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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Find out more information about this poem and read others like it.
Nationality
American
Literary Movement
19th Century
Subjects
Nature, Relationship, Flower
Find out more information about this poem and read others like it.
Nationality
American
Literary Movement
19th Century
Subjects
Nature, Relationship, Flower