Thinking about the Poem

Q1. Where does the traveller find himself? What problem does he face?
Answer: The traveller finds himself at a point where two roads diverge in a yellow wood. The problem he faces is that he cannot travel on both roads and must choose only one.

Q2. Discuss what these phrases mean to you.

(i) a yellow wood
Answer: This phrase refers to a forest during the autumn season, when the leaves of the trees have turned yellow. It symbolizes a crucial point in life where a decision must be made.

(ii) it was grassy and wanted wear
Answer: This means that the road had not been used by many people. The phrase “wanted wear” indicates that the road was still fresh and untrodden, which suggests it was a less popular choice.

(iii) the passing there
Answer: This phrase refers to the foot traffic or the act of people walking on the road.

(iv) leaves no step had trodden black
Answer: This means that the leaves on the ground had not been crushed and darkened by people walking on them. It reinforces the idea that the road was a less-traveled one.

(v) how way leads on to way
Answer: This means that one choice or path in life leads to another, and it is very difficult to go back to the original starting point to make a different choice.

Q3. Is there any difference between the two roads as the poet describes them

(i) in stanzas two and three?
Answer: In the second stanza, the poet suggests a slight difference, saying the second road had “perhaps the better claim” because it was “grassy and wanted wear.” However, in the third stanza, he says that in reality, both roads “equally lay” and were worn “really about the same.” So, the difference was more perceived than actual.

(ii) in the last two lines of the poem?
Answer: In the last two lines, the poet states that he took “the one less travelled by, / And that has made all the difference.” Here, the poet portrays the two roads as distinctly different, with one being the less popular choice. He attributes his life’s path to this particular choice.

Q4. What do you think the last two lines of the poem mean? (Looking back, does the poet regret his choice or accept it?)
Answer: The last two lines mean that the poet’s decision to take the less-traveled road had a significant and lasting impact on his life. The tone of the lines is one of contemplation and acceptance rather than regret. The “sigh” mentioned earlier in the poem suggests a mix of feelings, a bit of nostalgia and wonder about the other path, but the final lines show he has embraced the outcome of his choice and believes it has made all the difference.

II.Q1. 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)?
Answer: This is a personal response question and will vary from student to student. A sample answer might be: “Yes, I believe everyone faces difficult choices. A difficult choice I might have to make in the future is deciding what stream of subjects to pursue. I would make this choice by considering my strengths and interests, and also by thinking about my long-term goals. I would talk to my teachers, parents, and older students to get a clearer picture before making a decision.”

Q2. After you have made a choice do you always think about what might have been, or do you accept the reality?
Answer: This is a personal response question and will vary from student to student. A sample answer might be: “After making a choice, I sometimes think about what might have been, but I try not to dwell on it. It is more important to accept the reality of the path I have chosen and work hard to succeed. Constantly looking back would prevent me from focusing on the present and making the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.”