Mending Wall is a poem by Robert Frost that was published in 1914. The poem describes the annual ritual of two neighbors repairing a wall that separates their properties. The narrator of the poem is the speaker, who observes and reflects on the activity of mending the wall.
The first thing that stands out about Mending Wall is its title. The word "mending" implies that the wall is damaged or broken in some way, and needs to be repaired. This immediately sets the tone for the poem, as it suggests that there is a problem or tension between the two neighbors.
As the poem begins, the speaker describes the process of mending the wall as a "spring ritual." This suggests that the activity is something that is done annually, possibly as a way to mark the start of the new season. The use of the word "ritual" also implies that the activity has a certain level of ritualistic significance or meaning for the two neighbors.
As the poem continues, the speaker reflects on the purpose of the wall and the motivations of the two neighbors. He notes that the wall "is a boundary," and that the neighbors "have come to each other's fields." This suggests that the wall serves as a dividing line between the two properties, and that the neighbors have a certain level of respect for this boundary.
However, the speaker also notes that the wall is not necessary, as there are no animals or livestock on either side that need to be kept in or out. This raises the question of why the wall is being maintained at all. The speaker suggests that the wall is being maintained for "something to settle about," implying that the wall serves as a way for the neighbors to define and establish their respective boundaries and territories.
As the poem reaches its conclusion, the speaker reflects on the nature of human relationships and the importance of boundaries. He suggests that the wall is a symbol of the human desire to establish and maintain boundaries, both physical and metaphorical. At the same time, he also suggests that these boundaries can be problematic, as they can create divisions and conflicts between people.
Overall, Mending Wall is a thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of human relationships and the role of boundaries in our lives. Through its depiction of the annual ritual of mending a wall, the poem raises important questions about the motivations behind our actions and the ways in which we define and establish our relationships with others.