Learn English - Flemingo Poetry with Free Lessons & Tips

In "A Roadside Stand" by Robert Frost, the poet's complaint centers around the indifference and disdain shown by the city folk and those in positions of power towards the rural people who operate the roadside stand. Throughout the poem, Frost highlights the struggles and challenges faced by the rural community, including the lack of recognition for their hard work and the obstacles they encounter in earning a livelihood.

The poet's complaint can be summarized as follows:

1. Lack of Recognition: The poet laments the lack of recognition and appreciation for the labor and pride of the rural people who operate the roadside stand. Despite their efforts to provide fresh produce and support themselves through honest work, they are met with indifference and scorn from those who pass by, including the city folk and those in positions of power.

2. Injustice and Inequality: The poet criticizes the socio-economic inequalities and injustices that contribute to the rural community's plight. He observes how the city folk and those in positions of power dismiss or overlook the hardships endured by the rural people, failing to acknowledge their dignity and resilience in the face of adversity.

3. Disregard for Rural Life: The poet expresses concern over the encroachment of modernization and industrialization on traditional ways of life in rural communities. He observes how the city folk view the roadside stand and the rural people who operate it with disdain, failing to recognize the value of their labor and the importance of preserving rural economies and livelihoods.

Overall, the poet's complaint in the poem revolves around the lack of empathy, recognition, and support for the rural community's struggles and the challenges they face in earning a livelihood. Through his vivid imagery and poignant language, Frost invites readers to reflect on the human cost of socio-economic inequality and the resilience of those who endure it.