Robert Frost wrote, "I have written to keep the over curious out of the secret places in my mind both in my verse and in my letters." In a poem, he wrote, "I have been one acquainted with the night." Those unfamiliar with Robert Frost's life story might not realize the significance of those words. Frost was born in a nearly lawless city and grew up in a highly dysfunctional family. As an adult his life was riddled with trials and tragedies. Although he and his wife had four children, three died tragically: a four-year-old boy, a daughter from tuberculosis, and another daughter to suicide. Robert Lee Frost had secrets to keep. Born in San Francisco in 1874, his family had so many secrets that for many years he was not certain of the year of his birth (Meyers, p. 2). The first Frost came to the United States in 1636 (Meyers, p. 1), and his ancestors played varied roles in American history. Along with Army and Navy officers was an early Maine resident, Charles Frost, who invited local natives to his home. After they set their weapons aside, he murdered them. A few escaped, and in retaliation, Charles Frost was found alone on a road and murdered by natives. Robert Frost's father himself was sympathetic to the southern cause during the War Between the States and angered when his father kept him from...

1). In fact Robert Frost was named Robert Lee in honor of the Confederate General. His mother, who was from Scotland, agreed to the first name in honor of the poet Robert Burns.
Robert Frost's mother came to the United States as a child under questionable circumstances. Her mother was described as a "hussy" who deserted her, and it seems likely that she was illegitimate (Meyers, p. 2). This caused her great shame. His father, William Prescott Jr., was a man of big dreams. However, personal shortcomings including alcoholism got in the way of success for him. He frequently took his anger out on Robert verbally and physically. Robert, in turn, had to grow up street smart and tough in San Francisco, and earned himself a spot in a gang by stealing to prove himself. Shortly before William's death from tuberculosis, however, he reached out to his son with love, and finally gathered some concern for the welfare of his family. He contacted his relatives in New England and told them that he was dying without insurance and would leave his wife and children impoverished.

After moving back to Massachusetts, Frost eventually entered Dartmouth College, but left before first semester exams were over. He gave several explanations of this, but…