In the poem "Mending Wall", Robert Frost uses language and paragraph structure to develop controversial ideas about the need for change and rebellion, and the maintenance of individuality. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original EssayOne of the predominant themes present in this poem is that of change and when it is necessary. In describing the uselessness of the wall, the speaker says, “My apple trees will never pass / And eat the cones under its pines.” Here, the speaker emphasizes that the wall is not necessary and implies that there is no point in repairing it, thus making the case for change. The speaker believes that the wall is not necessary, as he shows when he says, “Where it is, we have no need of the wall” (line 17). He clearly no longer sees the use of the wall and is thinking practically. Logically, maintaining the wall is simply a waste of time and resources because it is no longer needed. Frost relays the theme of change and rebellion through the speaker's questioning of old ways over time. After the speaker suggests that maybe they tear down the wall, the reaction he receives is, "He only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors'" (line 27). The neighbor's repetition and insistence on this proverb shows his attachment to tradition and his reluctance to change. This proverb has most likely been passed down through generations, once again reinforcing the idea that the neighbor is obsessed with customs and traditions. The fact that the poem ends with this line suggests that no change has occurred and that the wall has remained. The refreshingly young voice of change is clearly overshadowed by the elders' view that change is not necessary if the current system works. This is an extremely powerful and controversial message, particularly interesting at a time of political tumult in America. Another clear message in Frost's poem is that of the importance of individuality. For example, in lines 8 and 9, the speaker says, “And one day we meet to walk the line/And put up the wall between us again.” The order of these lines is intended to express the irony of the situation. The two neighbors only talk or meet when they are trying to ensure that they will not be bothered by each other for the rest of the year. This exposes American culture as individualistic and subtly criticizes the American belief in self-reliance. 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 toward 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 instead look out for our own interests first. Finally, in line 18, the speaker describes himself and his neighbor by saying, “He is all pine and I am an apple orchard.” The juxtaposition between these two elements is once again intended to describe the separation between the two. Despite the fact that they live in the same neighborhood (and are therefore probably from a similar social class), they remain completely distinct beings. Again, through this, Frost hopes to express the idea that individuality is one of America's core values. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a personalized essay with its use of language and paragraph structure, Frost.