The Mending Wall free essay sample

The Wall Between Neighbors The poem, Mending Wall by Robert Frost, is mostly about a wall between neighbors. The wall is a metaphoric, as well as literal element in the poem. The speaker conveys not only the differences between himself and his neighbor, but the implications of those differences. The speaker is on one side of an issue/wall and the neighbor is on the other. The speaker conveys the difference between his neighbor and himself. The wall symbolizes the split of personalities and properties between the neighbors. He is all pine and I am [an] apple orchard, the speaker says. He also says that my apple trees will never get across and eat his pines. Referring to the wall, the speaker means that nothing on his property will be any harm to his neighbors property or belongings. When the neighbor says Good Fences make good Neighbors, his difference in opinion shines through. We will write a custom essay sample on The Mending Wall or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The speaker believes he doesnt need the wall, he doesnt understand what he was walling in or walling out. However, his neighbor believes the opposite. He has a reason for the wall. His fathers saying was Good Fences make good neighbors, so he doesnt want to undermine his fathers beliefs. The neighbor, in the speakers eyes, does not believe he can think for himself. The speaker however, has his own set of beliefs, not guided through a parent figure. He thought for himself and did not let anyone influence his beliefs; which lead to how their personalities differ along with their beliefs. Because of the differences of both neighbors personalities and actions have implications of their own. The wall is the symbol of the metaphorical splitting of beliefs, as well as the literal splitting of properties. When the speaker talks about the pine and apple tree, he is using imagery. By imagining the plants, the reader is better able to see the split in personalities. He is implying that the neighbor believes separate properties are better. The neighbor does not want to know his neighbors on a personal level. Getting along by being friendly is good for him. For the neighbor, the wall symbolizes separation, not getting too involved with the neighbors, and having privacy. His/his fathers saying, Good fences make good neighbors, means the neighbors wont be too involved in his business. In reality, no one can pick all of their neighbors. The neighbor may not have to like his neighbor, but he does have to live next to him, which is why he keeps a friendly but distant relationship. The man likes his privacy. In contrast, the speaker believes mostly the opposite. He doesnt mind seeing his neighbors, or them seeing him. The speaker is under the impression that a wall is meant to keep something in or out. For the speaker, the wall symbolizes imprisonment, animal fencing, and a barrier. He is not an animal. Not having a wall is okay with the speaker because the mending of the wall is a pain. His hands hurt afterwards and wear them rough. Despite all the work, the neighbor will mend the wall every year to keep his privacy. Both of the neighbors have a different personality which translates to their feelings of the wall. The difference between the speaker and his neighbor are apparent when you look at their feelings toward the wall. On the one side, the speaker does not want the wall or find its necessity, but on the other, the neighbor needs the wall for privacy. When the two mend the wall, their true diverse personalities stand out because the words exchanged reflect their beliefs on the wall. The speaker conveys not only the differences between himself and his neighbor in this poem, but the implications of those differences.