This sentence suggests that Robert Frost, a renowned American poet, is generally well-regarded but perhaps underappreciated for his exceptional poetic abilities by many people. It indicates that while Frost’s work may be acknowledged, it might not be fully recognized for its true brilliance and depth.
The deeper meaning of this quote lies in the idea that there are layers to an artist's or writer's work that can be easily missed if one does not delve into them thoroughly. Paul Muldoon implies that many people fail to grasp Frost’s genius because they do not engage deeply enough with his poetry. By saying "not enough people have worked out," he suggests a lack of critical engagement and analysis in understanding Frost’s contributions, thus underestimating the true value of his work.
Paul Muldoon is an Irish poet, writer, playwright, and academic who has been highly influential in contemporary literature. He served as the Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003 and continues to be a prominent figure in the literary world. His insight into Frost’s poetry reflects his own expertise and deep understanding of poetic craft and its impact on readers and critics alike.
