Design (post #2)

In Robert Frost’s poem Design, there is one main recurring image. In the poem the image is described as a moth carried by the spider which is on a flower. Both the insects were white but the flower was said to be blue. The author see’s this image one morning and is inspired by the appalling sight of the spider making its meal on the moth. The author then ends the poem pondering the influence of design in the sheer coincidence of the event. By design the author refers to the influence of a divine being. In fact the majority of the poem has a ritualistic feel to it, which the image of the spider and the moth contribute to. This is manufactured by the description of the spider holding up the moth. In my mind’s eye I see a the spider holding up the moth, crab like, to present as a possible sacrifice to begin the morning right. That line in particular, to begin the morning right, reminds me of Aztec rituals to keep the sun alive. The reference to a witch’s broth also adds to the ritualistic imagery. For the act of witches brewing potions is a very ritualistic process. To the author the image of this spider holding up the moth seems to have been designed; the whole image could not have occurred purely on chance given the manner in which it appeared. In fact the image itself is conflicting for the colors white and blue are generally pleasant and innocent colors. Yet the image itself is much darker, a spider holding its meal or darker still a sacrifice, is a deadly and sinister image. The description of the spider as being fat and dimpled insinuates that the spider is well fed and must therefore do this often. That fact makes the author wonder what kind of designer would create such terrible beauty. Which poses the question is the spider innocent if it is simply doing what it was designed?