Relating Light Pollution to Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

 Any fan of poetry is familiar with the works of Robert Frost (1874-1963). He was one of the most celebrated and influential American poets of the 20th century, and his poems often explored the themes of nature, rural life, and human psychology.

One of his most famous poems “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, describes a traveler who pauses to admire the beauty of a snowy forest, but also feels the pressure of his obligations and responsibilities. The poem has been interpreted in various ways, such as a reflection on death, a meditation on solitude, or a celebration of nature. 

Now it’s time for a modern interpretation in the context of light pollution.

In this analysis, we will examine how the poem contrasts the natural darkness of the woods with the artificial light of the village, how the poem expresses the value and beauty of natural darkness, and how the poem challenges us to appreciate and protect the dark skies that we still have.

The Contrast Between Natural Darkness and Artificial Light

The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines that follow an AABA rhyme scheme.

First Stanza

The first stanza introduces the setting and the situation of the speaker:

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow

The speaker identifies the owner of the woods as someone who lives in the village, implying that he himself is an outsider or a visitor. He also assumes that the owner will not see him stopping by his woods, suggesting that he is doing something unusual or secretive. He does not explain why he stops to watch the woods fill up with snow, but he implies that he is attracted by their beauty and tranquility.

Second Stanza

The second stanza describes the scene and the mood of the speaker:

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

The speaker acknowledges that his horse must think it strange to stop in such a remote and dark place, without any sign of human habitation or activity. He also specifies that it is the darkest evening of the year, which could mean either the winter solstice or simply a very dark night. He creates a contrast between the natural darkness of the woods and frozen lake, and the artificial light that would be expected from a farmhouse or a village.

Third Stanza

The third stanza reveals the sound and the feeling of the speaker:

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound’s the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The speaker notes that his horse shakes his harness bells, as if to question his decision or to remind him of his duty. He then states that the only other sound’s the sweep of easy wind and downy flake, which creates a sense of calmness and serenity. He contrasts the noise and the silence, the movement and the stillness, the human and the natural.

Fourth Stanza

The fourth stanza repeats and modifies the first stanza, showing the conflict and the resolution of the speaker:

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

The speaker expresses his admiration and appreciation for the woods, which he describes as lovely, dark, and deep. He uses an oxymoron to combine the positive and negative connotations of darkness, suggesting that he finds beauty and mystery in it.

He also implies that he would like to stay longer in the woods, or perhaps even sleep there. However, he also remembers his obligations and responsibilities, which he calls promises. He indicates that he has a long journey ahead of him, both literally and figuratively, before he can rest. He repeats the last line for emphasis, showing his reluctance and resignation.

The poem thus contrasts the natural darkness of the woods with the artificial light of the village, which represent different aspects of the speaker’s life and personality. The woods symbolize his attraction to nature, beauty, solitude, and freedom, while the village symbolizes his commitment to society, duty, civilization, and convention. The speaker is torn between these two forces, but ultimately chooses to follow the latter.

The Value and Beauty of Natural Darkness

The poem also expresses the value and beauty of natural darkness, which is often overlooked or ignored in our modern society. The speaker shows his appreciation and respect for the dark skies that he encounters in his journey, which allow him to enjoy the scenery and the silence of the night. He also shows his curiosity and wonder for the dark mysteries that lie beyond his sight, which invite him to explore and discover. He recognizes that darkness is not only a negative or a threat, but also a positive and an opportunity.

The poem challenges us to reconsider our perception and attitude towards natural darkness, which is increasingly endangered by light pollution. Not only does it waste energy and money, but also disrupts our circadian rhythm, increases our risk of various diseases, harms our wildlife and ecosystems, reduces our visibility and safety, and obscures our view of the night sky.

The poem reminds us that natural darkness is a precious and essential resource that we should value and protect. Natural darkness offers us many benefits, such as:

The Challenge to Appreciate and Protect Dark Skies

The poem also challenges us to appreciate and protect the dark skies that we still have, before they are lost forever. The speaker shows his dilemma and decision in the last stanza, where he acknowledges the loveliness of the woods, but also remembers his promises to keep. He chooses to leave the woods and continue his journey, but he also repeats the last line, indicating his hesitation and regret. He implies that he might not have another chance to see or enjoy the dark skies again, as they are threatened by the artificial light of the village and the modern world.

The poem invites us to reflect on our own choices and actions regarding light pollution and dark skies.

It asks us to consider the following questions:

The poem urges us to act now, before it is too late.

To learn how you can help, visit DarkSky.org for more information on saving our night skies.

Takeaway

Robert Frost’s poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is a timeless and universal piece of literature that relates to light pollution in many ways. The poem contrasts the natural darkness of the woods with the artificial light of the village, expresses the value and beauty of natural darkness, and challenges us to appreciate and protect dark skies. The poem also reflects our own dilemmas and decisions regarding light pollution and dark skies, and urges us to act now, before it is too late. The poem reminds us that natural darkness is a precious and essential resource that we should value and protect. 

As Mr. Frost wrote, “The woods are lovely, dark and deep”. Let’s keep them that way.

About the Authors

We are avid stargazers Jason and Alison Takacs also known as Roadtrippin’ with Takacs. With our two boys Preston and Grayson, we seek out some of the darkest skies in the country while also going on many incredible hiking and other outdoor adventures. As part-time RVers, we try to see as much of this amazing world as possible in our spare time and hope you will join us through this blog on RWT Adventures and other forms of social media as we explore the night sky and other natural wonders as hardcore astrotourists.