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About this quote

What does it mean?
An old dog barks backward without rising, reminding the speaker of the dog's youthful days.
In plain terms
The old dog barks but doesn’t get up, recalling his youth.
What can you take from it?
Notice how aging changes abilities but memories persist.

Where it applies

  • reflecting on aging
  • pet ownership

Putting it to work

  • appreciate past vigor
  • accept present limits

Questions to consider

  • How do you view aging in yourself or others?
  • What comforts you about memory?

Another view

The metaphor may be obscure without context.

More from Robert Frost

  1. No memory of having starred Atones for later disregard, Or keeps the end from being hard. Better to go down dignified With boughten friendship at your side Tha…

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  2. When I see young men doing so wonderfully well in athletics, I don't feel angry at them. I feel jealous of them. I wish that some of my boys in writing would d…

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  3. Writing free verse is like playing tennis with the net down.

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