Range-finding by Robert Frost
Analysis
"Range-finding" is a poem written by Robert Frost. This is a poem about perhaps finding oneself or finding out that not all things are what they first seem. The poem uses nature in a way to discuss relationships. The first paragraph uses specific words that stick out to the reader. The words "diamond-strung" and "stained a single human breast" are easy to see that they are speaking of a diamond necklace. However, at the same time it is speaking of a trap set. The spider put his cobweb on a flower and a butterfly fell victim to it. At the same time, a bird doesn't care and continues to go on about her life.
This poem is written as two paragraphs with the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA-CCDEED.
Poem
Range-finding The battle rent a cobweb diamond-strung And cut a flower beside a ground bird's nest Before it stained a single human breast. The stricken flower bent double and so hung. And still the bird revisited her young. A butterfly its fall had dispossessed A moment sought in air his flower of rest, Then lightly stooped to it and fluttering clung. On the bare upland pasture there had spread O'ernight 'twixt mullein stalks a wheel of thread And straining cables wet with silver dew. A sudden passing bullet shook it dry. The indwelling spider ran to greet the fly, But finding nothing, sullenly withdrew.
Next: Reluctance
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Nationality
American
Literary Movement
19th Century
Subjects
Nature, Relationship, Flower
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