NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Poem 1 - The Road Not Taken

The traveler finds himself standing at the fork of the road in a yellow wood. He needs to decide which road to choose, and he stands at the fork analyzing his dilemma.

(i) Yellowwood symbolizes the autumn season in the forest. Autumn represents the shedding of the old and the dead leaves on the tree withers away. It also refers to the old age in human life where he loses all his physical abilities, preparing to ascend to the next stage.

(ii) It conveys that the road was full of undisturbed vegetation because it was a less traveled one. The poet personifies the road by saying ‘wanted wear.’ It could imply the road wanted to be explored or traveled by visitors, which it was not.

(iii) The phrase is used to address the other path that is frequently traveled by the visitors. He addressed the road as secondary as he was keener to explore the road with outgrown vegetation.

(iv) The poet uses the phrase to describe the untouched state of the path. After walking over the leaves their edges turn black which was not the case here. He went on a walk early in the morning, and one had walked on either of the roads, and leaves from the trees lay fresh on them.

(v) The phrase tells us about the poet's desire to try both the roads and see the destination. But he soon realizes how one way will lead to another until one is extremely far from where they started. All the decisions in life pave the way for a new one and help us create our life journey, unique for everyone.

(i) In stanza two, the poet explained the physical difference in the roads. One road was frequently traveled by and had a clear path with less vegetation while the other path was covered with vegetation, was not stepped on, and was used often.

In stanza three, the poet concludes that in the morning since no one had stepped on either of the roads and they were covered with fallen autumn leaves both roads were untravelled.

(ii) For the poet, in the last line, the difference arose from the fact that he chose the road that was less traveled, and it would embark him on a different journey, different from the one he would have if he chose the first road. It was not the difference in the physical appearance but the destination that it would end at.

The last two lines of the poem show the poet's acceptance of reality and his being accountable for his decision. The poet made a daring choice and took the path that was challenging. He took an unexplored path in his life since wanted to do something different. Years ahead in his life, he is not disappointed by his decision. 

For a common person, the phrase reflects the everyday dilemma one must face when presented with choices. No matter how far they take him in life, one should not regret not taking the other path and wondering if life could have been better than what it is.

No, till now I have never been presented with such a situation. There are various minor instances in our life too that present us with a choice and decisions are to be made. In such instances, we should be guided by our hearts and make the best possible decision.

In my case after completing my general education, I will have to decide upon the profession I wish to continue. I will have multiple options before me. I will try to choose a path that gives me satisfaction and mental peace. Like the poet in the poem, I would love to choose a challenging and unexplored path in my life.

I always believe in taking time and thinking about all the possible consequences before planning. Some decisions can change our life forever and hence we should go with what our heart desires. We should not try our best to not do things and take actions to satisfy others. We should give preference to our desires and wishes and work hard for them.  Therefore; I believe in sticking to my decisions and being accountable for them.

1. At which point had the poet reached?

2. Why was the traveller feeling sorry?

3. Give the opposite to ‘met at a point’ from the passage? (SA-1,2014-15)

1. Which road does the poet choose?

2. Why was the poet doubtful about the first road?

3. Find a word from the extract that means ‘crushed’. (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-013)

1. How did the poet make his choice about the roads?

2. What had made a lot of difference in the poet’s life?

3. What does the term “road” stand for? (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-018)

1. What made the poet choose such a road?

2. What does the poet mean by “just as fair”?

3. Find the phrase from the extract that means “had not been used”. (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-019)

1. Write the name of the poem and the poet.

2. Why did the poet take the road which was less travelled by?

3. Why was the poet in dilemma? (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-021)