The Characteristics of Narrative Poetry in Robert Frost's "Out, Out—"

What are the three characteristics of narrative poetry found in the excerpt from Robert Frost's "Out, Out—"?

The three characteristics of narrative poetry found in the excerpt from Robert Frost's "Out, Out—" are multiple characters, setting, and use of dialogue.

Multiple Characters

Multiple characters is a key characteristic of narrative poetry, as it involves more than one character interacting with each other to advance the plot and develop the story. In the excerpt, we see the boy, his sister, and the buzz saw as the main characters, each playing a role in the narrative.

Setting

The setting of a narrative poem is where the events of the story take place. In this excerpt, the setting is described as a yard where the buzz saw is cutting wood. The mention of the mountain ranges, sunset, and Vermont further enhances the setting and adds depth to the narrative.

Use of Dialogue

Another characteristic of narrative poetry is the use of dialogue to convey conversations and interactions between characters. In the excerpt, we see the sister speaking to the boy, telling him it's time for supper. The dialogue adds realism and helps to reveal the relationships between the characters. Overall, the excerpt from Robert Frost's "Out, Out—" showcases the rich narrative elements of multiple characters, setting, and use of dialogue that are essential in narrative poetry.
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