Relying On Mended Walls

Robert Frost’s “Mending Wall” uses extended metaphors, the juxtaposition of different points of view and repetition to describe social barriers in communication and the futile intents against established cultural norms. By exposing contrasting perceptions about the subject and implanting hardship, the wall is shown as an unmovable and irreplaceable element of two individuals’ lives. The poem reveals itself as both the savior and critic of the wall’s existence, proving the difficulties of living under strict social constructs and the impossibility of change under such conditions.

Frost begins by showing the existence of a being that dislikes the wall: “something there is that doesn’t love a wall.” The hardship suffered by the wall throughout the poem, the “frozen-ground-swell under it”, the spilled “upper boulders”, the “gaps” and “the boulders that have fallen,” demonstrate the actions taken by this being. The decision taken by the narrator and his neighbor to rebuild the wall, shows the necessity for such divisor. The destructive force mentioned earlier is juxtaposed with the neighbors’ actions, exemplifying the opposing figures under any social or organizational system. The narrator describes how he talks to his neighbor in order to “set the wall between us once again,” a process that resembles a conversation that will finally lead to reconciliation. Frost highlights how this process occurs while having “the wall between us as we go,” proving the utmost necessity of the wall’s existence, even during peaceful times.

Furthermore, the extended metaphor of the wall, meaning the social constructs that provide for respectful relationships to be maintained, reveals the author’s thoughts concerning society as a planned and strict environment. The narrator states that his neighbor “is all pine,” while he is “apple orchard.” This comment mirrors a condition not shared by both neighbors. It is almost as though he were saying his neighbor was from a social class, religion or race different from his. Such division between the two characters can be maintained peacefully with the existence of the wall, shown by the neighbor’s remark: “Good fences make good neighbors.” The possibility that the wall’s existence makes for a “good” relationship simply rejects the idea of sharing or communicating with each other. Their interaction is on the basis of the walls existence only.

Similarly, the repeated use of the word “boulders” highlights the walls composition. The idea of the wall being structured with these boulders which fall on both sides consider both individuals’ mistakes and their commitment to having the wall built dividing their lands. This results similar to the repetition of the phrase “good fences make good neighbors” during the mending of the wall and in the end of the poem, as it exposes the resolute decision of having the wall on foot, ignoring the hardship suffered by the wall and the neighbors in its construction.

The extended metaphor of the wall as the culturally accepted rules of behavior and the divisor of individuals’ possessions, is used by Frost to show his disbelief about its necessity, while keeping it throughout the poem. The juxtaposition of the destructive force and the mending neighbors, exemplifies arguments caused by a social construct and the obligation of understanding both points of view. Even though order is reestablished with the mending of the wall, the author provides the critical view of the wall through the narrator and the attacks against the wall.