The Road Not Taken

To Be or Not to Be <Tab/>"To be or not to be, that is the question." Shakespeare's infamous line illustrates one of the most important aspects of poetry, essence over meaning. Many literary critics believe that a good poem must not only give a meaning, but also give an experience as well. Archibald MacLeish states in his poem "Ars Poetica" that "A poem should not mean/ But be." MacLeish's assertion …

…or description. By illustrating the decision making process clearly through the use of literal meaning, the emphasis can be put more upon symbolic reference as to what the decision process actually results in. In the case of this poem, the decision that a person makes between two alternatives creates two results that vary in difference. Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" demonstrates a true poem that pushes far beyond literal meaning and gives actual purpose.