Although it was first published in 1914 with other Frost poetry in the North of Boston collection, critic Harold Bloom notes that the poem was written in 1905 or 1906.

[1] "The Death of the Hired Man" is a long poem primarily concerning a conversation, over a short time period in a single evening, between a farmer (Warren) and his wife (Mary) about what to do with an ex-employee named Silas, who helped with haymaking and left the farm at an inappropriate time after being offered "pocket money," now making his return during winter looking like "a miserable sight" having "changed."

When Warren wonders "what's between them", Mary states: "Worthless though he is, / He won't be made ashamed to please his brother."

Several themes are touched upon by Frost in this poem including family, power, justice, mercy, age, death, friendship, redemption, guilt and belonging.

By saying this he is highlighting, at least at that point in the poem, that he does not feel obliged to put a roof over Silas' head because of his betrayal of leaving the farm.

Silas has evidently returned 'home' to the farm to try to reaffirm some meaning in his life before he dies by helping with the next season, and trying to redeem his relationship with Harold – neither of these pursuits are fulfilled.

[1] The poem shines light on Warren's progressive moral slide from resistance to acceptance of his responsibility of providing a home for Silas' death despite his wrongdoings.

Through the obvious moral dichotomy at the start of the poem between Warren and Mary, it can be interpreted that Mary has slowly convinced Warren to offer Silas a room at the house; obviously his offering comes too late with Silas having died, arguably alone, beside the stove.