The poem “The Silken Tent” by Robert Frost is about a woman being described as a silken tent with all of its different components. The word freedom and bondage are two opposites of each other. The use of the words “slight bondage” gives more flexibility but you have certain restrictions. I started to think that being in a marriage could be a type of slight bondage because your “tied” to another individual but there are certain things you just can’t or your not allowed to do anymore. But being married doesn’t mean that all freedom is taken away from you but if you get a divorce your no longer bound to that person. Everyone has the right to freedom but due to society and rules all of use are held bondage to a certain extent.
ENGL 2003 / Section 5547
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I also understood this from the word bondage in the poem. It appears that she is tied to a relationship or a marriage where the woman is not allowed the freedom to be herself anymore.
In addition to your post, I wanted to relate your statements to the poem. The woman may be in a sort of relationship that is deemed inappropriate. Although she is trying to be independent and make her own decisions, she is still haunted by societal norms and expectations. Hence the “slight bondage”.
Though I understand what you mean about the freedom a divorce gives but during the 1800s divorce wasn’t really an option. but I like how you mentioned society because I think that line about the compass round refers to society or what everyone in the world thinks. In reference to your take, maybe
‘But strictly held by none, is loosely bound
By countless silken ties of love and thought
To every thing on earth the compass round,
means no one in the world forcing her to stay with her husband but society’s idea of love is the countless silken ties of love and thought… Just a thought.
I love your take on it.