Poetry and Poets: Robert Frost | Poetry Worksheet - Free Printable

Problem: Analyze Robert Frost's poem "The Line-Gang" and answer the questions provided.

#### Poem: The Line-Gang by Robert Frost

```
I come some the line-gang piecemeal by,
They throw a forest down cut that broken,
They plant dead trees for living, and the deal
They string together with a living thread.
They string an instrument against the sky
Wherein words whether beaten out or spoken
Will run as hushed as when they were a thought.
But in no hush they string in; they go past
With shouts afar to pull the cable taut,
To hold it hard until they make it fast,
To ease away—they have it. With a laugh,
An oath of sworn set the wild at naught,
They bring the telephone and telegraph.
```

---

Questions and Solutions:

#### 1. What is the rhyme scheme in this poem?

To determine the rhyme scheme, we need to identify the end rhymes in each line:

- Line 1: "by"
- Line 2: "broken"
- Line 3: "deal"
- Line 4: "thread"
- Line 5: "sky"
- Line 6: "spoken"
- Line 7: "thought"
- Line 8: "past"
- Line 9: "taut"
- Line 10: "fast"
- Line 11: "laugh"
- Line 12: "naught"
- Line 13: "telegraph"

Now, let’s group the rhymes:
- A: "by," "sky," "laugh"
- B: "broken," "spoken," "naught"
- C: "deal," "thread," "fast"
- D: "thought," "taut," "telegraph"
- E: "past"

Thus, the rhyme scheme is: ABCB DEDE E.

Answer: The rhyme scheme is ABCB DEDE E.

---

#### 2. What does “beaten out” and “spoken” refer to in the phrase “words whether beaten out or spoken”?

In the context of the poem, "words whether beaten out or spoken" refers to the way communication occurs through the telegraph and telephone lines being installed by the line gang.

- Beaten out: This suggests a mechanical or forceful process, likely referring to the physical act of transmitting signals through the telegraph system. The telegraph relies on tapping out Morse code, which involves physically striking keys to send messages.

- Spoken: This refers to the natural act of speaking, which is how communication occurs over the telephone. The telephone allows for direct verbal communication.

Together, these terms highlight the contrast between the old (mechanical) and new (verbal) forms of long-distance communication.

Answer: "Beaten out" refers to the mechanical transmission of messages via the telegraph, while "spoken" refers to verbal communication over the telephone.

---

#### 3. Explain what the phrase “They plant dead trees for living” means.

The phrase "They plant dead trees for living" is a metaphorical statement. Here’s what it means:

- Dead trees: The "dead trees" likely refer to the utility poles made from wood, which are used to support the telegraph and telephone wires. These poles are no longer living because they are cut down and processed into structural components.

- For living: The purpose of these poles is to facilitate communication, which is essential for human life and society. By installing these poles, the line gang enables people to communicate across distances, which is vital for daily living.

Thus, the phrase highlights the irony of using dead materials (trees) to support the infrastructure that sustains human life and connection.

Answer: The phrase means that the line gang uses wooden poles (dead trees) to support the telegraph and telephone lines, which are crucial for modern communication and human interaction.

---

#### 4. What is the meaning of the word “fast” in the poem?

The word "fast" appears in the line: "To hold it hard until they make it fast." In this context, "fast" means secure or firmly fixed. The line gang is working to ensure that the telegraph or telephone wires are tightly and securely attached to the poles. This ensures that the lines remain stable and functional for communication.

Answer: "Fast" means securely fixed or firmly attached.

---

#### 5. How many syllables are in the first line? In the last?

To count the syllables, we break down each line:

- First line: "I come some the line-gang piecemeal by"
- Syllables: I (1), come (1), some (1), the (1), line-gang (2), piecemeal (2), by (1)
- Total: 9 syllables

- Last line: "They bring the telephone and telegraph"
- Syllables: They (1), bring (1), the (1), telephone (3), and (1), telegraph (2)
- Total: 9 syllables

Answer: The first line has 9 syllables, and the last line also has 9 syllables.

---

Final Answers:

1. Rhyme scheme: ABCB DEDE E
2. "Beaten out" refers to mechanical transmission (telegraph), and "spoken" refers to verbal communication (telephone).
3. The phrase "They plant dead trees for living" means using wooden poles (dead trees) to support communication infrastructure.
4. "Fast" means securely fixed or firmly attached.
5. The first line has 9 syllables, and the last line has 9 syllables.

Boxed Final Answer:
\boxed{ABCB \, DEDE \, E}