Acquainted with the Night
Poetry
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Robert Frost
Acquainted with the Night Full Poem
Acquainted with the Night
By Robert Frost (1874-1963)
I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain—and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.
I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.
I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came ove...
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Acquainted with the Night Summary
Background
Robert Frost’s “Acquainted with the Night” was written around 1920 and published in 1928 in his famous poetry collection West-Running Brook. This poem is one of Frost’s most profound and philosophical creations, where he speaks about his loneliness, melancholy, and inner darkness. It was written during a period when Frost was deeply affected by personal sorrow, self-reflection, and emot...
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Acquainted with the Night Literary Device
Symbols
The Night: “Night” is the central symbol of the poem. It is not just a time of darkness, but a symbol of human loneliness, sorrow, and inner suffering. When the poet says, “I have been one acquainted with the night,” it means he is familiar with that dark part of life which every human being experiences at some point — solitude, despair, and inner conflict.
The Rain: “Rain” symbolizes...
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Acquainted with the Night Theme
Themes
Loneliness and Isolation: The main theme of the poem is human loneliness and separation from society. The poet says, “I have been one acquainted with the night,” meaning he is someone familiar with darkness, silence, and solitude. He walks through the city streets, passes the watchman, but speaks to no one. This shows how deeply lonely a person can be, even while living within modern soc...
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