Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Frost’s poem "Revelation" delves into the theme of concealment and the desire for genuine understanding. Through its concise and reflective verses, the poem explores the tension between the masks people wear and the underlying truths they wish to be discovered.

The poem opens with an observation about human behavior: "We make ourselves a place apart / Behind light words that tease and flout." Frost suggests that people often create a barrier of superficial words and behaviors to distance themselves from others. These "light words" serve to deflect deeper inquiries and maintain a semblance of control over their inner selves. The phrase "a place apart" indicates a self-imposed isolation, where individuals retreat to protect their vulnerable emotions and thoughts.

The next lines reveal the emotional toll of this concealment: "But oh, the agitated heart / Till someone find us really out." Despite the façade of casualness, there is an underlying restlessness and longing for true understanding. The heart remains "agitated," indicating a deep-seated anxiety or turmoil. This restlessness persists until someone sees through the superficial exterior and truly comprehends the person's inner self. The use of the word "really" emphasizes the authenticity of this desired understanding, contrasting sharply with the triviality of the "light words."

Frost then addresses the common justification for this behavior: "’Tis pity if the case require / (Or so we say) that in the end / We speak the literal to inspire / The understanding of a friend." Here, the speaker acknowledges that it is unfortunate when circumstances force individuals to abandon their disguises and speak plainly to foster genuine connection. The parenthetical phrase "Or so we say" suggests a resignation or a reluctant acceptance of this necessity. There is an inherent tension between the desire to be understood and the fear of exposing one’s true self.

The final quatrain broadens the scope of this dynamic: "But so with all, from babes that play / At hide-and-seek to God afar, / So all who hide too well away / Must speak and tell us where they are." Frost draws a parallel between the behavior of children playing hide-and-seek and the more profound concealments of adults, and even the divine. The game of hide-and-seek serves as a metaphor for the universal human tendency to hide parts of oneself, whether for protection, fear, or other reasons. However, just as children must eventually reveal their hiding places, so too must those who "hide too well away" if they wish to be truly known.

The mention of "God afar" introduces a spiritual dimension, suggesting that even the divine engages in a form of concealment. This line can be interpreted as a commentary on the human quest for spiritual understanding and the elusive nature of divine revelation. Just as people long for genuine connection and understanding from one another, they also seek to comprehend the divine, which often feels distant and hidden.

The poem concludes with the assertion that "all who hide too well away / Must speak and tell us where they are." This final declaration underscores the necessity of revealing oneself to achieve true understanding and connection. It implies that while concealment may offer temporary safety or control, it ultimately leads to isolation. True intimacy and comprehension can only be achieved through openness and vulnerability.

"Revelation" thus captures the complex interplay between concealment and the desire for understanding. Frost's nuanced exploration of this theme highlights the universal human struggle to balance self-protection with the yearning for genuine connection. Through its evocative imagery and reflective tone, the poem invites readers to consider their own tendencies to hide and the potential rewards of revealing their true selves to others.

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