Design - A poem by Robert Frost

Robert Frost - Design

I found a dimpled spider, fat and white,
On a white heal-all, holding up a moth
Like a white piece of rigid satin cloth --
Assorted characters of death and blight
Mixed ready to begin the morning right,
Like the ingredients of a witches' broth --
A snow-drop spider, a flower like a froth,
And dead wings carried like a paper kite.

What had that flower to do with being white,
The wayside blue and innocent heal-all?
What brought the kindred spider to that height,
Then steered the white moth thither in the night?
What but design of darkness to appall?--
If design govern in a thing so small.

Added: on September 28th, 2009 at 1:29 AM | Viewed: 41258 times | Comments and analysis of Design by Robert Frost Comments (29)

Design - Comments and Information
Poet: Robert Frost (Robert Frost Art) Poem: Design Volume: A Further Range Year: Published/Written in 1936 Poem of the Day: Sep 14 2006 Comment 29 of 29, added on November 15th, 2009 at 10:44 PM. Frost's "Design" The piece is a commentary on "design" arguments for the existence of God. The argument proceeds simply as follows: Nature reveals a design so precise that a designer of that nature must exist, i.e., God. The poem's response: one being's design for good is another's design for evil. What works for the spider is a disaster for the moth...thus, the "God" that is argued for depends on t e perspective, whether the design enhances or collapses life. Keith from United States Comment 28 of 29, added on November 4th, 2009 at 4:54 AM. i am an iranian sophomore english student and i have to give a lecture on this poem.i am really confused cos i cant understan it completely. mohammad from Iran Comment 27 of 29, added on September 28th, 2009 at 1:29 AM. i think this poem is great! It makes one think of the 'design' of life and death. Maybe death is actually perfect its own way.. Adam from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Design, has received 29 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Robert Frost with others on the American Poems poetry forum!

Poem Info
Poet: Robert Frost Poem: Design Volume: A Further Range Year: Published/Written in 1936 Last read: Nov 21 2009, 2:55AM Poem of the Day: Sep 14 2006 Viewed 41258 times. Added on September 28th, 2009 at 1:29 AM.

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