Good Hours

by Robert Frost

Directions: Read the following poem by Frost several times [more than twice]. Feel free to mark it up; that is, underline, highlight, or make marginal notes of any of the language you feel is important to understanding the poem. Mark specifically any technical features you find in the poem; for instance , rhyme and meter. Then write an interpretation of the poem. Get as far as you can with the text. Do not ask for help from your siblings, parents or friends. Do not turn for help to the internet, except to look up unfamiliar words. Once again, it is important that you independently master this text.

Keep the following content standard in mind:

2.2 Write responses to literature:

a. Develop interpretations exhibiting careful reading, understanding, and insight.

b. Organize interpretations around several clear ideas, premises, or images from the

literary work.

Good Hours

I had for my winter evening walk--

No one at all with whom to talk,

But I had the cottages in a row

Up to their shining eyes in snow.

And I thought I had the folk within:

I had the sound of a violin;

I had a glimpse through curtain laces

Of youthful forms and youthful faces.

I had such company outward bound.

I went till there were no cottages found.

I turned and repented, but coming back

I saw no window but that was black.

Over the snow my creaking feet

Disturbed the slumbering village street

Like profanation, by your leave,

At ten o’clock of a winter eve.