The speaker of Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall” is a rural New Englander who shares his thoughts on the annual ritual of repairing the wall that separates his property from his neighbor’s. Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on the purpose of the wall and expresses skepticism about its necessity.
In the poem, the speaker describes the interactions with his neighbor, who insists that “Good fences make good neighbors.” This line captures their differing perspectives on boundaries and relationships. While the speaker questions the need for the wall and considers the consequences of separation, his neighbor clings to tradition and the belief that boundaries help maintain a harmonious relationship.
This dynamic makes the speaker a thoughtful and observant character, as he grapples with broader themes of human connection, isolation, and the complexities of coexistence. Ultimately, the speaker of “Mending Wall” serves as a voice for questioning norms and exploring the deeper implications of barriers, both physical and emotional.