Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Is this poem about World War One? What images here might bring war to mind?
- How does the poem deal with industrialization that takes away people's identities?
- How does Frost structure the story? Is this a linear narrative, or an impressionistic sketch? How can you tell?
- Is the buzz saw a character, a device, or both? What parts of the poem support your idea?
- Is the boy guilty of anything? Is this punishment for a crime, or a freak accident? How do you know?
- Is the boy's family's indifference understandable or callous? Is his value only a reflection of the work he can do? Why do you think so?