Vermont Reads 2008: Robert Frost
Monday, 09/15/08 7:50am on VPR Series and Stories
For 2008, the Council has selected; A Restless Spirit: The Story of Robert Frost by Natalie S. Bober.
VPR's special 5-part series features different aspects of Robert Frost's life and work in addition to samples of his poetry from the book.
Click here to share your thoughts and memories of Robert Frost
One of Robert Frost's books of poetry is titled North of Boston. And just as his poetry is full of references to the region, so too is the region full of reminders of his life here. Author Natalie Bober and Frost's grandaughter Robin Fraser Hudnut talk of his family life in New England. Click here to listen to Part One.
Frost spent five years and many summers in Franconia, New Hampshire. The executive director of the Frost Place, Jim Schley, says it's one place the poet's family, including his wife Elinor, was entirely happy, and that helped create a fruitful period for Frost. Click here to listen to Part Two.
Part Three: An Unconventional Teacher
In 1917 Robert Frost began teaching English at Amherst College in Massachusetts. And as author Natalie Bober observes, his methods were unconventional. Click here to listen to Part Three.
Part Four: Conflict and Contradiction
Frost's poems appear simple and accessible through his use of natural imagery and every-day speech. But, they are complex in both structure and meaning. Likewise, Frost's life - on the surface - appeared to be that of a fairly simple man. in fact, his life - as a poet, farmer and teacher - was full of conflict and contradiction. Click here to listen to Part Four.
Until recently, if you asked someone what they knew about Robert Frost, they might describe seeing him on television, his white hair ruffled by the wind at JFK's inauguration. Or they might recall a poem of his they had learned in school. And to Middlebury professor of English John Elder, that's a good indication of Frost's legacy. Click here to listen to Part Five.
Top Photo: AP Photo
Part One Photo: George H. Browne Robert Frost Collection, Michael J. Spinelli, Jr. Center for University Archives and Special Collections, Herbert H. Lamson Library and Learning Commons, Plymouth State University
Part Two, Three, Four & Five Photos: Courtesy of Dartmouth College Library. Item Located in Rauner Special Collections Library.
- Willem Lange Commentary: Ground Hornets
- The Robert Frost Stone House Museum
- Peter Gilbert Commentary: Balance
- Willem Lange Commentary: Getting Away
- Peter Gilbert Commentary: Keep Cold
- Peter Gilbert Commentary: Fireflies
- Peter Gilbert Commentary: To a Young Wretch
- Willem Lange Commentary: Great Thoughts: Robert Frost Captures Vermont
- Peter Gilbert Commentary: Letting go of Good Things
- Vermont Edition: Robert Frost's life in New England
- Vermont Humanities Council Vermont Reads 2008
- Peter Gilbert Commentary: Poetic Rivalry
- Peter Gilbert Commentary: Searching for Robert Frost in New England
- Tom Slayton Commentary: Frost at Dartmouth
- Former home of Robert Frost now a museum
- Natalie Bober's web site
- Peter Gilbert Commentary: Twig Season
- Peter Gilbert Commentary: Frost on Spring
- Jim Shley web site
- Willem Lange Commentary: Something is there
- The Frost Page
- Willem Lange Commentary: Posted Signs
- Willem Lange Commentary: Tucker
- Robert Frost at Bread Loaf online exhibit
- web tools supported by:
- Contributing Listeners
