Desing by Robert Frost

I have enjoyed reading the poem, Design, by Robert Frost. The author draws attention to the theme of fate and predetermination by skillfully examining the three characters in this poem; a flower, a moth and a spider.

The author uses denotation of the words “froth” and “innocent” to describe the ‘heal-all’ flower in this poem. “A flower like a froth” gives an image of the fragileness of the prime time in the human life. The word “innocent” implies pure, free of guilt or sin. The speaker questions the reasoning of the flower “being white” and “innocent” in the role that this flower plays in causing the moth’s death by the spider.

The moth is described as “a white piece of rigid satin cloth” caught by the spider. The speaker chooses the symbolism of the “satin cloth” with its implied symbolism of death, or a material often used to lined the coffins.

The “dimpled spider”, moth and a flower are mixed “like the ingredients of a witch’s broth” that are brought together by some power that “governs” their destiny. The author is questioning the audience with what humans can do to avoid a predetermined future, if even the smallest things cannot escape the great circle of life and death.  

This poem  inspires the audience to meditate on philosophical questions; is there some master plan that we all following and all that maybe our future is predetermined, or are humans capable of deciding their  own destiny and to what degree?

I have enjoyed studying this poem, especially the author’s choice of words, symbolism and imagery that were used this poem.