Questions and Answers
What is 'Nothing Gold Can Stay'?
Nature's first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf's a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.
What does green symbolize?
youth
What does gold symbolize?
something valuable
Where is the story of Eden originally from?
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What does Frost use Eden to symbolize in this poem?
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What lines reflect the passing of time in a day?
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What lines reflect the passing time in the seasons?
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What is the speaker's tone in the poem?
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What is Robert Frost trying to tell us in this poem?
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Why does Hinton use this poem and why here?
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Study Notes
"Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Robert Frost
- The poem describes the fleeting nature of beauty and innocence.
- Opens with the observation that nature's first green, representing youthful beginnings, is ephemeral.
- The imagery of gold symbolizes something precious but temporary.
Symbolism
- Green: Represents youth, vitality, and growth.
- Gold: Signifies value, beauty, and transience.
Allusions
- References to Eden, derived from the Bible, symbolize lost innocence and paradise.
Themes
- The cycles of life are central; represented through both daily and seasonal changes.
- Lines such as "So dawn goes down to day" and "But only so an hour" highlight the inevitability of time and change.
Tone
- The poem conveys a sad tone, underscored by words like "sank," "grief," and "subsides," reflecting loss and the passage of time.
Author's Message
- Frost suggests the importance of cherishing youth and warns against rushing into adulthood.
Context in "The Outsiders"
- Hinton incorporates this poem as Ponyboy and Johnny navigate the loss of their youth following traumatic events, reinforcing the narrative of innocence lost.
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Description
This quiz explores Robert Frost's poem 'Nothing Gold Can Stay', focusing on its themes of beauty, innocence, and the passage of time. Participants will examine key symbols, allusions, and the overall tone of the poem. Engage with the text to uncover Frost's message about cherishing youth amidst inevitable change.
