Aquainted with the night

Rhyme Scheme, Symbolism and Tone in Robert Frost's "Acquainted with the Night" Robert Frost is known as the most famous twentieth-century, New England poet. The sonnet "Acquainted with the Night" has drawn more commentary and analysis than any other poems. The extraordinary rhythmical arrangement and word choice of the sonnet sets the reader in an inescapable mood. The symbolism comprised is also an essential element in "Acquainted with the Night". The charm of this poem …

…Maxson 73). 'Acquainted with the Night' is described as "drenched in internal and external darkness" (Marcus 125). Darkness is a model that signifies the unknown, the unconscious and mystery (Murray par.5). The images suggest that whatever night means, it is somehow associated with insomnia, loneliness, isolation, coldness, darkness, death, fear and a sense of alienation from humanity and even time. Daylight - ordinary daytime thoughts and life itself - seems remote and unavailable in the poem. (Brower 126)