The Runaway by Robert Frost (1916)
The poem begins with a scene set in a mountain pasture during the onset of snowfall. The speaker and a companion encounter a young colt, which exhibits fear and confusion in response to the snow. The colt's behavior—one forefoot on the wall and the other curled—indicates its unease and lack of experience with winter conditions. As the colt bolts away, the speaker reflects on its fear, suggesting that the animal is not merely playing but genuinely frightened. The speaker expresses concern for the colt's well-being, questioning its isolation and the absence of its mother. The imagery of the colt as a shadow against the snow emphasizes its vulnerability. The speaker doubts that even the colt's mother could reassure it about the weather, highlighting the colt's innocence and naivety. As the colt returns, its frantic movements and wide eyes suggest heightened anxiety. The speaker's tone shifts to a protective stance, criticizing whoever has left the colt out in the cold. The poem captures themes of innocence, fear, and the responsibilities of caretaking, illustrating the colt's struggle against the harshness of nature and the need for guidance and protection. The imagery and emotional resonance evoke a sense of empathy for the young creature, underscoring the bond between animals and their caretakers.
By Robert Frost · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Literary Fiction · 271 words
First lines
Once when the snow of the year was beginning to fall, We stopped by a mountain pasture to say, "Whose colt?"
A little Morgan had one forefoot on the wall, The other curled at his breast. He dipped his head And snorted at us. And then he had to bolt.
We heard the miniature thunder where he fled, And we saw him, or thought we saw him, dim and grey, Like a shadow against the curtain of falling flakes.
"I think the little fellow's afraid of the snow.
What this Textopian page supports
The Runaway is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Frost, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Robert Frost
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Literary Fiction, Childrens Literature, Philosophical
- Length: 271 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- The Sea by Emily Dickinson
- House And Man by Edward Thomas
- Reluctance by Robert Frost
- The Grass by Emily Dickinson
- New Hampshire by Robert Frost
- Birches by Robert Frost
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that employs meter, rhyme, and vivid imagery typical of poetic forms.
- Nature — The poem explores themes of nature, particularly winter and animal behavior in a natural setting.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative reflects on deeper themes of fear, isolation, and the relationship between humans and animals.
- Childrens Literature — The simplicity of the language and the focus on a young colt's perspective may appeal to a younger audience.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Solitude · Escape · Freedom · Adventure · Journey · Self-Discovery · Mortality · Regret · Longing · Nostalgia