Question

Discuss what these phrases mean to you.
(i) a yellow wood
(ii) it was grassy and wanted wear
(iii) the passing there
(iv) leaves no step had trodden black
(v) how way leads on to way

Answer 1

(i) The phrase "a yellow wood" indicates a forest during the autumn season.
(ii) The phrase "it was grassy and wanted wear" means that the road was full of grass as it has been less travelled. As people haven't walked on it, it is yet to wear out.
(iii) The phrase "the passing there" refers to people walking on that road.
(iv) "Leaves no step had trodden black" indicates that the fallen leaves had not been crushed under the feet of the travelers.
(v) The phrase "how way leads on to way" means that one road leads to another. So once the poet has made a choice between the two roads, he wonders if he will ever be able return to the same spot and choose the other road.