Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Poem
Vocabulary List Tap 🔊
Tap the speaker to hear each word.
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queer
Strange or unusual (older usage in this poem).
-
harness
Straps and equipment put on a horse.
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sweep
A smooth, soft movement across a surface.
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downy
Soft and light, like feathers.
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flake
A small, thin piece; here, a snowflake.
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promises to keep
Responsibilities or duties you must do.
Meaning (Simple)
The speaker stops to watch quiet, beautiful woods as snow falls. The scene is peaceful, and he wants to stay. But he remembers his responsibilities—his “promises to keep”—and decides to continue his journey. The poem contrasts rest and duty.
Comprehension Questions
Answer the questions based on the poem.
- Why does the speaker stop near the woods?
- How does the horse react, and what does that show?
- What sounds does the speaker hear in the quiet scene?
- What do “promises to keep” and “miles to go” suggest about the speaker’s life?
- Which words or lines create a peaceful mood?
Discussion Prompts
- When is it hard for you to choose duty over rest? Give an example.
- What images from the poem help you imagine the winter night?
- Do you think the speaker will return to the woods another day? Why or why not?
- Paraphrase the last two lines in your own words.