The Speaker's Words:
* "Good fences make good neighbours." He claims building the wall is a tradition that helps neighbours get along.
* "Something there is that doesn't love a wall..." He acknowledges a deeper, instinctive desire for connection and openness.
* "Why do they make good neighbours? Isn't it Where there are cows?" He suggests the wall's purpose is solely to keep livestock in.
The Speaker's Actions:
* He actively participates in the wall's rebuilding, despite questioning its need. He doesn't just follow tradition passively; he actively contributes to the wall's maintenance.
* He persists in rebuilding the wall even though it's often unnecessary. He keeps rebuilding the wall, even when the stones are falling down because of nature, not the actions of the neighbour's cows.
* He seems to enjoy the act of building the wall. The speaker seems to find satisfaction in the physical labor of the wall's construction.
The Discrepancy:
The speaker's words suggest a more reasoned, logical approach to neighborly relations. He presents the wall as a necessary evil, a tradition he's willing to uphold for the sake of social harmony. However, his actions suggest a more stubborn, even *antisocial* element to his character. He seems to enjoy the act of separation, the physical barrier that the wall creates.
Possible Interpretations:
* Irony: The poem uses irony to highlight the speaker's internal conflict. He wants to be open and connected but clings to the wall as a symbol of separation.
* The Wall as a Metaphor: The wall can symbolize more than just a physical barrier. It could represent a societal need for division, an unwillingness to truly understand and accept others, or even the speaker's own emotional barriers.
* The Importance of Tradition: The speaker may feel compelled to uphold tradition, even when it doesn't make sense, out of a sense of duty or fear of upsetting the status quo.
Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader to grapple with the speaker's motivations and the deeper meaning of the wall.