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BY ROBERT FROST
ABSTRACT
This paper presents a comprehensive phonological analysis of Robert Frost’s iconic poem,
“Stopping by Woods in a Snowy Evening.” By employing the International Phonetic Alphabet
(IPA) transcription, this study delves into the intricate pronunciation of selected words in the
poem, aiming to unravel the phonetic effects intended by the poet. The analysis explores stress
patterns, syllable structures, and specific phonetic features to illuminate the interplay between
language and poetic expression. Through this investigation, readers gain a deeper appreciation of
how correct pronunciation enhances the poem's overall aesthetic and emotional impact.
Keywords: International Phonetic Alphabet – Philippine Center for Language Studies (IPA-
PCLS), Stress Pattern, Syllable Structures, Phonetic features, Language.
INTRODUCTION
Poetry is an art form that uses language to create powerful emotions, vivid images, and
capture the human experience. One of the most celebrated poems is Robert Frost’s “Stopping by
Woods on a Snowy Evening,” which is known for its reflective tone and captivating imagery. The
beauty and meaning of this poem come not only from the words themselves but also from the way
Linguists and literary scholars have long been interested in the role of phonetics and
phonology in poetry. By analyzing the phonetic aspects of a poem, readers can better understand
the subtle nuances of pronunciation and explore the rhythm, cadence, and phonetic devices used by
the poet. This paper uses IPA transcription and phonological analysis to uncover the hidden
By carefully examining stress patterns, syllable structures, and specific phonetic features, this
analysis reveals the complex relationship between language and poetic expression. The paper not
only deepens our understanding of the poem’s auditory qualities but also shows how correct
ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK
The phonological analysis of Robert Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods in a Snowy Evening"
will employ a systematic approach to unravel the poem's phonetic intricacies. The framework
consists of several key steps to identify stress patterns, syllable structures, and specific phonetic
features in selected words that hold thematic and imagery significance. The utilization of the
International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription will accurately represent the words' phonetic
These words are chosen based on their ability to convey the central message and evoke emotional
responses in the reader. By focusing on specific words, the analysis aims to delve deeper into their
The selected words will be subjected to IPA transcription, which will yield a standardized
representation of their actual phonetic pronunciation. The IPA symbols capture nuances that
conventional spelling cannot, allowing for an accurate analysis across different languages and
dialects. The transcription ensures a precise examination of the phonetic elements, enriching the
Stress patterns and syllable structures of the chosen words will be meticulously analyzed.
comprehending the poem's rhythm and prosody. The stress patterns play a pivotal role in
determining the poem's metrical flow, affecting the reader's engagement and emotional experience.
In this step, specific phonological features present within the selected words will be thoroughly
examined. This encompasses an analysis of vowel qualities, consonant clusters, diphthongs, and
other distinctive phonetic characteristics. The study of these features sheds light on the poet's
deliberate use of phonetics to evoke emotions and enhance the poem's imagery.
The stress and syllable patterns provide the foundation for identifying the poem's rhythmic
patterns. This exploration delves into how the rhythmic flow contributes to the poem's emotional
tone and creates a captivating reading experience. Understanding these rhythmic patterns enhances
Snowy Evening" will offer a comprehensive understanding of the poem's phonetic subtleties. The
IPA transcription serves as a valuable tool in representing the precise pronunciation of selected
words, enriching our interpretation of the poem's imagery, rhythm, and overall poetic impact.
Selection of Key Words
IPA Transcription
Stress and Syllable
Analysis Poem
Phonological Analysis
Identification of of "Stopping by Woods
Phonological Features Stopping by Woods in a Snowy Evening" by
Exploration of on a Snowy Evening Robert Frost
Rhythmic Patterns Poem by Robert Frost
Analysis
Analytical
Process
In the field of linguistics and literature, the phonological analysis of poetry has been a fascinating
topic for scientists and researchers . Exploring the aural dimension of poetic expression provides a
deeper understanding of how language and sound intertwine to create emotional and aesthetic
impact. A lot of research has been done on the phonetic details of poetic works, illuminating how
phonology shapes poetic techniques and improves the reading experience. (Crystal, 1969; Luce &
One such relevant study is the work of Luce and Pisoni (1998), which focused on the perception
of stress patterns in poetry. Their study showed how the rhythmic structure of poetry and the
emotional interpretation of the verses are both influenced by readers' perceptions of stress
patterns. By investigating stress patterns in Frost’s poem, this analysis aligns with the
contribution of Luce and Pison (1998) to understanding the meaning of stress in poetry.
In addition, Crystal's (1969) research focused on the interaction between language, rhythm, and
poetic devices while also examining the use of phonetics and phonology in poetry. The use of
phonetic elements by poets to produce poetic effects and improve the auditory aspects of their
works is demonstrated through Crystal's work. This paper follows in Crystal’s footsteps,
investigating the specific phonetic features employed by Frost to craft the enchanting verses of
perspective, emphasizing how the sound patterns of language influence the process of poetic
marking. The work of Nöth emphasized the importance of phonetics in poetic expression and the
formation of meaning. Similarly, this analysis examines how the correct pronunciation of words in
Frost's poem affects its imagery and thematic meaning and is consistent with Nöth's study of the
Moreover, the application of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) in this analysis provides a
standardized and universally accepted representation of speech sounds. The use of IPA assures
and allowing researchers to explore the phonological nuances of Frost’s poem precisely and
consistently.
The methodology used in that analysis uses a systematic and extensive examination of the phonetic
complexity of Frost's poem. By closely examining stress patterns, syllable structures, and specific
phonetic features, this study attempts to reveal the aural capabilities of Frost's poem. Emphasizing
selected keywords promotes focused learning and reveals phonetic effects that add to its evocative
power.
The ability to understand and appreciate poetry depends on having the right pronunciation because
it is an oral and auditory art form. This research shows how stress and syllable patterns affect
reader engagement and emotional experience, and how phonetics shapes the rhythm and prosody
of Frost's poem.
Examining specific phonological features such as vowel features and consonant clusters deepens
our understanding of Frost's conscious choices in creating vivid images and evoking emotions
through phonetics. The paper shows how Frost carefully selected and arranged sounds to enhance
In addition, there are a number of studies that focus on the analysis of Robert Frost’s "Stopping by
Woods in a Snowy Evening". For example, Hahmi, et. al (2019) concluded that Frost used a
denotation, connotation, metaphor, personification, symbolism, and imagery to highlight the idea
of dismay and death. The repetition of certain words and choice of mental process verbs like think,
see, know, and watch leave a significant effect on the mind of readers. It has also been found that,
Frost tried to show the responsibilities and duties of human on this earth, which everyone has to
perform. Furthermore, he portrayed the short life span of human to perform all these duties, which
finally result in state of depression and anxiety. So, the present study is significant as it will help
the reader to understand the author’s point of view stylistically on linguistic basis rather in the
Another study conducted by Latif, et. Al (2022) also revealed that in phonological level of
language, alliteration, consonance and assonance are used in the poem to depict the importance of
the words in the poems. In semantic level of language, metaphor, symbols, and imagery are used to
show the poem’s meaning. The two language features in selected poems of Robert Frost are
closely connected to each other convey the meaning of the poem that is battle and connection in
Lastly, Ambreen, et. al (2020) shows a simple composition that points to the reality of deciding in
dreadful times. There is a conflict between desire and social obligations. A man restrains his inner
desires to fulfill his duties and responsibilities. The outcome of the poem resists a conclusive
reading
and suggests the tensions between society and nature, optimism and pessimism, obligations and
METHODOLOGY
The method used in this phonological analysis involves a careful and systematic approach to the
study of selected words from A Stop in the Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost. The steps
involve a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis, using the International Phonetic
Alphabet (IPA) as the primary tool for accurate phonetic transcription. The first step in the method
is the deliberate choice of words that have significant thematic and image weight in the poem. By
focusing on these key words, the analysis aims to reveal the phonetic influences that enrich the
emotional depth and aesthetic appeal of the poem. Once the words are selected, they undergo IPA
use of IPA ensures accuracy in capturing the subtle phonetic nuances of words and provides an
Stress patterns and syllable structures of selected words are identified and analyzed. This
analysis helps to understand the rhythmic progression and metrical structure of the poem, which
are important to its overall prosodic characteristics. Tension patterns guide the reader's reading
pace and emotional experience. Afterwards, the phonological characteristics of the selected words
are thoroughly studied. This includes the analysis of vowel features, consonant clusters,
By examining these features, the study aims to reveal Frost's conscious choices to evoke
emotion and create vivid images through phonetics. Rhythm patterns derived from stress and
syllable analysis are further explored, and how the poem's pedal power affects its overall emotional
and aesthetic impact is illuminated. Understanding the rhythmic patterns increases our appreciation
of Frost's mastery and how he used phonetics to shape the aural experience of the poem.
The combination of IPA transcription, stress and syllable analysis, and the study of specific
phonological subtleties. This methodology allows readers to gain valuable insight into the aural
aspects of Stopping by Woods in a Snowy Evening. They appreciate the harmonious interaction of
In poetry, sound creates a richer experience for readers. Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods in a
Snowy Evening" exemplifies this. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet, we'll explore its
phonetic elements, stress patterns, and syllable structures. To uncover the hidden treasures within
thematic and imagery significance. These words will convey the central message and evoke
emotional responses in the reader. The selected words are "woods," "snowy," "evening," "house,"
In analyzing speech sounds, the researchers utilized the symbols of speech sounds by
International Phonetic Alphabet – Philippine Center for Language Studies. As cited by Pesirla
(2021), IPA-PCLS is “a Filipino version of IPA, which is the most appropriate variety to be used
1. Vowels
No. of Samples 14
No. of Samples 20
No. of Samples 5
No. of Samples 2
No. of Samples 3
Central Vowels
No. of Samples 9
No. of Samples 6
promises /prͻməsəs/
No. of Samples 7
No. of Samples 8
No. of Samples 2
No. of Samples 1
Based on the analysis of the data, the study found out that there are 44 front vowel sounds in the
poem consisting of 20 [I], 14 [iy], 5 [ey], 3 [ӕ] and 2 [Ɛ] sounds. The study also discovered that there are 15
central vowels in the poem consisting of 9 [ə] and 6 [a] sounds. In addition, the study revealed that there are
18 back vowels consisting of 8 [ow], 7 [ͻ], 2 [uw], and 1 [U] sounds. There are a total of 85 vowel sounds
present in the poem . Noticeably, the most dominant vowel sound is [I] having 20 speech sound samples
followed by [iy] having 14, and then the [ə] having 9. This data suggests that this primarily poem is focused
on the articulation of the [I] and [iy] sounds, which can be a good learning resource material to be used in
No. of Samples 3
[oy]
No. of Samples 0
No. of Samples 5
Based on the analysis of the data, the study found out that there are 8 diphthongs in the poem
consisting of 5 [aw] and 3 [ay]sounds. It can also be noted that there are no [oy] diphthong sound in
the poem.
3. Consonants
No. of Samples 8
but /bət/
No. of Samples 4
to /tuw/
No. of Samples 4
No. of Samples 5
No. of Samples 11
No. of Samples 2
/farmhaws/
No. of Samples 6
No. of Samples 5
No. of Samples 1
No. of Samples 5
No. of Samples 15
No. of Samples 3
No. of Samples 1
[zh]
No. of Samples 0
No. of Samples 1
No. of Samples 1
promises /prͻməsəs/
No. of Samples 7
No. of Samples 5
No. of Samples 2
No. of Samples 8
/farmhaws/
No. of Samples 5
No. of Samples 1
[‘n]
No. of Samples 0
consisting of 11 [k], 8 [p], 5[d], 4 [b], 4 [t] and 2 [g] sounds. The study also discovered that there are 36
fricatives in the poem consisting of 15 [s, 6[f], 5 [v], 5 [dh] 3 [z] 1 [th] and 1 [sh] sounds. As observed,
there are no [zh] sound in the poem. In addition, the study revealed that there are 2 affricatives consisting of
1 [ch], and 1 [j] sounds. Furthermore, there are also 14 nasals consisting of 7 [m], 5 [n] and 2 [ng]sounds.
Sparingly, there are 18 liquids consisting of 8 [l] and 5 [r]. Lastly, there is only one syllabic consonant
sound in the poem and that is ['l] from the word "little". This data suggests that the poem is focused on the
articulation of the sound [s] and [k]. which are dominantly present from the beginning to the end of the
selected poem.
Speech Sounds
f % Rank Interpretation
Vowels
Speech Sounds
f % Rank Interpretation
Consonants
In terms of number, the consonant sounds are more present than the vowel sounds
(100>80). The poem contains 36% fricatives, 34% plosives, 14% nasals, 13% liquids, 2%
affricatives, and 1% syllabic consonants. On the other hand, the poem has 51.76% front vowels,
21.18% back vowels, 17.65% central vowels, 9.41% diphthongs. This data suggest that the poem
Word Stress
The following are the list of 48 stressed words that can be found in the selected poem
entitled, “Stopping the Woods on a Snowy Evening”. These stressed words function as content
words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs). In contrast, the words, which are unstressed in the
Intonation
The following table lists down the phrases and sentences having varied pitch-level of
combinations. Based on the table, there are 16 series non-final intonation since the poem is written
in iambic tetrameter, which has four iambic feet wherein the first syllable is unstressed and the
second is stressed.
Combinations
3 3 3 3
/2/He will/2/ not see/2/ me stop/2/ ping here #/1
3 3 3 3
/2/To watch /2/ his woods /2/ fill up /2/ with snow. #/1
3 3 3 3
/2/My lit/2/ tle horse /2/ must think /2/ it queer #/1
3 3 3 3
/2/To stop /2/ without/2/ a farm/2/ house near #/1
3 3 3 3
/2/Between /2/ the woods/2/ and fro/2/ zen lake#/1
3 3 3 3
/2/The dar/2/ kest eve/2/ ning of /2/ the year. #/1
3 3 3 3
/2/He gives/2/ his har/2/ ness bells/2/ a shake#/1
3 3 3 3
/2/To ask/2/ if there/2/ is some/2/ mistake. #/1
3 3 3 3
/2/The only/2/ other/2/ sound’s /2/ the sweep#/1
3 3 3 3
/2/Of easy /2/ wind and/2/ downy /2/ flake. #/1
3 3 3 3
/2/The woods/2/ are love/2/ ly, dark /2/ and deep, #/1
3 3 3 3
/2/But I /2/ have pro/2/ mises/2/ to keep,#/1
3 3 3 3
/2/And miles/2/ to go/2/ before /2/ I sleep, #/1
3 3 3 3
/2/And miles /2/ to go/2/ before /2/ I sleep #/1
revealed that the poem is rich in frontal vowel sounds specifically the [iy] and [I] sounds. It has
also a plenty of fricatives and plosives specifically the sounds [s] and [k]. In addition, there are a
total of 48-word stress found in the poem consisting of nouns, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives.
Lastly, the poem has 16 samples of The Series Non-final Intonation (2-3-2-3-2-3…), since the
poem is written in iambic tetrameter having four feet for each line consisting of two syllables (first
unstressed, the second stressed). It is also proven that the rhythmic structure of poetry and the
emotional interpretation of the verses are both influenced by readers' perceptions of stress patterns.
The use of phonetic elements by poets to produce poetic effects and improve the auditory aspects
of their works.
RECOMMENDATION
Crystal, D. (n.d.-a). Prosodic systems and intonation in English, volume 1. Google Books.
https://books.google.com/books/about/Prosodic_Systems_and_Intonation_in_Engli.html?
id=aS45AAAAIAAJ
Laboratory, L. P. (n.d.). Recognizing spoken words: The neighborhood activation model: Ear and
hearing. LWW.
https://journals.lww.com/ear-hearing/Abstract/1998/02000/Recognizing_Spoken_Words__T
he_Neighborhood.1.aspx
APPENDIX A