Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Frost's poem "Quandary" delves into the philosophical and moral complexities of distinguishing between good and bad. The poem employs a mix of whimsical and serious tones, reflecting Frost's adeptness at balancing profound themes with a light touch.

The poem begins with a contemplation of the necessity of bad for the existence of good: "Never have I been sad or glad / That there was such a thing as bad. / There had to be, I understood, / For there to have been any good." This opening sets the stage for an exploration of dualities and the inherent need for contrast in understanding moral values. Frost asserts that without bad, good would lose its meaning, as it is through opposition that both concepts are defined and sustained.

Frost continues to elaborate on this idea, stating, "It was by having been contrasted / That good and bad so long had lasted." Here, he underscores the permanence of these concepts due to their interdependence. The necessity of discrimination—an ability to discern and differentiate—is highlighted: "That's why discrimination reigns. / That's why we need a lot of brains / If only to discriminate / 'Twixt what to love and what to hate." This reflects the human need for cognitive skills to navigate the moral landscape, to make choices, and to uphold values.

The poem then references the famous maxim from the oracle at Delphi, "Love thy neighbor as thyself," adding a twist: "And hate him as thyself thou hatest." This paradoxical injunction captures the essence of the quandary Frost is presenting. It suggests that the challenge of moral judgment lies in the simultaneous capacity for love and hate, and the need to balance these opposing forces within oneself.

Frost humorously acknowledges the difficulty of this balancing act: "There quandary is at its greatest." He then draws a parallel to the Biblical story of the forbidden fruit, which symbolizes the acquisition of knowledge and the resultant moral complexity: "We learned from the forbidden fruit / For brains there is no substitute." This line implies that the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is essential for navigating moral dilemmas.

The poem takes a whimsical turn with the mention of sweetbreads, a culinary delicacy made from animal organs, which Frost humorously contrasts with brains: "'Unless it's sweetbreads,' you suggest / With innuendo I detest." This line injects a playful note, while also serving as a metaphor for the confusion and mistakes that can arise in the pursuit of understanding.

Frost recounts a personal anecdote about his own confusion between brains and sweetbreads, leading to his humiliation: "Once I was fool enough to think / That brains and sweetbreads were the same, / Till I was caught and put to shame, / First by a butcher, then a cook, / Then by a scientific book." This self-deprecating humor serves to illustrate the complexities and pitfalls of gaining knowledge, and the humbling process of learning.

The poem concludes with a witty reflection on how Frost's mistake led to his intellectual success: "But 'twas by making sweetbreads do / I passed with such a high I.Q." This closing line encapsulates the poem's theme of the interplay between wisdom and folly, and the value of embracing mistakes as part of the journey toward understanding.

"Quandary" is a rich, multifaceted poem that explores the essential dualities of good and bad, the importance of moral discernment, and the humorous, often humbling path to wisdom. Frost's blend of philosophical depth and playful wit makes this poem a memorable meditation on the complexities of human nature and knowledge.

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