1. Influences the 20Influences the 20thth
Century inCentury in
America had on PoemsAmerica had on Poems
By Jessica HorneBy Jessica Horne

2. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening""Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"
by Robert Frostby Robert Frost
• Poverty
• Hard work to survive
• A feeling of melancholy
• Despair

3. How did Poverty and Hard Work have an InfluenceHow did Poverty and Hard Work have an Influence
on this Poem?on this Poem?
It added an overall sense of gloom, much like America at the time. People
were having such a hard time, it made it easy to just admire the beauty
nature portrayed. This is well understood through the line:
“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.”
(https://lti.flvsgl.com/content/rj9uho6j1oprvlvs6a9sblvoa0/educator_en
glishIII_v14_gs/module05/pop/05_05_01_poem3.htm; “Stopping by
Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost). His obligations seem to
be the only thing holding him from the woods.

4. What it really took to survive…What it really took to survive…
So many people were struggling. Getting the basic necessities
was near impossible. Everyone was in poverty, the only work
available was extremely difficult and had little to give in
return, but even just a little was helpful. So many people were
stuck in this position. The main character had to travel
between farms in hope to find work. He explains that
stopping and enjoying the beauty of the forest and snow was
a moment of peace before he continues with his struggles.

5. Why a feeling of melancholy at such a difficultWhy a feeling of melancholy at such a difficult
time?time?
Life was so difficult there was little good to look forward too. As
people were surrounded by nature, they turned to it for
serenity. As they gaze into the never-ending field of beauty,
things don’t seem to be so harsh anymore. Until they are
brought back to their challenges from surviving. Yet, that
little bit of peace, relief, hope was all they needed to make it
through the next day.

6. "Languages" by Carl Sandburg"Languages" by Carl Sandburg
• Depression
• Taking actions not just speaking
• Rebuilding and recovery
• Overcoming challenges

7. How did Depression and Overcoming ChallengesHow did Depression and Overcoming Challenges
Influence this poem?Influence this poem?
Depression gave words less value. As people grew through this struggle,
hearing everything is going to be okay became a lie… until someone
took action. As people moved into the phase of changing, there were
many challenges they had to deal with. For example, regaining
confidence across the nation, setting goals, taking the steps to achieve
goals, and working together as a nation.
“Your song dies and changes
And is not here to-morrow
Any more than the wind
Blowing ten thousand years ago.”
(https://lti.flvsgl.com/content/rj9uho6j1oprvlvs6a9sblvoa0/educator_engli
shIII_v14_gs/module05/pop/05_05_01_poem6.htm; "Languages" by Carl
Sandburg )

8. Taking Actions, Rebuilding, Recovering…Taking Actions, Rebuilding, Recovering…
At this point, it was time to take action, to actually make a
change. As Carl talks about everything being so depressing
and gloomy he mentions that nothing will change unless we
take action. We needed to rebuild, recover, and forgive and
that’s what America did.

9. In conclusion, both poems had many influences
from the 20th
century in America. There were
many challenges and much despair, but things
got better. These poems help explain some of the
challenges faced and some actions needed to take
to make things right and make these horrible
struggles easier for people to handle.

10. In conclusion, both poems had many influences
from the 20th
century in America. There were
many challenges and much despair, but things
got better. These poems help explain some of the
challenges faced and some actions needed to take
to make things right and make these horrible
struggles easier for people to handle.