Symbolism in Robert Frost’s Poems

ABSTRACT

Symbolism is one aspect in a poem which makes it beautiful and colorful. Through symbolism, a poem becomes interesting to be read. Without symbolism a poem is less of meaning. Due to the fact, we need a good understanding to know the symbols, categories of symbols and also the symbolic meanings in a poem.

Based on the background, this study aims at describing symbols, categories of symbols and symbolic meanings in Robert Frost’s poems.

To describe symbols, symbolic meaning and categories of symbols in Robert Frost’s poems, the researcher uses semiotic approach. Semiotic approach is developing from structural approach. In structural approach, symbol is based on the beauty of language, in contrast, semiotic approach is based on understanding the meaning of literary work through the sign (Fananie, 2000: 139).

This research is conducted using a descriptive qualitative method because
the researcher would analyze and interpret the symbolism in Robert Frost’s poems. The data which analyzed is taking in the form of words rather than number. Through the analyzing, the researcher found that there are three categories of symbols which are involved in Robert Frost’s poems. They are natural, private
and conventional symbol. Natural symbol uses nature as symbol, private symbol
is based on the poet feeling and thinking. Then conventional symbol is based on society agreement. Next, the dominant symbols that are used by Robert Frost is private symbol. The last, from those categories of symbols, the symbolic meaning that found is absolutely connotative meaning.

Based on the finding, the researcher suggests to the reader and the next researcher who wants to make this study as reference. The further researcher can analyze another poem which is same in the problems of study. Then the further researcher must be able to make her or his research more interesting and complete than this analysis.