The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost, Outline Example

Introduction

Thesis :  The author presents a dilemma that faces all of us in our lives.  He comes across a fork in the road and has to make a decision upon which path to follow.  He selects one and promises that he will try the other path another time.  He knows in reality that it is unlikely he will do so. This is the same with decisions we make in life. We have to select a course of action or route to follow and then live with the consequences of that decision, be them good or bad.  We rarely get the opportunity to revisit those decision points in life.

The dilemma of  decision making

All of us face those forks in the road. Key points in our lives where we have to make a decision and stand by the consequences that follow as a result of that decision.

• Claim 1 :  It is hard to decide which decision to make or the road to travel on.
  • “ And sorry I could not travel both” : you have to make a choice!
  • “ And looked far as down as I could” : you search for clues to help you try and make the right decision – but decide you must!

The Poem neither advises or tells you what to do

• Claim 1 : When you arrive at the fork in the road you take the path less travelled
  • “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and one that has made all the difference” : At the time of making the decision you have no idea how it will turn out. The concept of fate and destiny.

A sense of irony

• Claim 1: The speaker contemplates his future and that his future self will betray his moment of decision.
  • “ I shall be telling this with a sigh, Somewhere ages and ages hence” : He knows that at a future date he will look back upon this choice or decision and that he stood by the decision.

Conclusion

The poem is essentially geared towards the concept of remorse.  The concept of making a choice or decision knowing full well one day that you will regret that decision you made. You will have to live with the consequences of that decision that made the difference, however you will always question whether you made the right decision and if the other road would have provided better fortune.  It is the question of trusting the courage of your convictions and self-belief and not holding yourself to account for seizing the moment and making a decision. We all make decisions and live with the consequences.