If you’re grappling with a particularly evocative poetry crossword clue, chances are you’ve encountered the timeless work of Robert Frost. His poems, known for their accessible language yet profound depth, often find their way into challenging literary crossword puzzles. Today, we’re diving into one such gem: Frost’s ‘___ by the Pacific’. This short, impactful piece, while deceptively simple in its title, unveils a universe of thought and emotion, making it a favorite for those constructing or solving a poetry crossword clue.
Published in 1928, ‘___ by the Pacific’ is a testament to Frost’s keen observation of nature and his insightful commentary on the human condition. It appeared in his Pulitzer Prize-winning collection,
West-Running Brook
, solidifying its place within his celebrated canon. The poem itself is remarkably concise, a mere sixteen lines, yet it packs the emotional punch of an epic. It presents a dramatic confrontation between the land and the ocean, a scene that transcends mere landscape description to become a metaphor for existential concerns. For anyone tackling a complex crossword clue related to American poetry, understanding the essence of this poem is key.
Frost masterfully uses the setting of a rocky coastline, where the land abruptly meets the immense power of the Pacific, to explore themes of fate, human ambition, and the overwhelming force of nature. The “cloud” and the “storm” are not just meteorological phenomena; they symbolize impending change, perhaps even a coming reckoning. There’s a palpable sense of unease, a foreboding atmosphere that suggests humanity’s grand designs might be utterly insignificant in the face of nature’s indifference. This tension and profound imagery are precisely why it’s such a compelling subject for a literary crossword clue.
The poem’s structure itself is noteworthy. Comprising two octaves, or eight-line stanzas, it employs a consistent AABB CCDD rhyme scheme in the first stanza, shifting slightly in the second while maintaining a strong rhythm. This formal precision often belies the chaotic power it describes, creating a striking contrast that enhances its impact. Frost’s language is characteristically plain and direct, yet imbued with immense symbolic weight. Phrases like “something beginning with ‘a roar'” or “The shore was led to believe in it” anthropomorphize nature, giving the elements a conscious, almost malevolent intent. When a crossword clue points to Frost’s powerful imagery, pieces like this come immediately to mind.
At its heart, ‘___ by the Pacific’ grapples with humanity’s place in a vast, indifferent cosmos. The “men of a doubtful dark” seem to stand on the precipice, observing a natural drama that might foreshadow their own ultimate fate. It evokes the sublime – that awe-inspiring, terrifying beauty that reminds us of our smallness. This profound philosophical underpinning makes the poem an enduring piece of literature and a fascinating challenge for any crossword enthusiast facing a literary crossword clue.
The poem’s enduring popularity ensures its frequent appearance in various forms, including, of course, as a crossword clue. Its concise title and memorable imagery make it perfectly suited for the constraints of a crossword grid, challenging solvers to recall not just the words but the poem’s profound message. Solving a literary crossword clue like this one isn’t just about filling in boxes; it’s about engaging with the rich tapestry of human thought and expression that great poetry offers. It’s a testament to the poem’s enduring legacy that it frequently features in crossword clues, inviting new generations to discover Frost’s masterful craft and the weighty questions he poses. So, next time you see a crossword clue hinting at this powerful work, remember the storm, the shore, and the profound questions they raise.
Available Answers:
ONCE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Katy Steinmetz & Rich Katz / Ed. Patti Varol