The Runaway
By Robert Frost
Once when the snow of the year was beginning to fall,
We stopped by a mountain pasture to say, ‘Whose colt?’
A little Morgan had one forefoot on the wall,
The other curled at his breast. He dipped his head
And snorted at us. And then he had to bolt.
We heard the miniature thunder where he fled,
And we saw him, or thought we saw him, dim and grey,
Like a shadow against the curtain of falling flakes.
‘I think the little fellow’s afraid of the snow.
He isn’t winter-broken. It isn’t play
With the little fellow at all. He’s running away.
I doubt if even his mother could tell him, “Sakes,
It’s only weather.” He’d think she didn’t know!
Where is his mother? He can’t be out alone.’
And now he comes again with a clatter of stone
And mounts the wall again with whited eyes
And all his tail that isn’t hair up straight.
He shudders his coat as if to throw off flies.
‘Whoever it is that leaves him out so late,
When other creatures have gone to stall and bin,
Ought to be told to come and take him in.’
Summary of The Runaway
- About the Poem: “The Runaway,” published in 1923, is a narrative poem by Robert Frost, one of America’s most beloved poets. It recounts a brief encounter with a young colt, a Morgan horse, caught in the first snowfall of the year. The poem is notable for its gentle tone, vivid imagery, and exploration of themes related to nature, fear, and responsibility.
- Central Idea: At its heart, “The Runaway” is a poem about empathy and concern for a creature seemingly vulnerable and alone. While on a surface level, the poem describes a frightened colt, it subtly prompts us to consider the plight of those who are left exposed and unprotected, and the instinct to offer care and assistance.
- Key Themes: The poem skillfully weaves together themes of man versus nature, animal vulnerability, and a sense of human responsibility. It invites reflection on the relationship between humans and the natural world, and the importance of recognizing and responding to the needs of those who are less fortunate.
Analysis of Literary and Poetic Devices in “The Runaway”
Robert Frost was a master of language and skillfully employed a range of literary and poetic devices to enrich the meaning and impact of “The Runaway.” Let’s explore some of these techniques with examples from the poem.
Imagery & Sensory Detail
Frost uses vivid imagery to paint a clear picture of the scene and evoke a strong emotional response. He appeals to our senses, allowing us to almost feel the chill of the snow and witness the colt’s fear.
Example: “Once when the snow of the year was beginning to fall…” This line immediately establishes the setting and sets a wintry mood. The gentle description of the snowfall creates a peaceful atmosphere, which is then contrasted with the colt’s frantic behavior.
Example: “We heard the miniature thunder where he fled…” This powerful metaphor compares the sound of the colt’s hooves to thunder, emphasizing the speed and energy of its flight. It also hints at the colt’s fear and desperation.
Metaphor & Simile
Frost frequently uses figures of speech to create deeper meaning and enhance the poem’s impact.
Example: “…Like a shadow against the curtain of falling flakes.” This simile beautifully captures the colt’s fleeting presence and its near-invisibility against the backdrop of the snowstorm. It reinforces the sense of vulnerability and isolation.
Personification
Assigning human qualities to the colt allows Frost to create a stronger emotional connection between the reader and the animal.
Example: The entire portrayal of the colt’s reaction to the snow suggests a conscious fear and a desire to escape. Though an animal, the colt is presented as experiencing emotions and making decisions in a way that resonates with human experience.
Enjambment
Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next, creates a sense of flow and momentum, mirroring the colt’s restless movement.
Example: Lines 15-16: “And now he comes again with a clatter of stone
And mounts the wall again with whited eyes” The thought continues seamlessly, emphasizing the repetitive nature of the colt’s behavior and creating a sense of urgency.
Alliteration & Consonance
These sound devices contribute to the poem’s musicality and enhance its memorability.
Example: “With the little fellow at all” – The repetition of the ‘w’ sound creates a pleasing rhythm and emphasizes the speaker’s concern for the colt.
Rhyme Scheme & Structure
“The Runaway” employs an irregular rhyme scheme, which adds to the poem’s natural, conversational tone. The poem’s free flowing structure mirrors the unpredictable movement of the colt and creates a sense of immediacy.
The poem doesn’t adhere to a strict stanza pattern, allowing Frost to create a narrative that unfolds organically, much like the encounter itself.
Symbolism
The colt itself can be seen as a symbol of vulnerability and the need for protection. The snow, while beautiful, represents a potentially hostile environment. The speaker’s concern for the colt can be interpreted as a broader call for empathy and responsibility towards all living creatures.
Quotes to Consider
These lines highlight the poem’s central themes of compassion and the duty of care:
“Whoever it is that leaves him out so late,
When other creatures have gone to stall and bin,
Ought to be told to come and take him in.”
This closing passage serves as a gentle reminder that even the smallest of creatures deserve our protection and that we have a responsibility to look out for those in need.
“The Runaway” is a deceptively simple poem that rewards close reading. By carefully considering the literary and poetic devices employed by Robert Frost, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the poem’s beauty, complexity, and enduring message.