The three primary characters in Robert Frost's poignant narrative poem, "The Death of the Hired Man," are Mary, Warren, and Silas.
Who are the Three Primary Characters in "The Death of the Hired Man"?
Robert Frost's narrative poem "The Death of the Hired Man" centers around a significant conversation and revelation between a farmer and his wife concerning an old, itinerant laborer. The entire poem unfolds through their dialogue and reflections, bringing the three central figures to life.
Here are the primary characters:
- Mary: Mary is depicted as a kind, empathetic, and compassionate woman. She is Warren's wife and plays a crucial role in the poem's emotional core. When Silas returns to their farm, Mary is the one who finds him and immediately takes him in, extending warmth and understanding. Her actions and perspective often contrast with Warren's more pragmatic view, highlighting her deep sense of humanity and forgiveness.
- Warren: Warren is Mary's husband and the farmer who owns the land where Silas has worked on and off. He initially expresses reluctance and frustration regarding Silas's return, viewing him through a lens of past unreliability and unfulfilled promises. Despite his initial gruffness, Warren eventually reveals a deeper, albeit more reserved, understanding of Silas's character and plight. His internal conflict reflects a struggle between duty, practicality, and compassion.
- Silas: Silas is the titular "hired man," an elderly, itinerant farmhand who has periodically worked for Mary and Warren over many years. Although he never speaks directly in the poem, his presence and history drive the narrative. He is presented as a complex figure—a man who is both unreliable and yet holds a certain dignity, with unfulfilled ambitions and a profound weariness. His return to the farm signifies his last refuge, underscoring themes of home, belonging, and the end of life.
These three characters are intricately linked, with their interactions and individual perspectives shaping the poem's exploration of themes such as home, work, responsibility, compassion, and the complexities of human relationships.
Character Overview
To further clarify their roles and relationships, here is a summary of the characters:
| Character | Relationship | Key Traits | Role in Poem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mary | Warren's wife | Kind, compassionate, understanding | Advocates for Silas, provides comfort, offers a humane perspective |
| Warren | Mary's husband, farmer | Practical, initially reluctant, eventually empathetic | Grapples with Silas's return, represents pragmatic view |
| Silas | Hired man | Elderly, unreliable, seeking refuge, dignified | Central subject of the conversation; his death is the poem's event |
The poem's power lies in how these characters, especially Mary and Warren, navigate their feelings and responsibilities towards Silas, offering different interpretations of what "home" truly means to someone like him. For more insights into the poem and Robert Frost's work, you can explore resources like the Poetry Foundation.
