Reconsidering- To think again about something.
Contemplating-To think carefully about something.

Meaning of "reconsidering" and "contemplating"

Reconsidering:
Reconsidering refers to the act of thinking about something again, especially with the intention of changing one's previous decision or opinion. It involves reassessing a situation, idea, or action by reflecting on it from a different perspective or considering new information or factors that may have come to light. Reconsidering allows for a more thoughtful and careful evaluation of a matter before making a final decision or taking further action.

Contemplating:
Contemplating, on the other hand, implies deep thinking, reflection, and introspection. It involves the act of pondering or meditating on a specific subject matter, often with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding or insight. Contemplation encourages one to delve into the complexities of a situation, considering various aspects and implications before arriving at a conclusion.

Relation to the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost:
In the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, the themes of reconsidering and contemplating are central to the speaker's decision-making process. The poem explores the idea of choices and the consequences they entail.

The speaker's reconsideration:
In the poem, the speaker comes across a forked road, symbolizing a metaphorical crossroad in life where a decision needs to be made. The speaker initially considers both paths to be equally appealing, but realizes that he cannot take both. This realization leads to a moment of reconsideration, where the speaker weighs the pros and cons of each path and reflects on the potential outcomes of his decision.

The speaker's contemplation:
As the speaker contemplates his decision, he imagines the future scenarios that each path may lead to. He contemplates the possibility of regret and wonders about the road he does not choose. The contemplative nature of the poem is evident in lines such as "I took the one less traveled by" and "And that has made all the difference." These lines suggest that the speaker carefully considers the implications of his choice and acknowledges the significance it holds for his life.

Conclusion:
In "The Road Not Taken," the speaker's process of reconsideration and contemplation exemplifies the importance of thoughtful decision-making. Through the exploration of different paths and the consideration of their potential outcomes, the poem highlights the significance of making choices with careful consideration and introspection.