>The poem's dual-meaning is central to its popularization
I'm not sure about that. Ask 100 people at least peripherally familiar with the poem what its central point is and 99 would answer something along the lines of "taking the less popular path."
I agree with the author's point though. I remember a Dartmouth English professor talking about this years ago and once he pointed out what the words actually said, the actual meaning seemed obvious in retrospect.
> he pointed out what the words actually said, the actual meaning seemed obvious in retrospect.
> Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
This section negates the "actual meaning" being derived by the author.
The reference to the future aspect of having traveled the choice he did not make is imaginary.
Once we make a choice, rarely do we change it. The poem is not about choosing the less traveled path, for sure. It is lamenting the possibilities offered, unknown, and therefore attractive in hindsight for a choice made and likely never faced again...allowing for exploration of the reality.
I'm not sure about that. Ask 100 people at least peripherally familiar with the poem what its central point is and 99 would answer something along the lines of "taking the less popular path."
I agree with the author's point though. I remember a Dartmouth English professor talking about this years ago and once he pointed out what the words actually said, the actual meaning seemed obvious in retrospect.