The Runaway Analysis - Literary devices and Poetic devices

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.’

Unlocking “The Runaway”: A Deep Dive into Robert Frost’s Poetic Craft

Robert Frost’s “The Runaway” is a deceptively simple poem that invites readers into a poignant encounter with nature. Published in 1923, this narrative poem captures a fleeting moment of observation and concern, revealing profound insights into vulnerability, empathy, and the human relationship with the natural world. This comprehensive guide will explore the poem’s narrative, central themes, and the masterful use of literary and poetic devices that make “The Runaway” an enduring work.

Understanding “The Runaway”: A Concise Overview

“The Runaway” presents a vivid snapshot of a cold, snowy day in a mountain pasture. The poem’s speakers observe a young Morgan colt, clearly distressed by the unfamiliar snowfall. The colt’s frantic movements and apparent fear prompt a conversation among the observers, who express concern for its well-being and question why it has been left exposed. The poem concludes with a gentle but firm call for someone to take responsibility for the animal.

The Narrative Core

At its heart, “The Runaway” is a narrative poem recounting a brief, yet impactful, encounter. The scene unfolds as the year’s first snow begins to fall, setting a serene but potentially harsh backdrop. The focus quickly shifts to a young colt, whose agitated behavior in the face of the snow becomes the central event. The speakers’ dialogue reveals their interpretation of the colt’s fear and their growing sense of responsibility towards it.

Central Message and Enduring Relevance

The central idea of “The Runaway” revolves around empathy and the inherent human instinct to protect the vulnerable. While the poem literally describes a frightened colt, it subtly extends an invitation to consider the plight of any creature or individual left exposed and unprotected. The speakers’ concern for the “little fellow” highlights a universal theme of compassion and the moral imperative to offer care and assistance. This message resonates deeply, reminding readers of their interconnectedness with the natural world and their duty of care towards all living beings.

An In-Depth Analysis of “The Runaway”: Exploring Literary and Poetic Devices

Robert Frost was a master of language, employing a range of literary and poetic devices to enrich the meaning and emotional impact of “The Runaway.” Examining these techniques provides a deeper appreciation for the poem’s artistry and its enduring message.

Imagery and Sensory Detail: Painting a Wintry Scene

Frost uses vivid imagery to create a clear picture of the scene and evoke a strong emotional response, appealing to the reader’s senses to immerse them in the poem’s atmosphere.

Visual Imagery: The opening line immediately establishes the setting:

Once when the snow of the year was beginning to fall,

This gentle description of the snowfall creates a peaceful atmosphere, which is then starkly contrasted with the colt’s frantic behavior. Later, the colt is described as

dim and grey,
Like a shadow against the curtain of falling flakes.

This imagery emphasizes the colt’s vulnerability and near invisibility against the vast, white backdrop.
Auditory Imagery: The sound of the colt’s flight is powerfully conveyed:

We heard the miniature thunder where he fled,

This line not only describes the sound but also hints at the colt’s speed and the intensity of its fear.

Figurative Language: Metaphor and Simile

Frost frequently employs figures of speech to create deeper meaning and enhance the poem’s impact, drawing comparisons that illuminate the colt’s experience.

Simile: The comparison of the colt to a shadow highlights its fleeting presence and isolation:

Like a shadow against the curtain of falling flakes.

This simile beautifully captures the colt’s ephemeral nature and its struggle to be seen amidst the overwhelming snow. Another simile describes the colt’s shiver:

He shudders his coat as if to throw off flies.

This comparison suggests a familiar, almost instinctive reaction to discomfort, even though the cause here is cold, not insects.
Metaphor: The sound of the colt’s hooves is elevated through metaphor:

We heard the miniature thunder where he fled,

Comparing the sound to “miniature thunder” emphasizes the surprising power and speed of the small animal, underscoring its desperate flight.

Personification: Giving Voice to the Vulnerable

Assigning human qualities or actions to the colt allows Frost to forge a stronger emotional connection between the reader and the animal, making its fear relatable.

The speakers attribute human-like thought and emotion to the colt:

‘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!

The idea that the colt “thinks” or “knows” or is “afraid” directly personifies its reactions, allowing readers to empathize with its perceived distress. The notion that it is “running away” also implies a conscious decision driven by fear, a very human response.

Sound Devices: Alliteration, Consonance, and Assonance

These devices contribute to the poem’s musicality and enhance its memorability, subtly guiding the reader’s experience of the text.

Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds creates a pleasing rhythm and draws attention to certain phrases:

Like a shadow against the curtain of falling flakes.

The repeated ‘f’ sound mimics the soft, continuous descent of the snow.
Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words adds texture:

With the little fellow at all.

The recurring ‘l’ sound creates a gentle, almost tender tone, reflecting the speaker’s concern.
Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words creates internal rhyme and musicality:

We heard the miniature thunder where he fled,

The long ‘e’ and ‘a’ sounds contribute to the flowing quality of the line, mimicking the colt’s swift movement.

Enjambment: Capturing Movement and Urgency

Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, creates a sense of flow and momentum, mirroring the colt’s restless movement and the unfolding narrative.

Consider 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 across the line break, emphasizing the repetitive and urgent nature of the colt’s actions. This technique pulls the reader forward, reflecting the continuous observation of the animal.

Diction and Tone: Simplicity with Profound Impact

Frost’s choice of words, or diction, is notably simple and conversational, yet it carries profound emotional weight. This accessible language contributes to the poem’s natural, unpretentious tone.

Diction: Words like “little fellow,” “sakes,” and “winter-broken” are colloquial and direct, making the speakers’ observations feel authentic and immediate. This simplicity allows the reader to focus on the emotional core of the poem without being distracted by overly complex vocabulary.
Tone: The tone is one of gentle concern, observation, and ultimately, a quiet sense of responsibility. The speakers are not judgmental but rather empathetic, expressing worry for the colt’s welfare. This compassionate tone is evident in lines such as:

‘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.

The repeated emphasis on “little fellow” underscores the tender, protective sentiment.

Structure and Rhyme Scheme: A Natural Flow

“The Runaway” employs an irregular rhyme scheme and does not adhere to a strict stanza pattern. This free-flowing structure contributes to the poem’s natural, conversational tone and mirrors the unpredictable movement of the colt.

The lack of a rigid structure allows the narrative to unfold organically, much like the spontaneous encounter itself. The poem feels like a direct report of an observation, enhancing its immediacy and realism. While not strictly free verse, the varied line lengths and unpredictable rhymes prevent a singsong quality, grounding the poem in a more natural speech rhythm.

Symbolism: Layers of Meaning

Beyond its literal narrative, “The Runaway” is rich with symbolic meaning, inviting readers to consider broader implications.

The Colt: The young Morgan colt can be seen as a symbol of vulnerability, innocence, and the need for protection. Its fear of the unknown snow represents a universal reaction to new, potentially threatening experiences.
The Snow: While beautiful, the “snow of the year” symbolizes a potentially hostile or challenging environment. It represents the forces of nature that can be overwhelming to the unprepared or unprotected.
The Speakers’ Concern: The empathy expressed by the observers can be interpreted as a broader call for human responsibility and compassion towards all living creatures and those who are vulnerable in society. It symbolizes the moral obligation to care for those who cannot care for themselves.

Key Passages for Reflection

The poem’s closing lines powerfully encapsulate its 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 concluding passage serves as a gentle yet firm reminder that even the smallest of creatures deserve our protection. It highlights a fundamental human responsibility to recognize and respond to the needs of those who are less fortunate or exposed, emphasizing the importance of active care and intervention.

The Enduring Legacy of “The Runaway”

“The Runaway” is a testament to Robert Frost’s ability to imbue everyday observations with profound meaning. Through its vivid imagery, relatable narrative, and masterful use of literary devices, the poem transcends a simple story about a colt in the snow. It becomes a timeless reflection on empathy, vulnerability, and the quiet but essential human duty of care. Engaging with “The Runaway” offers a rich opportunity to appreciate the nuanced beauty of Frost’s poetry and to ponder the deeper connections between humanity and the natural world.