Home Burial by Robert Frost (1914)
The poem explores the complexities of grief and the breakdown of relationships following a stillbirth. The speaker's wife is consumed by her loss, while he is more concerned with the practicalities of life and the need to return to work. Their differing reactions lead to tension and conflict between them.
By Robert Frost · First published 1914 · Genre: Drama, Tragedy, Psychological · 1,428 words
First lines
He saw her from the bottom of the stairs Before she saw him. She was starting down, Looking back over her shoulder at some fear.
She took a doubtful step and then undid it To raise herself and look again. He spoke Advancing toward her: "What is it you see From up there always-for I want to know."
What this Textopian page supports
Home Burial is listed on Textopian as a play by Robert Frost, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Robert Frost
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Tragedy, Psychological, Domestic, Realism
- Length: 1,428 words
- Structure: 1 section, 75 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Home Burial by Robert Frost
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- A Servant To Servants by Robert Frost
- A Father by Anton Chekhov
- Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen
- The Marshals Widow by Anton Chekhov
- Burial by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Barbara by J. M. Barrie
Genres
- Drama — The work is a dramatic narrative poem that explores intense emotional conflict and dialogue between two characters.
- Tragedy — The poem deals with themes of grief, loss, and misunderstanding following the death of a child, leading to a tragic emotional rift.
- Psychological — The narrative delves deeply into the psychological states and emotional turmoil of the characters, particularly focusing on their internal struggles and perceptions.
- Domestic — The setting and conflict revolve around domestic life and the intimate relationship between a husband and wife.
Tags
Marriage · Grief · Loss · Death · Family · Conflict · Emotion · Psychological · Drama · Poetry · Symbolism · Irony