3. Robert Frost (cont.)

Modern Poetry (ENGL 310) with Langdon Hammer

In this second lecture on the poetry of Robert Frost, the poet's use of iambic pentameter in "Birches" is discussed. Frost's anti-modernity is evidenced in his interest in rural New England culture and his concern with the lives of laborers in "Home Burial." The failure of humanity to work real change is sardonically depicted in "Provide, Provide," but a hopeful vision of the power of imagination is presented in the final lines of the late poem, "Directive."

00:00 - Chapter 1. What Is Meter?
03:55 - Chapter 2. Robert Frost Poem: "Birches"
27:33 - Chapter 3. Where Did Frost Go to Write Poetry?
30:56 - Chapter 4. Robert Frost Poem: "Home Burial"
45:21 - Chapter 5. Robert Frost Poem: "Directive"

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://oyc.yale.edu

This course was recorded in Spring 2007.