Robert Frost's Poem 'Nothing Gold Can Stay'

Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay” explores concepts of nature and human behaviour. This poem substantiates that the things in life, that should be cherished, have the shortest lives. Frost depicts that the “early leaf’s flower” is the most beautiful sight, but only “lasts an hour.” This poem celebrates that both nature and humans are the purest in the beginning, but as life moves on they become corrupted or exploited. This leads to them losing their “gold” value and conforming to the world. Frost accentuates the fragility of humans and nature as they both do not last forever and cannot hold there “hue” of “gold.” Furthermore, the mention of Eden suggests a loss of innocence, as Adam and Eve’s innocence was lost in the Garden of Eden. It is conveyed that precious moments of life will pass on, only to be replaced by new ones; therefore, one should not mourn about the past but cherish the present.

“Nothing Gold Can Stay” draws parallel ideas to that of the Outsiders. The poem can be described as a metaphor for the lives of Greasers, as Greasers were “first gold” possessing innocence, tenderness, and empathy. However, as

Nonetheless, he did not let these privileges manipulate him and adhered to his outlined guardian responsibilities. Now Darry is bitter, “cold and hard,” suggesting his “golden” hope could not stay. S.E Hinton depicts that Dally had lost his innocence at an early age- “being arrested at the age of ten”- which is illuminated in his demeanour. His scarred childhood compelled him to descend into a life of crime and contempt. Nevertheless, Ponyboy has not been corrupted by society and still possesses sensitivity and compassion. S.E Hinton illuminates that Ponyboy is encouraged by Johnny to “remain gold” and maintain his unprejudiced perceptions, fragility, idiosyncrasy and youthful