The 19th and 20th centuries are a time when many great writers rose to fame. One of those famous writers is Robert Frost, who is the creative genius behind many masterfully crafted poems, such as the notable and symbolic piece of poetry titled "October". The poem is a story about a grape farmer whom is on the verge of death. Upon deeper analysis, however, "October" characterizes the contrast between life and death. Frost lived a very tragic life, therefore would not have been out of character for him to write on such a subject. The theme of this poem can be translated to the idea that life itself is short and will pass by quickly into death, and that people should make best use of this time while they still have it. To illustrate this general "Carpe Diem" sort of theme in the poem, Frost ingeniously makes use of multiple literary devices. The attitude of the speaker or his tone in the poem helps to convey Frost's message to his readers. Frost also heavily uses symbols in "October," which only illuminates the true theme of the poem after closer reading. Lastly, imagery plays a huge role in Frost's efforts to illicit a response from the readers. Frost develops the theme of life and death in his poem "October" by using various literary elements of poetry.

Tone or attitude in poetry gives readers clues on what the deeper meaning of the poem could be. The tone that the speaker takes in "October" is very anxious and uneasy. Through close reading and analysis of the text, this can become easy to understand. There are many clues and words that would suggest the speakers tone. For example, the speaker says, "Begin the hours of this day slow / Make the day seem to us less brief." (8-9). The speaker claims in these lines that he wants the day to go by slower because of the imminent death approaching. The speaker becomes more and more anxious and worrisome as November approaches. In this poem, November means death, which explains why the speaker wants October to pass by slowly. Another instance in which the reader can assume the speakers tone is in the lines:

Beguile us in the way you know,

Release one leaf at break of day;

At noon release another leaf;

One from our trees, one far away. (11-14)

The idea of releasing a leaf in increments throughout the day is the speaker saying once again that he wants the day to pass slowly. These lines also show the speakers worrisome and anxious tone. Leaves falling from the tree make the speaker anxious because it means time is running out. Tone in this poem helps to convey Frosts message by showing that the speaker is not ready to die and wants to live life as long as possible.

Likewise, Frost employs symbolism in his poetry to pass on the theme of the poem. There are three major symbols in this poem; life, death, and time. The speaker refers to a tree with leaves falling because they have died and withered away from the cold of October. The speaker says, "Thy leaves have ripened to the fall; / Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild, / Should waste them all" (2-4). The leaves on the tree represent time, and as November approaches they will fall off, thus representing time coming towards an end and ultimately leading to death. Also, the month of October represents liveliness, and the approaching month of November represents the end of life. Another symbol for life would be the grapes mentioned by the speaker, "For the grapes sake, if they were all, / Whose leaves already are burnt with frost, / Whose clustered fruit must else be lost." (18-20) The grapes are killed by the frost that comes when November arrives, furthermore adding to the symbols of life and death in this poem. These symbols contribute to the overall theme of the poem by symbolizing life, death and time.

Lastly, imagery used by Frost helps illustrate the deeper message of the poem. This is accomplished by strategic word choice which helps to paint a picture in the readers mind. For example, the speaker says, "O hushed October morning mild, / Thy leaves have ripened to the fall" (1-2) Word choice such as "hushed" and "morning mild" in the first line illustrate an image of serenity on an autumn morning. The speaker then uses the phrase "ripened to the fall" when referring to the trees. This gives off an image of beautiful leaves of different colors hung from the trees. This serene and beautiful imagery is connected to life and liveliness. Frosts use of imagery suggests that life is a beautiful and amazing thing which should be cherished. On the other hand, the speaker also creates an image of death and depression. The speaker says:

For the grapes sake, if they were all,

Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,

Whose clustered fruit must else be lost -- 

For the grapes' sake along the wall. (18-21)

The image that these lines illustrate in a readers mind are dreary. It suggest lifelessness and sadness because the grapes have been stripped of life by winter. Imagery of this sort is meant to enhance the idea of death approaching.

The speaker of "October" makes use of many literary devices in this poem. Specifically, tone, symbolization, and imagery. He uses an anxious and worrisome tone which helps convey the theme of the poem by showing that he is worried about the imminence of his future death. Also, symbols were used to help compare the life and death process to the changing of the seasons and nature. Lastly, the clever use of imagery helps to convey Frosts message by illustrating the images of liveliness and death for the reader. Frost masterfully employs these strategies in "October" which helps to develop the overall theme or the deeper meaning of the poem. 

