ath of the Hired Man.” [NU: 2019, 21]
Robert Frost’s (1874-1963) poem “The Death of the Hired Man” was first published in his 1914 collection North of Boston. It takes place in a countryside farmhouse. The poem is about a couple, Warren and Mary. They discuss the return of their old farm worker, Silas. Through this conversation, Frost explores deep themes like home, duty, kindness, and desire for human connection. It is one of Frost’s best poems about rural settings.
Form and Structure: The poem is written in blank verse. It means the poem has no rhyme scheme, but it follows iambic pentameter. This gives the poem a natural, conversational style. It feels like a real conversation between Warren and Mary. This structure helps Frost to present deep ideas through simple, everyday speech.
Symbols and Images: Frost uses many symbols in this poem. The farm is a symbol of home. The farm is the only home Silas knows. He thinks Warren and Mary are his closest ones. This is why he does not go to his rich brother in his final moments. The poem is also filled with vivid images. We find an image of the moon falling in the west.
“...Moon was falling down the west.”
This image foreshadows Silas’s death. Later, a cloud slowly comes over the moon, and Silas dies. With his images, Frost creates a sad but peaceful atmosphere that fits Silas’s end.
Language and Style: Frost’s language is simple, clear, and conversational. His language closely follows the accent of the rural New Englanders, where Frost lived. The dialogue between Warren and Mary feels very real.
The Death of the Hired Man—Home: The poem starts at the farmhouse of Warren and Mary in the evening. Mary tells her husband that their old farmhand, Silas, has returned. Silas is old and very sick. She tells Warren to “be kind” to Silas. However, Warren is unhappy with Silas. He remembers how Silas left them in the middle of a haying season, when they needed him the most. Moreover, Silas is now very old and weak. So, Warren does not want to hire him again. However, Mary feels pity for Silas.
Mary believes that Silas has not returned to find work. She believes Silas has come back because this farm is the only home he knows. She says to Warren:
“He [Silas] has come home to die.”
Warren argues that this is not Silas’s home. He thinks home is about blood connection and obligation. He says:
“‘Home is the place where, when you have to go there,
They have to take you in.’”
Warren says Silas should go to his brother, a rich bank director. Mary believes home is “something you somehow haven't to deserve.” It means home does not require a blood connection. Home is about love and kindness. Warren listens and slowly begins to soften. Finally, when he goes inside the house to check on Silas, he is already dead.
Justice and Kindness: Warren first believes in strict justice. He remembers Silas’s mistakes. So, he does not want to hire him back. However, Mary realizes that Silas needs kindness in his last moments.
“‘Be kind,’ she said.”
Mary knows that Silas has come home to die in peace, and they should forgive him. By the time Warren softens, Silas is already dead. The poem suggests Mary’s view is right—human beings need kindness more than judgment.
In fine, “The Death of the Hired Man” is not just about a farm worker—it is about human life, home, kindness, and love. Frost shows that forgiveness is more important than justice. The poem’s rural setting, simple dialogue, and deep emotions make it one of Frost’s most significant works.
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