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Robert Frost
Robert Frost (1874 - 1963 / San Francisco / USA)
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Early years Robert Frost was born in San Francisco, California, to journalist William Prescott Frost, Jr., and Isabelle Moodie. His mother was of S .. more >>
118 poems of Robert Frost
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The Silken Tent

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  She is as in a field a silken tent
At midday when the sunny summer breeze
Has dried the dew and all its ropes relent,
So that in guys it gently sways at ease,
And its supporting central cedar pole,
That is its pinnacle to heavenward
And signifies the sureness of the soul,
Seems to owe naught to any single cord,
But strictly held by none, is loosely bound
By countless silken ties of love and thought
To every thing on earth the compass round,
And only by one's going slightly taut
In the capriciousness of summer air
Is of the slightlest bondage made aware.

Robert Frost


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  Comments about this poem (The Silken Tent by Robert Frost )
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  Andrew Hoellering  (7/21/2009 2:25:00 PM)

Hi Brett -I'll have a go at answering your questions!
1. 'As'and 'like' introduce a simile, so the first line is just that.A metaphor speaks of something in terms of something else, so the rest of the poem is a metaphor.
2.The ropes or cords stand for her relationships.She does not feel obligated or constrained by others, so is able to act out of love, both for them and for life.
3,4. The woman is secure in herself and does not depend on the approval of others.Frost might well be describing the kind of relationship that allows the full flowering of a loving personality.
Good luck!
Andrew
She is able to realise her individuality and be wholly herself
  Karen James  (12/11/2008 2:06:00 PM)

And its supporting central cedar pole,
That is its pinnacle to heavenward
And signifies the sureness of the soul

Someone asked if Frost made reference to this woman 's character. I think by choosing a cedar pole...pointed heavenward he uses a a wood that is known for it's beauty, it's richness and it's strength. He is suggesting that her 'core' is strong and while firmly planted and strong is also pointed heavenward. A very clear statement (in my opinion) of his admiration for her character and soul.
  Mary Bravo  (1/28/2008 11:02:00 AM)

I love this poem, good memories. the comparison made the woman beautiful.
  Brett Scott  (4/6/2007 1:15:00 AM)

Hello everyone!
I have four questions that I want to ask
1.Is Frost's comparison of a woman and tent a simile or a metaphor?
2.What does the ropes or cords indeed mean?
3.Does the poet convey any sense of this woman's character? And what is the
woman's character?
4.Try to state the implied meaning of this poet!

Thank you! !
  Jon Butah  (1/24/2007 12:05:00 PM)

Line 1 should be 'She is as in a field a silken tent'
There are other mistakes in this on-line version
  Natasha Nageswaran  (9/14/2006 5:44:00 AM)

In my opinion Robert Frost has a brilliant imagination and his poems are deep rooted in spirituality. For example.. he attributes the qualities of a sensuous woman to a silken tent which has a tendency to be capricious but nevertheless is held back by firm cords to the ground just like a woman.
The poem is extremely vivid and philosophical.. The comparison made is beautiful yet subtle.

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