the line, also indicates the speaker's amusement. The use of the phrase walk the line suggests that this is not just a simple task of repairing a wall but rather an opportunity for the two neighbors to engage in some friendly banter. The phrase walk the line is often used to describe someone who is following the rules, but in this context, it seems to suggest a more playful tone.
We have to use a spell to make them balance
The line We have to use a spell to make them balance is perhaps the most direct indication of the speaker's amusement. The idea that a spell is needed to balance the stones is a playful way of describing the process of repairing the wall. It suggests that there is a bit of magic involved in the task, which adds to the overall sense of fun.
He moves in darkness as it seems to me
The line He moves in darkness as it seems to me is not necessarily an indication of amusement, but it does add a sense of mystery to the poem. The use of the word darkness suggests that the neighbor is a bit of an enigma, which adds to the overall sense of playfulness in the poem. The idea that the neighbor is sneaking around in the dark adds a sense of intrigue to the task of repairing the wall.
I see him there bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
The line I see him there bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top is another indication of the speaker's amusement. The use of the phrase grasped firmly by the top suggests that the neighbor is taking the task of repairing the wall very seriously. However, the fact that the speaker is watching him closely and commenting on his actions suggests that there is a sense of humor involved in the task.
We have to use a spell to make them balance
The line We have to use a spell to make them balance is repeated in the poem, which further emphasizes the speaker's amusement. The fact that this line is repeated suggests that the speaker is finding the task of repairing the wall to be quite amusing. It also adds to the overall playful tone of the poem.
Oh, just another kind of outdoor game
The line Oh, just another kind of outdoor game is perhaps the most direct indication of the speaker's amusement. The fact that the speaker is comparing the task of repairing the wall to an outdoor game suggests that he is finding the activity to be quite enjoyable. It also suggests that the speaker is not taking the task too seriously and is willing to have fun with it.
But they would have the rabbit out of hiding
The line But they would have the rabbit out of hiding is another indication of the speaker's amusement. The fact that he is referring to rabbits suggests that he is not taking the task of repairing the wall too seriously. It adds a sense of playfulness to the poem and suggests that the speaker is willing to have fun with the activity.
I could say 'Elves' to him
The line I could say 'Elves' to him is perhaps the most playful line in the poem. The fact that the speaker is suggesting that the neighbor is working with elves adds a sense of whimsy to the poem. It also suggests that the speaker is not taking the task too seriously and is willing to engage in some playful banter with his neighbor.
Spring is the mischief in me
The final line of the poem, Spring is the mischief in me, is perhaps the most telling indication of the speaker's amusement. The fact that he is attributing his sense of playfulness to the season adds a sense of lightheartedness to the poem. It suggests that the speaker is not taking the task of repairing the wall too seriously and is willing to engage in some playful banter with his neighbor.
Conclusion
Throughout Mending Wall, there are several lines that indicate the speaker's amusement while repairing the wall. From the playful language used to describe the task to the references to rabbits and elves, it is clear that the speaker is not taking the task too seriously. Instead, he is willing to engage in some friendly banter with his neighbor and have some fun while repairing the wall. These indications of amusement add a sense of lightheartedness to the poem and make it an enjoyable read.
Point of View on Mending Wall
Lines Indicating Amusement
The speaker in Mending Wall by Robert Frost seems to be amused while repairing the wall. There are a few lines in the poem that suggest the speaker's amusement:
- And set the wall between us once again. - This line suggests that the speaker finds it amusing that they have to keep repairing the wall every year, as if it's an ongoing joke between the neighbors.
- I see him there, bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top in each hand, like an old-stone savage armed. - The use of the phrase old-stone savage is somewhat comical and suggests that the speaker is amused by the neighbor's behavior.
- Oh, just another kind of out-door game, - This line is almost sarcastic, and implies that the speaker finds the act of repairing the wall to be a silly game.
Pros and Cons of Lines Indicating Amusement
While these lines certainly suggest that the speaker is amused while repairing the wall, it's worth noting that the overall tone of the poem is quite serious and contemplative. The speaker seems to be questioning the need for the wall in the first place, and whether it's worth the effort to keep repairing it every year. So while there are moments of levity in the poem, it's ultimately a meditation on the nature of boundaries and human connection.
Table Comparison of Mending Wall
| Keywords | Definition | Example from Poem |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | A structure used to enclose or separate areas | Something there is that doesn't love a wall |
| Boundary | A line that marks the limits of an area | Good fences make good neighbors |
| Connection | A relationship in which a person or thing is linked or associated with something else | Before I built a wall I'd ask to know what I was walling in or walling out |
Closing Message: The Amusement of the Speaker in Mending Wall
Thank you for taking the time to read through this analysis of Robert Frost's poem, Mending Wall. Throughout the article, we have explored various aspects of the poem, including its themes, literary devices, and the speaker's perspective. One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way the speaker's attitude changes over the course of the poem, from questioning the need for a wall to accepting it as a necessary tradition. However, there are several lines that indicate the speaker's amusement while repairing the wall, and these deserve special attention.
One of the clearest indications that the speaker is amused while repairing the wall comes in the line, Something there is that doesn't love a wall (line 1). This line sets the tone for the entire poem, suggesting that the speaker is not entirely convinced of the need for a wall. However, the fact that he continues to repair the wall year after year indicates that he finds some kind of pleasure in the ritual.
Another line that suggests the speaker's amusement comes later in the poem when he says, And set the wall between us once again (line 40). This line is particularly interesting because it suggests that the speaker is aware of the irony of the situation. He and his neighbor are repairing a wall that they both know is unnecessary, yet they continue to do so out of habit and tradition. This awareness of the absurdity of the situation could be interpreted as a form of amusement or even satire.
Throughout the poem, the speaker also uses playful language and wordplay to suggest his amusement. For example, he says, I could say 'Elves' to him, / But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather / He said it for himself (lines 35-37). This humorous passage suggests that the speaker is teasing his neighbor, perhaps trying to get a rise out of him. The fact that he says he'd rather his neighbor come up with the explanation himself indicates that he enjoys the playful banter between them.
Another line that suggests the speaker's amusement comes in the final stanza when he says, Good fences make good neighbors (line 45). This line has become one of the most famous in all of Frost's poetry, and it is often quoted out of context. However, when read in the context of the poem, it becomes clear that the speaker is being somewhat ironic. He doesn't really believe that walls are necessary for good neighborly relations, yet he continues to help repair the wall year after year.
Overall, the lines from Mending Wall that best indicate the speaker's amusement while repairing the wall are those that suggest his awareness of the absurdity of the situation. He knows that the wall is unnecessary, yet he continues to participate in the tradition. Furthermore, his use of playful language and wordplay suggests that he takes pleasure in the banter and teasing that goes on between him and his neighbor.
Thank you again for reading this analysis of Mending Wall. We hope that you have gained a deeper understanding of the poem and the themes it explores. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
People Also Ask About Which Lines from Mending Wall Best Indicate That the Speaker Is Amused While Repairing the Wall?
Answer:
Robert Frost's poem Mending Wall is a reflection on the futility of erecting walls between people and the human tendency to create boundaries. The speaker in the poem is repairing a wall with his neighbor and questioning the necessity of the wall. While the speaker is not explicitly amused, there are lines in the poem that suggest a sense of humor and irony.
Lines from the poem that indicate the speaker's amusement are:
- Something there is that doesn't love a wall (Line 1) - The speaker's tone is ironic and playful as he suggests that nature has a mind of its own and doesn't like walls.
- And set the wall between us once again. (Line 40) - The speaker is amused by the ritual of rebuilding the wall every year, knowing that the wall is not necessary.
- We have to use a spell to make them balance: (Line 46) - The speaker's use of the word spell adds a humorous tone to the situation, suggesting that the process of repairing the wall is magical or absurd.
- Oh, just another kind of outdoor game, (Line 23) - The speaker's tone is playful as he compares the act of repairing the wall to a game, suggesting that the wall is not important and is simply a pastime.
Overall, the speaker's tone in Mending Wall is reflective and questioning, but there are moments of humor and irony that suggest he is amused by the act of repairing the wall.