Literature Lecture - Essay Example

"Literature does not grow or develop in a vacuum; it is given impetus, shape, direction and even area of concern by social, political and economic forces in a particular society. . . Literature is of course primarily concerned with what any political and economic arrangement does to the spirit and the values governing human relationships" ( Thiong'o xv-xvi). Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening My little horse must think it queerTo stop without a farmhouse near the woods and frozen lake the darkest evening of the year.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. By Robert FrostHere the poet describes his journey in the woods on horseback on a winter evening. It is dark and snowing. The forest is silent and the lake is frozen. When compared to life and human relations, the poem takes on a new meaning."The woods are lovely, dark and deep" could refer to the luxuries and temptations of life: a holiday, a break from work, a short love affair, a long drive (in today's context), in short, anything that would be good for the senses and mind.

"Between the woods and frozen lake the darkest evening of the year. When the whole world or circumstances are antagonistic, the person finds solace in these luxuries. After taking a short sabbatical from the realities of life, one has to move on ("But I have promises to keep",).."And miles to go, And miles to go, Before I sleep."Life has to go on and promises/duties have to be fulfilled, before the last day on earth or before death ("Before I sleep"). One has to fulfill his responsibilities towards family and society.

These responsibilities could include obligations towards work, towards parents, siblings, extended family, children, society, and in today's context environment too. So, while the woods are symbolic of the temptations of life, promises signify duties and roles expected of a person in a relationship and society.