An Example for All:
An Analysis of "The Silken Tent"
In "The Silken Tent," Robert Frost is bringing
acknowledgement to the noteworthy role of women. He praises them with
compliments that would boost any woman's ego. He points at the many
responsibilities this particular woman has and how she lovingly attends to
them. She is beyond the ordinary. Frost puts her on a pedestal, to
make an example for all women to follow.
The variation of rhythm in line 8 emphasizes that the woman
"seems to owe" nothing to anyone. However, she actually
maintains obligations to everyone. The "central cedar pole"
"signifies the sureness of the soul," which in turn implies inner
security. The woman is being compared to a silken tent, implying a soft,
smooth, rich love for her responsibilities, being beyond the ordinary.
"Seems to owe naught to any single cord" might imply
the woman's freedom from her responsibilities--perhaps her husband, her friends,
or maybe even her career. In reality, however, she becomes a part of
things all around her. "But strictly held by none, is loosely
bound," implies that the woman does, in fact, handle responsibility
willingly and faithfully. "By countless silken ties of love and
thought" indicates that the woman does, indeed, take on responsibilities
out of love for her "cords." Not only does she do it out of
love, but she is thoughtful and kind, considering the consequences of a new
responsibility before making any commitments.
"And only by one's going slightly taut,/ in the
capriciousness of summer air,/ is of the slightest bondage made aware"
means that the awareness of her responsibilities is brought on by reality.
"The capriciousness of summer air" is the fickle, erratic, incessant
behavior that people seem to have when it is the summer season of one's
life. Or, perhaps, it could be that they are happy that the cold
temperatures and snow of winter has passed. More literally, the hard times
and rough spots have passed, for the time being anyway. The woman is rich
in resources, extending herself "to everything on earth the compass
round." She can handle everything that life can "dish out,"
such as the stress and strain that come with love. She is smooth or
soothing, like a "sunny summer breeze," being a warm and compassionate
woman.
Also, being like "a silken tent," her actions and
attitudes toward her responsibilities are crisp and fresh. She doesn't
have the feeling that they are a burden, so she is not weary of them. When
being compared to a "sunny summer breeze," she is like a refreshment
to the soul. "At midday" might imply that she is a middle-aged
woman. She is beyond the ordinary because not many women who are
middle-aged can be so stimulating. This emphasizes even further that the
woman is not stuck in a rut. Thus, this may be the whole idea behind
Frost's praise of women.
--posted by permission of the student
