The Kitchen Chimney by Robert Frost
The poem presents a speaker's request to a builder regarding the construction of a house, specifically emphasizing the importance of a proper kitchen chimney. The speaker insists on a full-length chimney that extends from the ground rather than a decorative one placed on a shelf. This insistence stems from a belief that a functional chimney is essential for the house's prosperity and safety, as it is associated with the proper functioning of a home. The speaker expresses a practical concern about the dangers of a poorly constructed chimney, linking it to the potential for fire hazards and the negative impact on the home's atmosphere. The imagery of stains on walls and the unpleasant smell of smoke highlights the consequences of neglecting this crucial aspect of the house. The speaker's disdain for a mere ornamental chimney reflects a deeper desire for authenticity and functionality in their living space. The poem contrasts the ideal of a solid, reliable structure with the superficiality of a decorative element. The speaker's reference to "castles I used to build in air" suggests a longing for genuine stability and a rejection of fanciful illusions. The insistence on a proper chimney symbolizes a broader theme of valuing substance over appearance, emphasizing the importance of practicality in domestic life. The work ultimately conveys a message about the significance of foundational elements in both architecture and life, advocating for a grounded approach to building and living.
By Robert Frost · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Symbolism · 224 words
First lines
Builder, in building the little house, In every way you may please yourself; But please please me in the kitchen chimney: Don't build me a chimney upon a shelf.
However far you must go for bricks, Whatever they cost a-piece or a pound, Buy me enough for a full-length chimney, And build the chimney clear from the ground.
It's not that I'm greatly afraid of fire, But I never heard of a house that throve (And I know of one that didn't thrive)
Where the chimney started above the stove.
What this Textopian page supports
The Kitchen Chimney is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Frost, dated 1915 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Frost
- Date: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Symbolism, Modernism, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 224 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore domesticity, construction, and the significance of home, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Symbolism — The chimney serves as a symbol for stability and the importance of proper foundations in life.
- Modernism — The poem reflects modernist themes of individual perspective and the critique of traditional structures.
Tags
Kitchen · Chimney · Poetry · Nature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Realism · Literary Device · Figurative Language · Domesticity