Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
By Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
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.
Bangla Translation
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
(একটি তুষারময় সন্ধ্যায় বনাঞ্চলে থামা)
Whose woods these are I think I know.
এই বনের মালিক কে আমি ভাবি জানি।
His house is in the village though;
তবে তার বাড়ি গ্রামে;
He will not see me stopping here
তিনি আমাকে এখানে থামতে দেখতে পাবেন না,
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
তার বনটি তুষারে ভর্তি হতে দেখার জন্য।
My little horse must think it queer
আমার ছোট ঘোড়াটি নিশ্চয়ই এটিকে অদ্ভুত মনে করে,
To stop without a farmhouse near
একটি ফার্মহাউস ছাড়া থামতে,
Between the woods and frozen lake
বন এবং জমে যাওয়া হ্রদের মাঝে,
The darkest evening of the year.
বছরের সবচেয়ে অন্ধকার সন্ধ্যায়।
He gives his harness bells a shake
সে তার গাড়ির ঘণ্টাগুলি ঝাঁকায়,
To ask if there is some mistake.
এটি পরীক্ষা করতে, কোনো ভুল হয়েছে কিনা।
The only other sound’s the sweep
আরেকটি একমাত্র শব্দ হলো
Of easy wind and downy flake.
হালকা বাতাস এবং নরম তুষারের ঝরঝর শব্দ।
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
বনটি সুন্দর, অন্ধকার এবং গভীর,
But I have promises to keep,
কিন্তু আমার কিছু প্রতিশ্রুতি পূর্ণ করতে হবে,
And miles to go before I sleep,
এবং আমাকে অনেক দূর যেতে হবে ঘুমানোর আগে,
And miles to go before I sleep.
এবং আমাকে অনেক দূর যেতে হবে ঘুমানোর আগে।
Paraphrasing
Paraphrase of "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know. I believe I know who owns these woods. I’ve seen him before, and I’m pretty sure these trees belong to him.
His house is in the village though; But the man who owns the woods lives in the village, which is far from here. He isn’t around to see what’s happening in his woods right now.
He will not see me stopping here Since he’s at his home in the village, he won’t notice me standing here, quietly watching his woods.
To watch his woods fill up with snow. I’ve stopped because I want to watch the snow gently falling and covering the ground and trees, making the woods look white and peaceful.
My little horse must think it queer My small horse probably finds it strange and unusual that I’ve stopped here because this isn’t a normal place to stop.
To stop without a farmhouse near There are no houses, farms, or people around—just empty land and trees—so it’s odd to stop in such a lonely place.
Between the woods and frozen lake We are standing in a very quiet spot, right between the dark woods and a frozen lake, where everything feels cold and still.
The darkest evening of the year. It’s the darkest night of the year, probably the winter solstice when nights are long. The darkness makes the scene feel even quieter and more mysterious.
He gives his harness bells a shake My horse shakes the bells on his harness, making a jingling sound. It’s like he’s trying to get my attention, wondering why we’ve stopped.
To ask if there is some mistake. It seems like my horse is questioning me with the sound of the bells, as if he’s asking, “Did you stop here by mistake? Shouldn’t we keep going?”
The only other sound’s the sweep Besides the sound of the bells, the only thing I can hear is the soft, gentle sound of the wind moving across the snow.
Of easy wind and downy flake. The wind is light and smooth, and the snowflakes are falling softly, like feathers drifting down. It’s peaceful and quiet all around.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep, The woods look beautiful with their thick trees covered in snow. They are dark and seem endless, creating a calm yet mysterious feeling.
But I have promises to keep, Even though I’d love to stay here and enjoy the peaceful view, I have responsibilities and things I’ve promised to do. I can’t stay too long.
And miles to go before I sleep, I still have a long journey to travel before I can rest, both in the sense of my trip and perhaps in life itself, meaning I have goals to achieve before I die.
And miles to go before I sleep. Repeating this line makes it more meaningful. It reminds me again that I have a lot to do and many places to go before I can finally relax or rest forever.
Short Answer Question:
Why does the speaker stop by the woods in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The speaker stops to watch the woods fill up with snow. He is drawn to the peaceful and serene beauty of the snow-covered woods, taking a moment to enjoy the natural scene before continuing on his journey.
Why does the speaker think the owner will not see him in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The speaker believes the owner will not see him because the owner's house is in the village, which is some distance away. The speaker is stopping in a remote spot, far from the owner's watchful eye.
What is the speaker doing in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The speaker is pausing his journey to observe the woods as they fill up with snow. He is taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the snowy evening, even though he has other commitments to fulfill.
What does the speaker say about his little horse in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The speaker says that his little horse must find it strange (queer) to stop in such a remote place, with no farmhouse nearby. The horse seems to question the stop, as it is unusual to pause without a destination like a farmhouse.
Where is the speaker in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The speaker is stopping in a quiet, isolated place between a forest and a frozen lake, on a dark winter evening. The location seems peaceful and remote, and it is described as the "darkest evening of the year."
What time of year is described in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The time of year described is winter. The presence of snow and the reference to "the darkest evening of the year" suggest a cold, winter evening.
What sound does the horse make in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The horse makes a sound by shaking his harness bells, which provides a slight noise in the quiet, snow-filled woods.
What does the horse’s action of shaking the bells suggest in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The horse's action of shaking the bells suggests that the horse is confused or questioning the stop, as it is unusual to pause in such a remote place with no nearby farmhouse.
What are the only other sounds the speaker hears in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The only other sounds the speaker hears are the "sweep of easy wind" and the "downy flake," which refers to the soft sound of snowflakes falling.
How are the woods described in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The woods are described as "lovely, dark, and deep." This description emphasizes the beauty, mystery, and peacefulness of the woods.
(What does the speaker mean by "promises to keep" in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
By "promises to keep," the speaker is referring to the responsibilities or commitments he has made that he must fulfill before he can rest.
What is the significance of the repeated line "And miles to go before I sleep" in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The repeated line emphasizes the speaker’s sense of responsibility and the long journey still ahead of him. It suggests that despite the allure of the peaceful woods, the speaker cannot stay because he has obligations that require him to keep moving forward. The line can also symbolize the speaker's awareness of the journey of life and the need to fulfill duties before rest (death).
Why might the speaker be drawn to the woods in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The speaker might be drawn to the woods because of their beauty and peacefulness. The quiet of the snowy scene, the calmness, and the isolation offer an escape from the busyness and responsibilities of life. The woods provide a moment of tranquility.
What does the snow symbolize in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The snow symbolizes purity, stillness, and the passage of time. It creates a serene and quiet atmosphere, representing the speaker's desire for peace and reflection. Snow also emphasizes the cold, isolation, and the finality of life.
Why does the speaker ultimately decide to leave the woods in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The speaker decides to leave the woods because he has responsibilities and commitments ("promises to keep") that he must fulfill before he can rest. The need to honor these promises outweighs the peaceful allure of the woods.
What mood does the poet create in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The poet creates a reflective, peaceful, and somewhat somber mood. The quiet and stillness of the snowy woods invite contemplation, but the speaker's reminder of his obligations introduces a sense of duty and melancholy.
How does the imagery of the woods contribute to the poem's theme in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The imagery of the woods, with their beauty and depth, reflects the speaker's inner conflict between the desire for peace and the need to fulfill responsibilities. The woods are inviting and mysterious, yet they also represent the pull of life's obligations that cannot be ignored.
What does the frozen lake symbolize in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The frozen lake symbolizes the passage of time, stillness, and the coldness of nature. It also represents a boundary or separation between the peaceful woods and the responsibilities that the speaker must return to.
How does the speaker's horse add to the poem's narrative in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The horse adds to the narrative by showing the contrast between the human desire for rest and the animal’s practicality. The horse’s questioning behavior, shaking its harness bells, suggests confusion about the stop in such a quiet, isolated place. It serves as a reminder that the speaker’s moment of peace is fleeting.
What does "darkest evening of the year" in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening mean?
The "darkest evening of the year" refers to the time of year closest to the winter solstice, when the days are shortest and the nights longest. It symbolizes a moment of stillness and solitude, as well as the deepening of winter and the metaphorical darkness in life.
What do "promises" in the poem symbolize in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?
The "promises" symbolize the speaker’s duties, responsibilities, and commitments in life. They represent obligations that prevent the speaker from staying in the peaceful moment of the woods, highlighting the theme of balancing personal desires with life’s responsibilities.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Who does the speaker believe owns the woods?
a) A traveler
b) A farmer
c) A villager
d) The speaker himself
Answer: c) A villager
Where is the owner of the woods' house located?
a) On the farm
b) In the city
c) In the village
d) Near the woods
Answer: c) In the village
What is the speaker doing in the woods?
a) He is lost.
b) He is watching the snow fall.
c) He is meeting someone.
d) He is on a journey.
Answer: b) He is watching the snow fall.
How does the speaker's horse react to stopping in the woods?
a) It is calm.
b) It is frightened.
c) It thinks it is a mistake.
d) It enjoys the snow.
Answer: c) It thinks it is a mistake.
What is the weather like during the speaker’s stop?
a) Sunny and warm
b) Cold and snowy
c) Stormy and windy
d) Rainy and cloudy
Answer: b) Cold and snowy
What sound can the speaker hear besides the horse's bells?
a) The sound of people talking
b) The sound of the wind and snowflakes
c) The sound of birds chirping
d) The sound of footsteps
Answer: b) The sound of the wind and snowflakes
What does the speaker mean by "The woods are lovely, dark and deep"?
a) The woods are a place of danger.
b) The woods are peaceful and mysterious.
c) The woods are bright and cheerful.
d) The woods are empty and lonely.
Answer: b) The woods are peaceful and mysterious.
What does the speaker need to do before he can rest?
a) He needs to take a break.
b) He has promises to keep.
c) He needs to find the owner of the woods.
d) He needs to get to the village.
Answer: b) He has promises to keep.
How does the poem end?
a) The speaker decides to stay in the woods forever.
b) The speaker continues his journey despite the temptation to stay.
c) The speaker goes back to the village.
d) The speaker makes a new promise.
Answer: b) The speaker continues his journey despite the temptation to stay.
Why does the speaker mention “miles to go before I sleep”?
a) To indicate he is tired and needs rest.
b) To show he has a long way to travel before he can rest.
c) To reflect on his past journey.
d) To refer to the snow falling.
Answer: b) To show he has a long way to travel before he can rest.
Short Answer Questions
Where does the speaker stop in the poem?
Answer: The speaker stops in a peaceful, snowy forest. He is traveling through a rural area and pauses in the woods to observe the snow falling, as it is a quiet and beautiful moment for reflection. The woods are isolated, between a frozen lake and no nearby houses.
What does the speaker's horse think about stopping in the woods?
Answer: The speaker’s horse seems confused or surprised by the stop. Since there are no nearby houses or farmsteads, the horse finds it strange to stop in such a remote place. The horse probably expects to continue on the journey to find a place to rest or shelter, as it is not accustomed to such an unusual stop in the middle of nowhere.
What does the horse do to express confusion?
Answer: The horse shakes the bells attached to its harness, which is a signal of confusion. This action is a form of communication, as the horse seems to be asking the speaker why they have stopped, wondering if something is wrong. The shake of the bells breaks the silence, showing the horse’s uncertainty.
What sounds are heard by the speaker in the woods?
Answer: The speaker hears the gentle sounds of the wind blowing and the soft, downy snowflakes falling. These natural sounds create a peaceful atmosphere. The only other sound mentioned in the poem is the ringing of the horse's harness bells, which contrasts with the calm of the forest. The lack of human or mechanical noise emphasizes the solitude and stillness of the moment.
What does the speaker think about the woods?
Answer: The speaker describes the woods as "lovely, dark, and deep." He sees the woods as beautiful and mysterious, full of quiet allure. The darkness could symbolize peace or even a sense of danger, as the woods seem inviting yet hidden. The depth of the woods reflects both the physical space and the emotional pull it has on the speaker, representing a moment of solitude and reflection.
What is the speaker's main concern in the poem?
Answer: The speaker’s main concern is the responsibility he has and the promises he must keep. Even though he is enjoying the stillness and beauty of the woods, he remembers he has duties or commitments that he cannot neglect. He must continue his journey, and despite his desire to stay longer, he understands that he cannot remain in the woods forever.
Why does the speaker say "And miles to go before I sleep"?
Answer: The line "And miles to go before I sleep" suggests that the speaker has a long journey ahead of him. He still has a lot of work or commitments to fulfill before he can rest. The phrase "sleep" could symbolize the end of his journey or the responsibilities he must finish before taking a break or finding peace. It also hints at the idea of death, where "sleep" might represent a final rest.
What is the significance of the “darkest evening of the year”?
Answer: The “darkest evening of the year” refers to the time of year when the days are the shortest, typically around winter solstice. This dark evening sets the mood for the poem—quiet, introspective, and peaceful. It symbolizes a time for reflection, and the fact that it is the darkest evening adds a sense of stillness, reinforcing the solitary nature of the speaker’s pause in the woods.
Why does the speaker stop in the woods despite having promises to keep?
Answer: The speaker stops in the woods because he is momentarily captivated by the beauty and peace of the scene. The snow falling, the quiet surroundings, and the solitude draw him in, creating a moment of reflection. However, he knows that he has responsibilities, which is why he cannot stay. The brief pause is more about enjoying the moment, yet he remembers the importance of moving on to fulfill his commitments.
What does the repetition of "And miles to go before I sleep" signify?
Answer: The repetition of the line “And miles to go before I sleep” emphasizes the speaker’s sense of duty and the journey he still must complete. It shows that, despite the tempting allure of the woods and the peaceful moment, he is aware of his obligations. The repetition could also convey a sense of urgency or inevitability—he cannot rest yet, and there is more to be done before he can finally stop. It serves as a reminder of the balance between the desire for peace and the necessity of responsibilities.
Short Theme:
The theme of "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" revolves around the balance between enjoying peaceful moments and fulfilling responsibilities. The beauty of nature is contrasted with the need to keep moving forward in life and honor commitments. The poem reflects on the tension between the desire for rest and the duties that require us to keep
Detailed Summary:
In Robert Frost's poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, the speaker describes a moment when he stops his sleigh in the middle of a snow-covered woods on a dark winter evening. He notes that the woods belong to someone he knows, though the owner lives in a village far away and won’t be able to see him stopping to admire the beauty of the snowy scene. The peaceful solitude of the woods fills the speaker with quiet reflection.
As the speaker observes the scene, he notices the stillness of the moment. He reflects that his little horse, who is pulling the sleigh, seems to think it’s unusual to stop in such a desolate place without a farmhouse nearby. They are between the woods and a frozen lake, on the darkest evening of the year. The horse shakes its harness bells as if questioning the stop. This sound, along with the wind blowing and the soft snowfall, is the only noise that interrupts the silence of the woods.
Despite the alluring beauty of the woods, the speaker remembers that he has responsibilities to fulfill. The woods are "lovely, dark, and deep," but he cannot stay. He has "promises to keep" and still has a long journey ahead of him. The repetition of the line “And miles to go before I sleep” suggests that the speaker's journey is far from over, and he must continue despite the temptation to stay in the peaceful moment.
The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging that his duties will pull him away from the comforting, serene woods. He must continue his journey, putting aside the peace of nature in favor of the promises and responsibilities that await him.
Bangla Translation (Summary)
রবার্ট ফ্রস্টের কবিতা Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening-এ বক্তা এমন একটি মুহূর্ত বর্ণনা করেছেন যখন তিনি একটি বরফে আচ্ছাদিত অরণ্যের মাঝখানে তার স্লে থামান একটি অন্ধকার শীতকালীন সন্ধ্যায়। তিনি উল্লেখ করেন যে অরণ্যটি এক ব্যক্তির, যিনি একটি দূরবর্তী গ্রামে বাস করেন এবং তাকে বরফে ঢাকা দৃশ্যটি উপভোগ করতে থামতে দেখে না। অরণ্যের শান্ত নির্জনতা বক্তাকে নিস্তব্ধ চিন্তা ও প্রতিফলন দ্বারা পূর্ণ করে।
বক্তা দৃশ্যটি লক্ষ্য করার সময়, তিনি মুহূর্তটির নিরবতা লক্ষ্য করেন। তিনি ভাবেন যে তার ছোট ঘোড়াটি, যে স্লে টানা হচ্ছে, এমন একটি নির্জন স্থানে থামানোকে অস্বাভাবিক মনে করছে, যেখানে আশেপাশে কোনো খামারবাড়ি নেই। তারা অরণ্য এবং একটি জমে যাওয়া হ্রদের মাঝখানে, বছরের সবচেয়ে অন্ধকার সন্ধ্যায়। ঘোড়াটি তার সজ্জার ঘণ্টাগুলি ঝাঁকাচ্ছে যেন থামানোর উদ্দেশ্য প্রশ্ন করছে। এই শব্দটি, সাথে বাতাসের বয়ে যাওয়া এবং নরম তুষারপাত, অরণ্যের নিস্তব্ধতা বিঘ্নিত করার একমাত্র শব্দ।
অরণ্যের মধুর সৌন্দর্য সত্ত্বেও, বক্তা মনে করেন যে তার কিছু দায়িত্ব রয়েছে যেগুলি তাকে পূর্ণ করতে হবে। অরণ্যটি "সুন্দর, অন্ধকার এবং গভীর," কিন্তু তিনি সেখানে থাকতে পারেন না। তার "পণ্যের প্রতি দায়িত্ব" রয়েছে এবং সামনে আরও দীর্ঘ যাত্রা বাকি আছে। "আরও মাইল যেতে হবে ঘুমানোর আগে" এই লাইনটির পুনরাবৃত্তি নির্দেশ করে যে বক্তার যাত্রা এখনও শেষ হয়নি, এবং তাকে শান্ত মুহূর্তের প্রলোভন সত্ত্বেও তার পথ চলতে হবে।
কবিতাটি শেষ হয় যখন বক্তা উপলব্ধি করেন যে তার দায়িত্বগুলি তাকে অরণ্যের সেই শান্তিপূর্ণ পরিবেশ থেকে টেনে নিয়ে যাবে। তাকে তার যাত্রা চালিয়ে যেতে হবে, প্রকৃতির শান্তি ত্যাগ করে, এমন দায়িত্বগুলি পূর্ণ করতে হবে যা তার অপেক্ষায় রয়েছে।
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