Out, Out
by Robert Frost
The buzz saw snarled and rattled in the yard
And made dust and dropped stove length sticks of wood
Sweet scented stuff when the breeze drew across it
And from the place the saw had struck he left a soundHe was a boy and his hand was caught by the saw
He fell, his arm severed, the blood ran fast
The workers shouted, but the work went on
The farmer said, “Let’s finish and then we’ll rest”Later the doctor came with a dark ether veil
The boy’s heart stilled, the life slipped from the vein
The villagers heard the quiet breath and the sigh
They returned to their chores, no sorrow to claim
Summary of Out, Out
Robert Frost’s “Out, Out” is a short, powerful poem that explores the sudden loss of a young life in a rural setting. Published in 1916, the poem describes the tragic accident of a boy who loses his hand while operating a buzz saw on a farm. The narrator presents the event in a matter‑of‑fact tone, emphasizing the indifference of those around him and the abruptness of death. The title echoes Shakespeare’s “Out, out, brief candle,” underscoring the fleeting nature of life. The poem is a meditation on mortality, the harshness of rural work, and the acceptance of death in a working‑class environment.
Analysis of Out, Out
The Opening and Setting the Scene
The poem opens with a stark, realistic description of the buzz saw, immediately establishing a sense of danger. Frost does not romanticize the rural setting; instead, he presents the machinery’s relentless rhythm alongside images of the Vermont landscape. This juxtaposition foreshadows the disruption that follows and sets the tone for the tragedy to come.
The Moment of the Accident
The accident is described with a calm, understated style that heightens its shock value. Frost deliberately avoids graphic detail, focusing instead on the immediate aftermath. The line about the saw “leaping out at the boy’s hand” is an example of anthropomorphism that illustrates the sudden, almost fated nature of the incident. By leaving the circumstances ambiguous, Frost forces readers to confront the randomness of tragedy.
The Boy’s Reaction and the Loss of Innocence
In the poem, the boy’s reaction is brief and marked by disbelief. The description of his attempt to “keep the life from spilling” conveys vulnerability and desperation. He is a child thrust into adult responsibilities, and his plea for help—“Don’t let him cut my hand off”—highlights the tragedy of a life cut short.
The Cold Response and the Poem’s Conclusion
The poem’s final section presents a detached reaction to the boy’s death. The doctor’s clinical intervention and the villagers’ return to their routine convey a chilling indifference. This reflects the harsh reality of rural life, where death is often accepted as part of the cycle and grief is quickly set aside.
Literary Devices in Out, Out
Frost masterfully uses several literary devices to create a haunting effect:
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the saw and the landscape establish a strong sense of place.
- Symbolism: The buzz saw symbolizes industrial power that disrupts the natural world.
- Allusion: The title alludes to Shakespeare’s “Out, out, brief candle,” underscoring the fragility of life.
- Understatement: Frost’s deliberate use of understatement enhances the poem’s chilling tone.
- Enjambment: The continuation of lines across stanzas creates momentum and urgency, mirroring the speed of the accident.
Poetic Devices: Form and Structure
“Out, Out” is written in free verse, giving Frost flexibility to convey the rawness of the scene. Although free of strict meter or rhyme, the poem’s carefully arranged lines produce a rhythm that reflects the mechanical clatter of the buzz saw and the abruptness of death. The fragmented structure mirrors the sudden loss of life.
Overall, “Out, Out” remains a powerful, timeless work that invites readers to confront the fragility of life, the harsh realities of rural labor, and the indifference that can accompany tragedy.