Ep 5. Mending Wall

In the fifth episode of the third season of Poetry in America, the show takes a deep dive into the famous poem 'Mending Wall' by Robert Frost. The poem is about the annual repairing of a stone wall between the properties of two neighbors. Through the wall-repairing ritual, the narrator and his neighbor share a conversation on the nature and purpose of the wall.

The episode begins by exploring the historical context of the poem, which was written in 1914-15. The show delves into the significance of walls in American society during that era, including the construction of the Great Wall of China, the Berlin Wall, and the walls separating European empires from their colonies. The show also discusses the emerging crisis of the border between Mexico and the United States of America in the present time. The speaker in the poem, therefore, stands as a symbol for this historical circumstance.

As the episode progresses, the host, Elisa New, highlights the themes of the poem by analyzing the intricacies of the narrator's character. The narrator questions the purpose of the wall and the need to maintain it despite the absence of livestock on either side of the wall. The neighbor, on the other hand, dismisses the narrator's inquiry with the famous oft-repeated phrase, "Good fences make good neighbors."

The show explores the various interpretations of this statement. One idea that the show puts forward is that the wall symbolizes barriers between people, which have often been created in America as a means of separation. The phrase "Good fences make good neighbors" implies that keeping some measure of distance between people can help maintain a positive relationship between them. The show also highlights how Frost has used this phrase to create layers of meaning in the poem, depending upon your perspective.

Through illustration and animation, the show provides an insight into the poem and the complexities of the human sentiment that arise through a superficially simple conversation. The episode weaves together conversations between students, award-winning poets, scholars, and everyday readers.

Poetry in America is known for its beautiful interpretation of classic poems, and this episode is no different. With a run time of 30 minutes, the show makes the experience of appreciating poetry accessible to one and all. The episode is a must-watch for literature lovers, bringing out essential ideas while making it a grand experience for viewers.

Overall, the show is a beautiful exploration of the complexities of boundaries and neighborly relations, compelling us to ponder the walls in our own lives, both physical and emotional. It brings into focus the question of what is gained and lost when we choose to build or break down the walls surrounding our existence.