Final answer:
In the poem "Mending Wall" by Robert Frost, the word "grasped" suggests the man's determination to protect himself, metaphorically reflecting his adherence to traditional beliefs about boundaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word "grasped" in the poem "Mending Wall" by Robert Frost connotes that the man is determined to protect himself, as indicated by the thematic link between the description of the neighbor bringing a stone "grasped firmly" and the repeated adage "Good fences make good neighbours." This portion of the poem suggests the neighbor's firm hold on the rocks echoes his equally firm grasp on traditional beliefs about boundaries and their protective nature. The context implies a firm mental grasp rather than a physical ability or aggressive intent.