Beyond the Verse

'The Road Not Taken': (Mis)Understanding Robert Frost

PoemAnalysis.com Season 1 Episode 3

I shall be telling this with a sigh / Somewhere ages and ages hence: / Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference.

In this week's episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, Joe and Maiya explore the poem 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost, and its induction into the social sphere as a poem that is so often misquoted.

They discuss 'The Road Not Taken' (1915), exploring the public's misinterpretation of the poem, the American pastoral tradition and how it moves forward into the future, as well as Frost's position in the American canon. Joe and Maiya discuss Frost's enduring influence and transformation into one of modern times' most revered poets.

Get PDFs on 'The Road Not Taken' exclusive to Poetry+ users:


For more information on Frost and his work, check out poemanaylsis.com, where you can find a huge selection of analysed poems, with PDFs to aid, and explorations in our extensive PDF Learning Library - see our Robert Frost PDF Guide!

Plus, stay tuned to get some recommendations for alternate poets that have been inspired by Frost's work!

Tune in and Discover:

  • Frost's position in the canon and role in American poetic tradition
  • Key themes throughout 'The Road Not Taken' and the poet's other work
  • Friends and influences of Frost
  • The Great American pastoral tradition

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

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