‘Out, Out‘
Robert Frost
The buzz saw snarled and rattled in the yard
And made dust and dropped stove-length sticks of wood,
Sweet-scented stuff when the breeze drew across it.
And from there those that lifted eves could count
Five mountain ranges one behind the other
Under the sunset far into Vermont
And the saw snarled and rattled, snarled and rattled,
As it ran light. or had to bear a load.
And nothing happened: day was all but done.
Call it a day. I wish they might have said
To please the boy by giving him the half hour
That a boy counts so much when saved from work.
His sister stood beside him in her apron
To tell them ‘Supper’. At the word, the saw.
As if to prove saws knew what supper meant.
Leaped out at the boy’s hand, or seemed to leap
He must have given the hand. However, it was,
Neither refused the meeting. But the hand!
Theme: It revolves around the fragility of life and the suddenness of tragedy. It highlights the harsh realities of rural labor, where a moment’s distraction or accident can lead to devastating consequences, as seen when the boy’s hand is severely injured by the buzz saw. Ultimately, the poem reflects on the inevitability of death and the indifference of nature, illustrating how life can be interrupted unexpectedly, leaving profound impacts on those left behind.
Summary: In Robert Frost’s poem “Out, Out,” a young boy operates a buzz saw in a rural setting, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the mountains of Vermont. As the day comes to an end, his sister calls him for supper, but the saw unexpectedly injures his hand, leading to a tragic accident. Despite the gravity of the situation, life continues indifferently, with the poem conveying the harsh realities of labor and the suddenness of death. The poem ultimately reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitability of loss, leaving a haunting impression on the reader about the unpredictability of existence.
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing Each Line in Detail:
"The buzz saw snarled and rattled in the yard"
The sound of the saw is loud and aggressive, creating a harsh, almost animalistic noise as it operates in the yard.
"And made dust and dropped stove-length sticks of wood,"
As the saw works, it produces dust and cuts the wood into short pieces, about the length of logs used for stoves.
"Sweet-scented stuff when the breeze drew across it."
The wood, when cut, releases a pleasant, sweet smell, which is carried by the wind.
"And from there those that lifted eves could count"
From this spot, people who looked out could see a far-reaching view, as far as five mountain ranges lined up.
"Five mountain ranges one behind the other"
The view stretched to reveal five mountain ranges, each one further away from the other.
"Under the sunset far into Vermont"
The scene takes place at sunset, with the mountains visible extending into the state of Vermont.
"And the saw snarled and rattled, snarled and rattled,"
The saw continued its loud, rattling noise as it ran, repeating the sound of its violent cutting.
"As it ran light. or had to bear a load."
Sometimes the saw would run smoothly, and other times it had to work harder to cut thicker wood.
"And nothing happened: day was all but done."
Nothing significant occurred during the day except the usual work, and as the day neared its end, nothing out of the ordinary had happened yet.
"Call it a day. I wish they might have said"
The narrator reflects that it would have been better if someone had called it quits for the day, especially for the boy's sake.
"To please the boy by giving him the half hour"
The boy would have greatly appreciated a break, as a small amount of time away from work meant a lot to him.
"That a boy counts so much when saved from work."
The boy cherishes a moment of freedom from work, as it gives him a sense of relief.
"His sister stood beside him in her apron"
The boy's sister stood next to him, dressed in her apron, likely preparing for dinner or helping with the household.
"To tell them ‘Supper’."
She was there to inform him that it was time for supper.
"At the word, the saw."
As soon as the word "supper" was spoken, the saw seemed to react.
"As if to prove saws knew what supper meant."
The saw's reaction seemed almost purposeful, as if it understood the significance of supper.
"Leaped out at the boy’s hand, or seemed to leap"
The saw appeared to jump or lunge at the boy’s hand, striking him.
"He must have given the hand."
It suggests that the boy must have accidentally moved his hand into the saw's path.
"However, it was, Neither refused the meeting."
Regardless of how it happened, the saw and the boy’s hand collided, and the event was inevitable.
"But the hand!"
The final exclamation emphasizes the horror of the situation, focusing on the severed hand and the boy's fate.
Short Answer Questions
10 Questions with Detailed Answers
What is the setting of the poem?
The poem is set in a yard where a boy is working with a buzz saw, cutting wood. The scene describes a typical rural setting, with the mention of mountains in the distance, possibly in Vermont. The atmosphere is calm yet filled with the mechanical noise of the saw, contrasting with the tragic event that follows.
How is the buzz saw described in the poem?
The buzz saw is described as "snarling" and "rattling," using personification to give it aggressive, animal-like qualities. This description makes the saw seem dangerous and alive, foreshadowing the tragic accident. The repeated words "snarled and rattled" emphasize its continuous, menacing presence.
What is the boy doing in the poem?
The boy is working hard, cutting stove-length sticks of wood with the buzz saw. He is young, and although he is doing adult work, he still values simple pleasures, like having time off. The poem hints that he’s been working all day, longing for a break from his labor.
How does the boy’s accident occur?
The accident happens when the boy’s sister comes to call him for supper. Hearing the word "supper" distracts him, and either he moves his hand too close to the saw, or the saw seems to "leap" at his hand. The poem deliberately leaves it ambiguous, adding to the tragic, sudden nature of the event.
What is the narrator’s reflection after the accident?
The narrator expresses regret, wishing that someone had said, "Call it a day," allowing the boy to stop working earlier. This reflection highlights how the accident could have been avoided if the boy had been given a break, emphasizing the harshness of child labor and the fragility of life.
What role does the sister play in the poem?
The sister’s role is small but significant. She comes to announce supper, which distracts the boy at a critical moment. Although she is not directly responsible for the accident, her presence serves as the trigger for the tragic event, illustrating how small, everyday actions can have unexpected consequences.
What does the saw’s reaction to the word 'supper' symbolize?
The saw’s sudden movement when supper is announced symbolizes the indifference of machines to human emotions. The saw has no awareness, but it’s described as if it "knew" what supper meant. This personification reflects how cold and mechanical tools can be, uncaring about the lives they affect.
How does the poem portray the theme of life’s fragility?
The poem shows that life can change in an instant. One moment the boy is working; the next, he suffers a life-altering accident. The suddenness of the event, without warning or buildup, highlights how fragile human life is, especially when surrounded by dangerous machinery.
What emotions does the poem evoke in the reader?
The poem evokes feelings of sadness, shock, and sympathy for the boy. The vivid imagery and the abruptness of the accident make the reader feel the tragedy deeply. There’s also a sense of frustration because the accident could have been prevented if the boy hadn’t been overworked.
What message does the poem convey about work and childhood?
The poem suggests that children should not be burdened with hard, dangerous labor. The boy’s longing for a simple half-hour break shows how much he craves freedom from work. The tragedy reflects the harsh reality of child labor, where innocence is lost, and lives can be shattered by preventable accidents.
Multiple-choice questions based on the text:
10 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
What sound does the buzz saw make in the poem?
A) Whispering
B) Humming
C) Snarling and rattling
D) Singing
Answer: C) Snarling and rattling
What type of wood is mentioned in the poem?
A) Oak logs
B) Stove-length sticks
C) Bamboo poles
D) Cedar planks
Answer: B) Stove-length sticks
Where could people see the mountain ranges from?
A) The kitchen window
B) The rooftop
C) The yard where the boy was working
D) The nearby forest
Answer: C) The yard where the boy was working
What does the boy’s sister do in the poem?
A) Helps him with the saw
B) Brings him water
C) Calls him for supper
D) Fixes the saw
Answer: C) Calls him for supper
How does the saw react when supper is announced?
A) It stops moving
B) It becomes quieter
C) It seems to leap at the boy’s hand
D) It breaks into pieces
Answer: C) It seems to leap at the boy’s hand
What does the narrator wish someone had done?
A) Told the boy to work faster
B) Given the boy more wood to cut
C) Called it a day earlier
D) Helped the boy carry wood
Answer: C) Called it a day earlier
What state is mentioned in the poem?
A) Maine
B) Vermont
C) New Hampshire
D) Connecticut
Answer: B) Vermont
What emotion is suggested by the phrase 'But the hand!'?
A) Joy
B) Indifference
C) Shock and horror
D) Curiosity
Answer: C) Shock and horror
What does the poem say about life and work?
A) Work is always safe if you’re careful
B) Accidents happen only to careless people
C) Life can be fragile, and work can be dangerous
D) Work is more important than life
Answer: C) Life can be fragile, and work can be dangerous
What literary device is used to describe the saw’s 'snarling' sound?
A) Metaphor
B) Personification
C) Simile
D) Hyperbole
Answer: B) Personification
Summary
The poem describes a tragic incident involving a young boy working with a buzz saw in a rural setting, possibly in Vermont. The day is nearing its end, and the boy has been diligently cutting wood with a powerful, dangerous saw. The saw is described vividly, with words like “snarled” and “rattled,” giving it an aggressive, almost animal-like presence. This creates a sense of tension, foreshadowing the tragic event to come.
As the boy works, his sister comes to call him for supper. At the mention of “supper,” the saw suddenly “leaps” toward the boy’s hand—or perhaps the boy, distracted by the thought of food and rest, accidentally moves his hand too close to the saw. The poem leaves this moment ambiguous, making the accident seem both sudden and inevitable. The boy’s hand is severely injured, and despite the efforts to save him, the injury leads to his death.
The poem reflects on the harsh realities of life, the fragility of human existence, and the dangers of child labor. The narrator expresses regret that no one told the boy to stop working earlier, wishing he had been spared just a little more time to enjoy his childhood. The buzz saw, indifferent to human life, symbolizes the cold, mechanical forces that can disrupt lives without warning.
Theme
The poem explores the themes of life’s fragility, the loss of innocence, and the harshness of child labor. It highlights how quickly life can change due to a single, small distraction and reflects on the tragic consequences of overworking children in dangerous environments. The indifferent buzz saw symbolizes how machines and fate can be ruthless, caring nothing for human emotions or lives.
Bangla Translation (Summary)
কবিতাটিতে একটি মর্মান্তিক ঘটনার বর্ণনা দেওয়া হয়েছে যেখানে একটি ছোট ছেলে গ্রামীণ পরিবেশে, সম্ভবত ভারমন্টে, একটি বাজ করাত দিয়ে কাজ করছে। দিনটি শেষের দিকে, এবং ছেলেটি একটি শক্তিশালী, বিপজ্জনক করাত দিয়ে কঠোর পরিশ্রম করে কাঠ কাটছে। করাতটি "ঝুঁকিয়ে" এবং "ঝুঁকিয়ে" শব্দ দিয়ে প্রাণবন্তভাবে বর্ণনা করা হয়েছে, যা এটিকে আক্রমণাত্মক, প্রায় পশুর মতো উপস্থিতি প্রদান করে। এটি উত্তেজনার অনুভূতি তৈরি করে, যা আসন্ন মর্মান্তিক ঘটনার পূর্বাভাস দেয়।
ছেলেটি যখন কাজ করছে, তখন তার বোন তাকে রাতের খাবারের জন্য ডাকতে আসে। "রাতের খাবার" বলার সাথে সাথে করাতটি হঠাৎ ছেলেটির হাতের দিকে "লাফিয়ে পড়ে" - অথবা হয়তো খাবার এবং বিশ্রামের চিন্তায় বিভ্রান্ত হয়ে ছেলেটি ঘটনাক্রমে করাতের খুব কাছে তার হাত সরিয়ে দেয়। কবিতাটি এই মুহূর্তটিকে অস্পষ্ট করে তোলে, যার ফলে দুর্ঘটনাটি হঠাৎ এবং অনিবার্য বলে মনে হয়। ছেলেটির হাত গুরুতর আহত হয় এবং তাকে বাঁচানোর প্রচেষ্টা সত্ত্বেও, আঘাতটি তার মৃত্যুর দিকে পরিচালিত করে।
কবিতাটি জীবনের কঠোর বাস্তবতা, মানুষের অস্তিত্বের ভঙ্গুরতা এবং শিশুশ্রমের বিপদের প্রতিফলন ঘটায়। বর্ণনাকারী দুঃখ প্রকাশ করেছেন যে কেউ ছেলেটিকে আগে কাজ বন্ধ করতে বলেনি, কামনা করে যে তার শৈশব উপভোগ করার জন্য আরও কিছুটা সময় দেওয়া হত। মানুষের জীবনের প্রতি উদাসীন, এই বাজ করা ঠান্ডা, যান্ত্রিক শক্তির প্রতীক যা সতর্কতা ছাড়াই জীবনকে ব্যাহত করতে পারে।
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30 vocabulary words from the poem with their meanings in English and Bangla translations:
Snarled – Made an aggressive, harsh sound – গর্জন করল
Rattled – Made a rapid, shaking noise – ঝনঝন শব্দ করল
Yard – An open area near a building – আঙিনা
Stove-length – A piece of wood cut to fit into a stove – চুলার মাপের কাঠ
Breeze – A light, gentle wind – হালকা বাতাস
Scented – Having a pleasant smell – সুগন্ধযুক্ত
Lifted eves – Raised roofs or edges of buildings – উঠানো ছাদের প্রান্ত
Ranges – A series of mountains or hills – পর্বতমালা
Sunset – The time when the sun goes down – সূর্যাস্ত
Snarled – Repeated for emphasis, meaning harsh growling sound – গর্জন করল
Rattled – Repeated, meaning clattering noise – ঝনঝন শব্দ করল
Light – Easy or not heavy (referring to load) – হালকা
Load – A heavy weight to carry – ভার
Supper – The evening meal – রাতের খাবার
Prove – To show something is true – প্রমাণ করা
Leaped – Jumped suddenly – লাফিয়ে উঠল
Seemed – Appeared to be – মনে হলো
Accident – An unexpected, unfortunate event – দুর্ঘটনা
Count – To consider as important – গুরুত্ব দেওয়া
Saved – Kept safe from harm or loss – রক্ষা করা
Apron – A protective cloth worn while working – এপ্রোন
Meeting – Coming together of two things – মিলন
However – No matter how or despite that – যাই হোক
Refused – Said no to something – অস্বীকার করা
Discovery – The act of finding something – আবিষ্কার
Shadow – A dark area caused by blocking light – ছায়া
Offense – Something unpleasant or upsetting – অপমান বা বিরক্তি
Fragile – Easily broken or damaged – নাজুক
Injury – Physical harm or damage – আঘাত
Despair – A feeling of hopelessness – নিরাশা
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