De Paul Senior Secondary

School,Vindhyanagar

ALS-PROJECT PORTFOLIO

Name: Hrishabh raghuvanshi

Class: XII ‘B’
Roll No: 10
Reg. No:

“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an

act of justice. Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is
not natural .”
-Nelson Mandela.
 TOPIC

Analyzing the use of language

and imagery in the poem “A
ROADSIDE STAND” by
Robert frost to convey the
struggle of the poor.
“THE ROADSIDE STAND”

A Project
by:
HRISHABH RAGHUVANSHI
 OBJECTIVES
The objective of this analysis is to examine how
ROBERT FROST employs language ans
imagery in the poem “A ROADSIDE STAND”
to effectively convey the struggle of the poor.
By exploring the poet’s choice of diction, vivid
descriptions , and symbolic references, the
analysis will highlight how these elements
evoke empathy and shed light on the economic
and social disparities faced by those in poverty.
 Action plan
The entire project has been conducted
systematically, adhering to the instructions
and guidelines provided by my subject
teacher and consultation with peers and
experts. I have also consulted various print
and visual media. This approach enabled me
to complete each phase, including topic
selection, gathering study materials,
referencing diverse audio and video clips,
seeking insights from colleagues and experts,
and incorporating a multidisciplinary
perspective into the study. The topic
“Analyzing the language and imagery in “THE
ROADSIDE STAND” by ROBERT FROST ”
highlights the focus on Frost’s use of diction
to evoke sympathy or frustration regarding
the situation of the roadside stand and its
owners.
 Student’S reflection

WHAT HAPPENED- For the project, I read the story

and its critical analysis , it highlights the struggles of a
family trying to sell goods at a roadside stand, only to
be ignored by passing travelers . the stand symbolizes
their hope for a better life, but the indifference of the
wealthy reflects the painful gap between rich and the
poor.

SO WHAT- This project enabled me to show that the

poem isn’t just about how society ignores the poor. It
made me think about the larger issue of poverty, where
the hopes and struggles of those less fortunate are often
invisible to those who are better off . This “so what”
moment is about recognizing that real change requires
awareness and empathy for those who are overlooked .

AND NOW WHAT-I prepared by details report of the

study and findings
BIBLIOGRAPGHY

• [Link]
• [Link]
• Flamingo NCERT book
MATERIAL EVIDENCES
 Introduction

. Robert Frost’s poem "A Roadside Stand"

poignantly captures the plight of the rural poor
who struggle for survival and dignity in a
rapidly modernizing world. Through the use of
vivid language and imagery, Frost depicts the
desperation and disillusionment of those living
on the margins of society. This portfolio
project explores how Frost employs these
literary devices to convey the struggles faced
by the poor, highlighting the socio-economic
disparities and the sense of abandonment felt
by these marginalized communities.
The setting and its symbolism
The poem opens with a description of a
roadside stand, a humble structure set up by
the poor to sell their goods to passing
travellers. This stand is symbolic of the rural
poor’s attempt to partake in the economic
opportunities presented by modernity.
However, the stand is often ignored or looked
down upon by the affluent travellers who pass
by, reflecting the broader societal neglect and
disdain for the impoverished.
Frost’s language here is simple yet evocative,
capturing the essence of the rural landscape
and the modesty of the stand. The use of
phrases like "a little stand" and "pathetic"
underscores the insignificance and
vulnerability of the poor in the face of urban
affluence. The stand, thus, becomes a
microcosm of the rural poor’s struggle for
recognition and economic survival.
Imagery of Desperation and Disillusionment

Throughout the poem, Frost employs powerful

imagery to convey the desperation and
disillusionment of the rural poor. The stand is
described as "painted with care," indicating
the effort and hope invested by its owners.
However, this hope is met with constant
disappointment as the travellers "speed by,"
ignoring the stand and its offerings.
The imagery of the "polished traffic"
juxtaposed with the "little stand" highlights the
stark contrast between the affluent urbanites
and the impoverished rural folk. The
travellers, with their "polished" cars and
indifference, symbolize the modern world’s
disregard for the struggles of the poor. This
imagery effectively captures the sense of
abandonment and futility experienced by
those who are left behind in the march of
progress.
Language reflecting socio-economic Disparites.

Frost’s choice of language further emphasizes

the socio-economic disparities between the
rural poor and the urban rich. Words like
"greedy good-doers" and "beneficent beasts
of prey" are used to describe the wealthy,
who, under the guise of philanthropy, exploit
and oppress the poor. This language conveys
a deep sense of cynicism and critique of the
socio-economic structures that perpetuate
inequality.
The poet’s use of direct and straightforward
language mirrors the simplicity and honesty of
the rural poor. This contrasts sharply with the
complex and deceptive language often
associated with the wealthy and powerful. By
adopting this linguistic approach, Frost aligns
the reader’s sympathies with the poor and
critiques the moral and ethical failings of the
affluent.
Imagery of broken promises and unfulfilled
dreams.

One of the most poignant aspects of the poem

is its depiction of broken promises and
unfulfilled dreams. The rural poor’s hope for
economic betterment is repeatedly dashed by
the indifference and exploitation of the
wealthy. This is captured in the imagery of the
stand, which is full of "wild berries in wooden
quarts" and "golden squash," symbolizing the
abundance of natural resources that remain
undervalued and unappreciated.
The imagery of the "idle painted shed" further
emphasizes the stagnation and lack of
progress experienced by the rural poor.
Despite their efforts to improve their situation,
they are trapped in a cycle of poverty and
neglect. This imagery underscores the poem’s
central theme of the disparity between the
promises of modernity and the harsh realities
faced by the marginalized.
Critique of modernity and urbanization.
"A Roadside Stand" can be read as a critique
of modernity and urbanization, which often
leave the rural poor marginalized and
disenfranchised. Frost’s use of language and
imagery highlights the destructive impact of
these processes on traditional ways of life and
the natural environment. The poem reflects a
deep sense of loss and longing for a more
equitable and humane society.
The imagery of the "polished traffic" speeding
by without a second glance at the stand
serves as a powerful metaphor for the
relentless pace of modern life that leaves no
room for compassion or empathy. Frost’s
critique is not just of the economic system but
also of the moral and ethical decay that
accompanies unchecked progress and
urbanization.
Empathy and Human connection.
.
Despite its bleak depiction of poverty and
marginalization, the poem also contains
moments of empathy and human connection.
The poet’s detailed description of the stand
and its offerings reflects a deep understanding
and appreciation of the rural poor’s struggle.
Frost’s language evokes a sense of shared
humanity, urging readers to recognize and
respond to the plight of those who are often
invisible in the modern world.
The poet’s plea for "someone to feel" the pain
and suffering of the poor is a call to action,
reminding readers of their moral responsibility
to address socio-economic inequalities. This
appeal to empathy and compassion is a
central theme of the poem, underscoring the
need for a more just and humane society.
Comparative analysis with other works

A comparative analysis with other literary

works that explore similar themes can enrich
the understanding of Frost’s use of language
and imagery in "A Roadside Stand." For
instance, John Steinbeck’s novel "The Grapes
of Wrath" also depicts the struggles of the
rural poor during the Great Depression, using
vivid imagery and poignant language to
highlight their plight.
Similarly, Langston Hughes’s poem "Let
America Be America Again" critiques the
unfulfilled promises of the American Dream,
using powerful imagery to convey the
experiences of marginalized communities.
Both Steinbeck and Hughes, like Frost,
employ literary devices to critique socio-
economic inequalities and advocate for social
justice.
Critical Perspectives

Critical interpretations of "A Roadside Stand"

often focus on Frost’s critique of modernity
and his empathy for the rural poor. Scholars
have praised Frost for his ability to capture the
nuances of rural life and the socio-economic
challenges faced by marginalized
communities. The poem’s vivid imagery and
evocative language allow readers to connect
with the experiences of the poor on an
emotional and intellectual level.
Some critics also highlight the poem’s
relevance in contemporary discussions on
economic inequality and social justice. The
themes of marginalization and disillusionment
depicted in the poem resonate with ongoing
struggles for economic equity and human
dignity, making Frost’s work timeless and
universal in its appeal
Conclusion

Robert Frost’s "A Roadside Stand" is a

powerful exploration of the struggles faced by
the rural poor in a rapidly modernizing world.
Through the use of vivid language and
imagery, Frost captures the desperation,
disillusionment, and resilience of those living
on the margins of society. The poem’s rich
symbolism and evocative language create a
poignant narrative that critiques socio-
economic disparities and urges readers to
respond with empathy and compassion.
By analysing the use of language and
imagery in "A Roadside Stand," this portfolio
project provides a comprehensive
understanding of Frost’s critique of modernity
and his portrayal of the rural poor’s struggle
for survival and dignity. The poem’s enduring
relevance underscores the need for continued
efforts to address economic inequality and
promote social justice in contemporary
society.
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Hrishabh raghuvanshi

of XII B has successfully completed The
project entitled “Analyzing the use of
lamguage and imagery in the poem
“THE ROADSIDE STAND” by Robert
Frost to Covey the struggle of the poor ”.
It has been carried out by the guidance of
Mr. Prince Joseph (PGT English) before the
tenure completion.

This project can be considered for All India

Senior Secondary Certificate Examination
(AISSCE 2024-25) conducted by CBSE.

Teacher’s Signature