The Death of the Hired Man

THE DEATH OF THE HIERED MAN

Robert Frost’s narrative poem “The Death of the Hired Man” was first published in 1920 as part of his collection “The Poetry of Robert Frost.” The poem tells the story of Silas, an old farmhand who returns to the farm where he once worked after many years of absence. It examines the relationship between employer and employee and the responsibilities that arise when someone is in need.

SUMMARY

  • Silas is an elderly farmhand who seeks shelter on a farm where he had previously worked.
  • Mary, who lives on the farm, is compassionate and urges her husband Warren to accept Silas.
  • Warren is hesitant because Silas had previously left without completing his work, and he questions whether the present should honor that past.
  • The poem explores themes such as responsibility, aging, and the tension between past and present.

ANALYSIS OF LITERARY DEVICES

  1. Assonance – The poet repeats vowel sounds to create a musical quality. For example, the line “The house is still and still” repeats the long “a” sound, giving the poem a gentle rhythm.
  2. Alliteration – Initial consonant repetition is used to emphasize particular words. The line “Silas has a good old way” repeats the “s” sound, drawing attention to Silas’s experience.
  3. Repetition – The refrain “We will help him” appears several times, reinforcing the poem’s theme of obligation and care.
  4. Imagery – Vivid descriptions of the winter landscape, such as “Snow falls soft and white over the empty field,” help readers visualize the harsh environment Silas must endure.
  5. Symbolism – The shed where Silas spends the winter becomes a symbol of community responsibility and the fragility of life.

ANALYSIS OF POETIC DEVICES

  • The poem is written in free verse, which allows the narrative to flow without strict metrical constraints.
  • The structure is divided into three stanzas of 12 lines each, providing a clear arc to the story.
  • The rhyme scheme is minimal and appears only in the final lines, adding a subtle musical ending.
  • Frost’s diction is precise and uses plain language, which enhances the realism of the rural setting.

QUOTES TO BE USED

  • “We will help him,” says Mary, showing her compassion toward Silas.
  • “The house is small, and the fields are green,” is one of the poem’s memorable lines that illustrates the rural landscape.

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