Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Any Size We Please" by Robert Frost is a contemplative poem that explores themes of isolation, self-reliance, and the human desire for connection in an indifferent universe. Through the depiction of a solitary figure, Frost delves into the psychological and emotional states that arise from loneliness and the ways in which individuals seek comfort and meaning.

The poem opens with the image of a man in a "lonely case," likened to a "half-mad outpost sentinel." This comparison sets the tone for the poem, suggesting a person who feels isolated and somewhat detached from the world around him. The "absurd dramatic spell" he indulges in, stretching his arms out to the dark of space, reflects a moment of existential questioning and a search for connection in the vastness of the universe. This act is described with a mix of earnestness and self-awareness, as he feels "some shame of face," recognizing the futility and absurdity of his gesture.

The man's arms, held "absolutely parallel / In infinite appeal," symbolize a yearning for something beyond himself, a desire to reach out and make contact with the infinite. This image evokes the human condition of seeking meaning and connection in an often indifferent or unresponsive cosmos. His subsequent exclamation, "Hell," marks a moment of frustration and resignation as he draws his arms back in for "warmth of self-embrace." This self-embrace signifies a retreat into oneself, a recognition that solace must come from within rather than from an external source.

The poem then shifts to the man's contemplation of space and his relationship to it. He imagines a scenario where his space is "curved / Wrapped in around itself and self-befriended," suggesting a desire for a self-contained and self-sufficient existence. This introspective turn reflects a coping mechanism to deal with feelings of vulnerability and the overwhelming nature of scientific understanding. By imagining space as something that can be controlled and personalized, he attempts to find a sense of comfort and security.

The line "His science needn’t get him so unnerved" indicates that his intellectual pursuits have contributed to his sense of unease. The expansiveness of scientific knowledge and the mysteries of the universe have left him feeling "too all out, too much extended," overwhelmed by the vastness and complexity of existence. This realization leads him to a more inward-focused approach, where he seeks to verify his own presence and value.

The poem concludes with the man slapping his breast to "verify his purse" and hugging himself "for all his universe." This final image encapsulates the poem's exploration of self-reliance and the human need to create meaning and comfort in an isolated existence. The act of verifying his purse symbolizes a grounding in tangible reality, while the self-embrace underscores the idea that one's universe can be self-defined and self-contained.

Through its introspective narrative and rich imagery, "Any Size We Please" by Robert Frost captures the complexity of human emotions in the face of isolation and the vastness of the universe. The poem reflects on the ways individuals cope with loneliness and the search for meaning, ultimately suggesting that self-reliance and self-embrace are essential to navigating an indifferent world. Frost's skillful use of language and metaphor invites readers to ponder their own responses to existential questions and the importance of inner strength and self-connection.

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