Robert Frost: Poems
Once by the pacific
On reading the poem, it seems that the land cannot hold out against the ocean for long. Do you agree? Pick out the phrases from the poem to support your answer.
On reading the poem, it seems that the land cannot hold out against the ocean for long. Do you agree? Pick out the phrases from the poem to support your answer.
The threat of the ocean is particularly palpable because of the waves’ malevolent personification. These waves are not the unconscious results of changing weather systems, but rather evil, sentient beings that intend to use all of their might to destroy anything they can touch. The “thought” of the ocean waves makes them the most terrifying because their war against humanity seems to be premeditated. Moreover, the vast ocean is an unconquerable foe; even the shore and cliffs need to be supported by the entire continent in order to face the malignant waters.