The memorable line, "Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in," was famously written by the acclaimed American poet Robert Frost.
Robert Frost: The Poet Behind the Proverb
Robert Frost, who lived from 1874 to 1963, was a prominent American poet celebrated for his realistic portrayal of rural life in New England, his command of colloquial speech, and his exploration of profound, universal themes. His works often capture the essence of human experiences against the backdrop of natural landscapes.
Context of the Quote
This insightful definition of home appears in Frost's narrative poem, The Death of the Hired Man. Published in 1914 as part of his collection North of Boston, the poem is a dialogue between a farmer named Warren and his wife, Mary, discussing the return of Silas, an old, unreliable farmhand.
- The Speaker: In the poem, it is Warren, the farmer, who utters this particular line to his wife, Mary, in a somewhat jaded yet resigned tone.
- Mary's Counterpoint: Mary offers a more compassionate perspective, responding with her own definition: "I should have called it something you somehow haven't to deserve." This subtle contrast underscores the poem's exploration of various interpretations of home, belonging, and the nature of compassion versus obligation.
- Themes Explored: The poem itself delves into intricate themes such as:
- The meaning of home and belonging.
- Duty, responsibility, and compassion.
- The complex relationship between employer and employee.
- The fragility of life and the inevitability of death.
Frost's simple yet profound language in this line has resonated widely, making it one of his most recognized and frequently quoted assertions about the concept of home.
