Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Out, Out -" is a poem by Robert Frost that tells the tragic story of a young boy who dies in a farm accident. The poem was first published in 1916.

The poem is written in blank verse. The poem's language and imagery evoke a sense of shock, sadness, and loss, as the speaker describes the boy's accident and the way that it affects those around him.

The poem begins by describing the boy's work with a buzz saw, and the way that the saw's noise fills the air. The speaker notes that the boy is a child and that he is working alongside adults. The poem then takes a sudden and tragic turn, as the boy's hand is caught in the saw and he is severely injured.

Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on the way that the accident affects those around the boy, including his sister, who rushes to his aid. The poem suggests that the boy's death is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the way that our lives can be changed in an instant.

The poem's emotional climax comes in the final stanza, when the speaker reflects on the way that life goes on, even in the face of tragedy. The poem ends with the iconic lines, "And they, since they / Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs."

Overall, "Out, Out -" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the themes of mortality, tragedy, and the fragility of life. The poem suggests that even in the face of tragedy, life goes on, and that we must be prepared to accept the harsh realities of the world around us.

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