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North of Boston · Theme
Isolation and Community
How North of Boston develops Isolation and Community.
The book explores the tension between individual solitude and the need for human connection, as seen in poems like 'Mending Wall,' where neighbors debate the necessity of barriers, and 'The Death of the Hired Man,' where the hired man seeks refuge and belonging.
Where it surfaces
- The Mountain
The township of Hor is isolated with only scattered farms, and the farmer's reluctance to climb the mountain reflects a life lived in its shadow.
- A Servant to Servants
The speaker feels isolated despite having people around, and her only connection is with the transient visitor.
- Good Hours
The speaker walks alone, yet feels a sense of connection to the unseen people in the cottages, highlighting the tension between solitude and belonging.