Conflict of Man and Nature in Robert Frost: A Study of Select Poems

English

The prevailing convention of viewing the new nature poetry in the light of the philosophical and pro-religious concept of nature which flourished in the previous centuries is still put into practice by many of Robert Frost’s critics. With the advent of the twentieth century the conventional view of nature underwent a considerable transformation due to the scientific discoveries. The earlier conception of nature extended its scope to take into its sphere an all encompassing cosmic design, of which the visible physical nature is only one manifestation. The new conception of universe or cosmic scheme is seen to be replete with all sorts of misfortunes, malevolence and calamities. Frost visualizes nature as ‘the other’, a remote force, unconnected and unconcerned with human suffering. He observes an inherent determinism in the cosmic scheme which leads to negation. He observes Man and Nature standing under a neutral scheme which is devoid of divine sanctity. The present paper examines the theme of conflict between man and nature with reference to Frost’s select poem.

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