What is the theme of of Design by Robert Frost?
This site analyzes this poem.
http://titan.iwu.edu/~wchapman/americanpoetryweb/frodesan.html
Here are some interesting articles and comments about this poem:
http://titan.iwu.edu/~wchapman/americanpoetryweb/frodesan.html
http://www.starve.org/teaching/intro-poetry/design.html
The theme of "Design" by Robert Frost revolves around the concept of existentialism and the idea that life is characterized by random events and lack of purpose. To understand the theme, you can follow these steps:
1. Read the poem: Read the poem "Design" by Robert Frost to get a grasp of its content and understand the context.
2. Analyze the imagery: Pay attention to the vivid and descriptive language used in the poem, focusing on the imagery of the white spider, white heal-all flower, and moth.
3. Focus on the contrast: Notice the sharp contrast between the innocent and pure white objects and their grim, dark circumstances. The spider's meal, the heal-all flower's disfigurement, and the dead moth represent a clash between beauty and the harsh realities of life.
4. Identify the symbolism: Explore the symbolic meanings of the white spider, heal-all flower, and moth. The spider's web can represent the entrapment and cruelty of life, while the heal-all flower and moth may symbolize the vulnerability and transience of existence.
5. Consider the questions asked: Pay attention to the questions the speaker poses in the poem, such as the "What but design of darkness to appall?" line. These questions imply a contemplation of the nature of life and its seemingly purposeless chaos.
From analyzing these elements, you can conclude that the overarching theme of "Design" is the portrayal of existentialism, the idea that life lacks inherent meaning and is driven by chance and randomness.