The Rose Family
By Robert Frost
Analysis by Emily DeJarnett
The Rose Family by Robert Frost has many different meanings. Robert Frost was well known for his examination of very complex philosophical and social themes in his writings, which is very visible in this poem as well. This poem can be perceived through three main levels: the literal meaning, the rhetorical meaning, and the poetic level.
In literal terms, Frost states that the apple, pear, and plum are also representations of a rose. Near the end, he also states that we are, and have always been, roses. His literal message is that while all types of roses, even apples, pears, and plums, look different, they are all beautiful and belong to a similar family. Frost begins by talking about a rose when he says “a rose is a rose”. He follows this opening statement with how the “theory [now] goes that the apple’s a rose, and the pear is, and so’s” and “the plum, I suppose”. All of these phrases are Frost’s form of imagery. He is using sight and smell to help the reader to better understand his meaning. For the most part, Frost’s diction is very natural and comfortable to read; however, he is very vague in the use of the word “dear”. Frost never elaborates on who he is referring to. His uses of the word “so’s” to continue the rhyming pattern adds a little humor to the poem.
