Learn English - Flemingo Poetry with Free Lessons & Tips

The lines that convey the city folk's lack of attention to the roadside stand and their tendency to complain are:

"The cars that passed them by the roadside stood Stood puzzled, stood off, in the rain to say, ‘Why on earth did anyone build it in the way?’"

These lines highlight how the city folk drive past the roadside stand without much consideration for it. They are described as being "puzzled" and "stood off," suggesting that they view the stand with indifference or even annoyance. The city folk's primary concern seems to be the inconvenience caused by the presence of the stand in their path, as indicated by their complaint about it being "built in the way." This complaint suggests that they see the stand as an obstruction or inconvenience rather than appreciating it for its role in providing fresh produce and supporting local livelihoods.

The plea of the folk who had put up the roadside stand is conveyed through the poem's imagery and the overall tone of the narrative rather than through explicit dialogue or statements. They do not directly voice their plea within the poem, but their actions and the description of the stand suggest their intention.

The folk who put up the roadside stand likely did so to earn a livelihood and to share the fruits of their labor with passing travelers. Their plea, therefore, could be interpreted as a desire for recognition, appreciation, and support from those who pass by. They may hope for acknowledgment of their hard work in tending the land, harvesting the fruits and vegetables, and setting up the stand to offer their produce for sale.

Additionally, their plea might be for understanding and empathy from the city folk who drive past without paying much attention. They may wish for the city folk to recognize the value of their traditional way of life and the importance of preserving rural communities and local economies.

Ultimately, while the folk who put up the roadside stand do not explicitly voice their plea within the poem, their actions and the depiction of the stand convey their desire for recognition, support, and understanding from those who pass by.

"Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" is a poem by Adrienne Rich, first published in 1951. It explores themes of gender roles, oppression, and artistic expression. Here is an analysis of the poem:

The poem begins by introducing Aunt Jennifer, who is depicted as a woman burdened by the expectations and constraints of traditional gender roles. She is described as "massive" and "unafraid," yet her hands are portrayed as "fluttering" and "terrified," suggesting a sense of vulnerability and fear.

The central image of Aunt Jennifer's tigers embroidered on a panel is a symbol of her artistic expression and creative spirit. The tigers are described as "prancing" and "bright," representing Aunt Jennifer's desire for freedom and power. However, the tigers also symbolize her longing for a life unrestrained by the patriarchal norms and societal expectations that confine her.

The poem contrasts Aunt Jennifer's tigers with her own life, which is depicted as one of oppression and subjugation. Aunt Jennifer's marriage is characterized by the weight of her husband's dominance and control, as symbolized by the "massive weight" of his wedding band on her hand. The imagery of the wedding band as a "masterful" and "bright" object highlights the power dynamic within the marriage and Aunt Jennifer's sense of entrapment within it.

Despite her own struggles, Aunt Jennifer finds solace and empowerment through her art. The tigers she creates embody her dreams of freedom and strength, serving as a form of resistance against the constraints of her domestic life. Through her artistic expression, Aunt Jennifer is able to assert her own agency and assert her identity in a world that seeks to silence and suppress her.

Overall, "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" is a powerful exploration of the ways in which women navigate and resist patriarchal oppression. Through the juxtaposition of Aunt Jennifer's domestic life with her artistic expression, the poem celebrates the transformative power of art as a means of reclaiming agency and asserting one's own identity in the face of societal constraints.