The Road Not Taken | Class 9 English Question Answer |

The Road Not Taken

By Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

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.

GLOSSARY

• diverged: separated and took a different direction.

• undergrowth: dense growth of plants and bushes.

• wanted wear: had not been used.

• hence: here, in the future.

Thinking about the Poem

1. Where does the traveller find himself? What problem does he face?

The traveller finds himself at a fork in the road in a yellow wood. He faces the problem of choosing which path to take, knowing he cannot travel both.

2. Discuss what these phrases mean to you.

(i) a yellow wood

This phrase refers to a forest with yellow leaves, likely in the autumn season. It symbolizes change or transition in the traveller’s life.

(ii) it was grassy and wanted to wear

This suggests that the path was covered with grass and looked as if it had not been frequently used. It represents a choice that is unconventional or less popular.

(iii) the passing there

This phrase indicates that few people have passed through that particular path.

(iv) leaves no step had trodden black

This means that the fallen leaves on the path were still fresh and had not been walked over, indicating that the path was not commonly taken.

(v) How way leads on to way

This signifies that one choice often leads to another, making it difficult to return to the starting point and explore other options.

3. Is there any difference between the two roads as the poet describes them

(i) In stanzas two and three?

In stanzas two and three, the poet initially describes one road as having a better claim because it was grassy and “wanted wear.” However, he later mentions that both roads were actually worn about the same, indicating little difference between them.

(ii) in the last two lines of the poem?

In the last two lines, the poet emphasizes that taking the road “less travelled by” has made all the difference in his life. It implies that his choice was significant, even if there was no major difference between the two roads initially.

4. What do you think the last two lines of the poem mean? (Looking back, does the poet regret his choice or accept it?)

The last two lines suggest that the poet accepts his choice. He acknowledges that the road he chose has shaped his life and made it unique. There is no direct regret; instead, there is a sense of reflection on how his decision has influenced his journey.

II.

1. Have you ever had to make a difficult choice (or do you think you will have difficult choices to make)? How will you make the choice (for what reasons)?

(Personal Response Required)

Yes, I have faced difficult choices, such as selecting between two career paths. I made my decision based on my interests, skills, and long-term goals.

2. After you have made a choice do you always think about what might have been, or do you accept the reality?

(Personal Response Required)

After making a choice, I try to accept the reality and move forward. However, occasionally, I do wonder about the possibilities of what might have happened if I had chosen differently.

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Quote to Reflect On:

"Time is not measured by the passing of years but by what one does, what one feels, and what one achieves." — Jawaharlal Nehru

Additional Question & Answer

1. Why does the poet choose the road "less travelled by"?
The poet chooses the road “less travelled by” because he wants to take a less conventional path and explore a choice that others might not take. It symbolizes his desire to make a unique decision, even though there wasn’t much visible difference between the two paths.

2. How does the poem reflect the concept of decision-making in life?
The poem reflects the concept of decision-making by illustrating how choices shape our lives. It conveys that each decision can lead to a different outcome, and once a path is chosen, it’s challenging to go back and try another route. This concept is a metaphor for life's choices and their consequences.

3. What is the significance of the poet saying, “I shall be telling this with a sigh”?
The phrase “I shall be telling this with a sigh” indicates that the poet anticipates looking back on this choice with mixed emotions. The sigh can be interpreted as a sign of reflection, acceptance, or perhaps even a hint of regret. It shows that the choice made has left a deep impact on his life.

4. Why does the poet doubt if he “should ever come back”?
The poet doubts if he should ever come back because he realizes that one decision often leads to another. Life continues in a forward direction, and once a choice is made, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to return to the original point and explore other options.

5. How does the poem symbolize life’s journey?
The poem symbolizes life’s journey by using the metaphor of a traveller at a fork in the road. Each path represents different opportunities, decisions, and directions in life. The poet’s decision to choose one path over the other illustrates the idea that our choices determine our journey and ultimately shape our destiny.

6. What does the poet mean by saying, “And that has made all the difference”?
By saying, “And that has made all the difference,” the poet is reflecting on how his choice has significantly influenced his life. The phrase suggests that, whether good or bad, the decision he made shaped his experiences, and he acknowledges that it was a defining moment in his life.

7. What do the two roads in the poem represent?
The two roads represent two different choices or opportunities in life. They symbolize the dilemma of decision-making, where each path leads to a different set of experiences. The poem suggests that while choices may seem small, they can have a profound impact on one’s life.

8. How does the poem explore the theme of individuality?
The poem explores the theme of individuality by emphasizing the poet’s decision to take the road “less traveled by.” This choice represents his willingness to follow a unique path, even if it means going against the crowd. It highlights the importance of making decisions based on one’s personal beliefs and preferences.

9. What message does the poet convey through the poem?
The poet conveys the message that life is full of choices, and each decision we make has the potential to alter our course. He encourages readers to embrace their own paths and decisions, understanding that they are what make us who we are. The poem suggests that it’s okay to choose a different path, even if it’s uncertain or unconventional.

10. How does the poem make you feel about your own choices in life?
(Personal Response Required)
The poem makes me reflect on my own choices and their impact on my life. It reminds me that each decision, big or small, contributes to the person I become. It encourages me to be confident in my choices and to embrace the journey, regardless of the path I choose.