ABSTRACT:As the winner of four Pulitzer Prizes and the Congressional Gold Medal, Robert Frost has always been recognized as one of the most popular American poets of the 20th century. In his works, he embodies philosophical thinking in ordinary things, so that they appeared to be simple and easy to understand, but really profound in connotations.

This study is aimed to uncover the charm of his famous poem “Mending Wall”, by analyzing its stylistic features, symbolic meaning and philosophical thought, and to explore how he can integrate these things and make them a natural whole. 

When reading Frost’s “Mending Wall”, readers can easily understand his ordinary and daily topic, plain and simple language, complex and vivid expression, traditional prosody, but after repeated reading they are invariably astonished by its profound thought between the lines. His understandings of life and philosophical perspective have contributed to his unique poetic charm, which also immensely enlighten readers on their attitudes towards life. 

It is hoped that the present study will help readers obtain a better understanding of Frost’s philosophical thought, as well as a better appreciation of his works. 

Key words: “Mending Wall”; stylistic features; philosophical thought

CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

中文摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-1

1.1 Brief Introduction to Robert Frost’s Literature Achievements-1

1.2 Characteristics of Robert’s poetry-1

1.3 Topic and Plan of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two  LITERATURE REVIEW-3

2.1 A Brief History of Past Studies-3

2.2 Critical Inadequacy of Past Studies-4

2.3 Significance of the Present Study-4

Chapter Three  STYLISTIC FEATURES OF THE POEM-5

3.1. Form and Language-5

3.1.1 Dramatic monologue-5

3.1.2 Local dialogues-5

3.1.3 Plain diction-6

3.2. Conventional but Exquisite Rhythm-6

3.3. Rhetorical devices-6

3.3.1. Inversion-6

3.3.2. Repetition-7

3.3.3. Parallel structure-8

3.3.4. Symbolism-9

Chapter Four  PHILOSOPHICAL THOUHTS CONVEYED IN THE POEM-11

4.1. The Rationality of the Wall’s Existence-11

4.2. The Irrationality of the Wall’s Existence-12

4.3. Frost’s Attitudes to the Conflicts in Life-13

Chapter Five  FORMATION OF FROST’S PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHTS-15

5.1 Social Background-15

5.2 Life Experiences-15

Chapter Six  CONCLUSION-16

WORKS CITED-17