The Figure A Poem Makes Written By Robert Frost

• In his essay, The Figure A Poem Makes, Robert Frost masterfully describes his impression of what a poem should be. Throughout his piece, Frost explains to his audience that poetry is an art, and should be treated as such. Visual artwork is thought of as very difficult to judge, as one person can see a painting and think it is breathtakingly beautiful, while another person could view the same painting and see it as being very ugly. Frost clarifies that poetry cannot be measured by traditional standards of logical reason, "Scholars get theirs with conscientious thoroughness along projected lines of logic; poets theirs cavalierly, and as it happens in and out of books," (Frost, pg. 178).  When he published, The Figure A Poem Makes, in 1939, Frost had already won three Pulitzer Prizes, and was very well known for his large body of critically acclaimed work. The confident tone he utilizes, as well as his reputation, aid to establish his credibility and make readers trust that he has enough authority to explain how people and poetry should interact. He also uses imagery to grab his readers attention, and better achieve his thematic purpose throughout the duration of his essay. He illustrates complex points as a means of bettering the audiences understanding by giving a basis of understanding, "... And kicking ourselves from one chance suggestion to another in all directions as of a hot afternoon in the life of a grasshopper," (Frost, pg. 177). Most people are unfamiliar with the manner in which a poem comes to life when it is spoken, but they can visualize the way a grasshopper moves; by adding in imagery such as this, Frost is able to accomplish his purpose. His essay is very versatile in a sense that it can speak to poetry lovers, just as it can communicate the same ideas to people who do not appreciate poetry and perhaps even peak their interest. This piece is also a helpful piece of literature for those who would like to start writing poetry, as it details the most important elements that a poem should have. I think Frost achieves his purpose well, and communicates his firm belief that poetry is an art. He delves into the wisdom that people can take from poetry, as well as the author's emotion being pivotal to the overall impact of their writing.
  
  Poetry and Art Can Be Synonymous: Artist Juan Osborne gives visual art a new figure by creating detailed portraits and landscapes made up of only words relevant to what he is creating. Although his method and medium is very different than Frost's, the emotion their work evokes is the most key component. 
  
  
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