In the poem “Mending Wall,” Robert Frost uses language and paragraph structure to develop controversial ideas about the need for change and fomenting rebellion, and maintaining individuality. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayOne of the prevalent themes present in this poem is that of change and when it is necessary. Describing the uselessness of the wall, the speaker says, “My apple trees will never make it across / And eat the pine cones under its pines.” Here, the speaker points out that the wall is not necessary and implies that it is not useful to repair it, thus advocating for change. The speaker's belief that the wall is not necessary is demonstrated when he says, "Where it is we have no need of the wall" (line 17). He evidently no longer sees any use for the wall and thinks practically. Logically, maintaining the wall is simply a waste of time and resources, since it is no longer needed. Frost conveys the theme of change and rebellion through the speaker's questions about old ways as time passes. After the speaker suggests that maybe they should tear down the wall, the reaction he gets is, “He just says, 'Good fences make good neighbors'” (line 27). The neighbor's repetition and insistence of this proverb shows his devotion to tradition and his reluctance to change. This proverb was most likely passed down from generation to generation, once again reinforcing the idea that the neighbor is obsessed with custom and tradition. The fact that the poem ends with this line suggests that no change has been established and that the wall remains. The young and refreshing voice of change is clearly overshadowed by the older view that change is not necessary if the current system works. This is an extremely powerful and controversial message, especially interesting in a time of political turmoil in America. Another clear message in Frost's poetry is that of the importance of individuality. For example, in lines 8 and 9, the speaker says, “And someday we meet to walk the line / And put the wall between us once again.” The order of these lines is intended to express the irony of the situation. The only time the two neighbors converse or meet is when they try to ensure that they are not disturbed by each other for the rest of the year. This exposes American culture as individualistic and subtly criticizes the American belief in autonomy. Additionally, when describing the repair of the wall, the speaker says, “One on one side” (line 16). This highlights the fact that even when working together towards a common goal, the two are separate. Once again, this highlights the importance of individuality in American culture; the fact that even when we all want the same thing, we refuse to work together to achieve it and look to our own personal interests first. Finally, in line 18, the speaker describes himself and his neighbor by saying, “He is all pine and I am apple orchard.” The juxtaposition between these two elements once again aims to describe the separation between the two. Even though they live in the same neighborhood (and therefore probably come from a similar social class), they are still completely separate beings. Once again, through this, Frost hopes to express the idea that individuality is one of America's core values. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Through his use of language and paragraph structure, Frost conveys controversial opinions about American society and his own.