# Isolation and Community in North of Boston

> Theme guide for North of Boston by Robert Frost.

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_of_boston_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_of_boston_se/chapters/a-servant-to-servants): The speaker feels isolated despite having people around, and her only connection is with the transient visitor.
- [Good Hours](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_of_boston_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_of_boston_se/themes/isolation_and_community
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_of_boston_se/themes