The title itself, "A Handful of Dates," already suggests a theme of scarcity or limitation. The word "handful" evokes a small amount, conveying the idea that the woman only has a few dates to enjoy. Moreover, dates come from afar, suggesting that they are rare and exotic, something out of reach for the average person.
Further analysis of the poem reveals more symbolic layers. The woman is portrayed as sitting "in a doubtful shade" beneath an apple tree, hinting at uncertainty or a lack of comfort. She is also reading from an old book, potentially a symbol of wisdom, yet the presence of a torn page hints at missing information or broken connections. The dates themselves could represent life's fleeting pleasures or ephemeral opportunities, which the woman savors with an air of melancholy remembrance.
The poem ends with a poignant line that captures the theme of human existence and mortality: "We sit together here a little while, / We, you, and I, and Life, and Nothingness." This line suggests that life is transient, but we share a brief moment with the essence of life and the inevitable nothingness of death.
In essence, "A Handful of Dates" utilizes simple imagery to explore complex themes of scarcity, human limitations, savoring fleeting moments, and the contemplation of mortality. Frost masterfully weaves together tangible elements like dates, an apple tree, and a torn book to convey deeper insights about the human condition.