The Demiurge's Laugh

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Frost in 1913

The Demiurge's Laugh is a lyric poem by American poet Robert Frost. Published in 1913 in the collection, "A Boy's Will", the poem tells a gothic story with supernatural themes throughout.[1]

Synopsis

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It was far in the sameness of the wood;
     I was running with joy on the Demon’s trail,
Though I knew what I hunted was no true god.
     It was just as the light was beginning to fail
That I suddenly heard—all I needed to hear:
It has lasted me many and many a year.

The wound was behind me instead of before,
     A sleepy sound, but mocking half,
As of one who utterly couldn’t care.
     The Demon arose from his wallow to laugh,
Brushing the dirt from his eye as he went;
And well I knew what the Demon meant.

I shall not forget how his laugh rang out.
     I felt as a fool to have been so caught,
And checked my steps to make pretence
     It was something among the leaves I sought
(Though doubtful whether he stayed to see).
Thereafter I sat me against a tree.

— The Demiurge's Laugh[2], Robert Lee Frost

The poem follows an unnamed character whom gallivanted into the wildness while disoriented. There, he hears constant sounds until a malicious deity emerged. Demiurge, the embodiment of the devil, began profusely laughing at him.[1] Even after the vision ended, the main character could still experience the devil's laughs ringing. Soon after, he checked his surroundings and sat himself on a tree, ending the story with him believing himself to be a fool for being caught and feeling contempt.[3]

Analysis

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The poem using the poetic elements of themes, symbolism and imagery.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b "America's Great Poet of Darkness". THR Web Features. 2024-03-25. Retrieved 2025-09-16.
  2. ^ "Poets.org".
  3. ^ "Login : All Poetry". allpoetry.com. Retrieved 2025-09-16.
  4. ^ "The Demiurge's Laugh by Robert Frost". eliteskills.com. Retrieved 2025-09-16.