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Why Wait For Science
Sarcastic Science she would like to know,
In her complacent ministry of fear,
How we propose to get away from here
When she has made things so we have to go
Or be wiped out. Will she be asked to show
Us how by rocket we may hope to steer
To some star off there say a half light-year
Through temperature of absolute zero?
Why wait for Science to supply the how
When any amateur can tell it now?
The way to go away should be the same
As fifty million years ago we came-
If anyone remembers how that was.
I have a theory, but it hardly does.
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| Why Wait For Science |
Summary and Analysis
Introduction:
The poem Why Wait For Science by Robert Frost, from Steeple Bush is a sonnet, compact and well-knit in structure. Satirical view on science regard of the inventions which leads toward destruction, is what poet wants to echo.
Summary:
Science is imagined by the poet to be looking at the world in the poem Why Wait For Science. And asking sarcastically how human beings intend to escape from here when their inventions make it necessary for them either to flee or to face annihilation. Are they to be carried to a far-off planet by rocket? An amateur can easily reply to such a question, says Frost. The way to go would be the same as the way they came fifty million years ago. Does anyone remember how many men came originally to the world? The poet's own theory, he says, will not satisfy the people. The poet is also sarcastic towards Science, for even an amateur can answer the question posed.
Critical Analysis:
Frost hints at the dark aspect of science in this poem - "her complacent ministry of fear", and the possibility of the total annihilation of mankind as a consequence of the use of deadly scientific invention. Perhaps, the bombing of Hiroshima was in Frost's mind. Frost disapproves of the claim of omniscience on the part of scientists.