The rural poor are "soothed" by greedy good-doers and selfish powerful individuals, but this "soothing" is a deceptive act of exploitation that ultimately leaves them deprived of essential facilities and out of their wits. This perspective is powerfully conveyed in Robert Frost's poem "The Roadside Stand."
The Deceptive Nature of "Soothing"
In the context of the poem, the concept of "soothing" is not about genuine comfort or assistance. Instead, it refers to a manipulative process where the rural poor are seemingly offered help or opportunities, which turn out to be false promises, leading to their further disadvantage. This is a critical examination of how economic and social inequalities perpetuate suffering rather than alleviate it.
Understanding the "Greedy Good-Doers" and "Selfish Powerful People"
The individuals responsible for this deceptive soothing are characterized as:
- Greedy Good-Doers: These are individuals or entities who present themselves as benefactors, acting with altruistic intentions. However, their underlying motives are driven by self-interest and a desire for profit, often at the expense of those they claim to help. They might propose grand schemes for development that, in reality, serve to enrich themselves or their associates.
- Selfish Powerful People: This refers to the dominant forces in society, including politicians, wealthy industrialists, or urban elites, who hold significant power and influence. They use their position not to uplift the poor but to maintain their own status and wealth, often by exploiting the resources and labor of rural communities.
The Method of "Soothing": Deprivation and Exploitation
The way these powerful figures "soothe" the rural poor is by:
- Withholding Essential Facilities: Instead of providing the much-needed infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities that would genuinely improve their lives, these "soothers" deny or limit access to such fundamental necessities. This keeps the rural population dependent and vulnerable.
- False Promises and Empty Rhetoric: They might offer vague assurances of a better future, promises of development projects that never materialize, or regulations that favor urban interests over rural well-being. This creates a false sense of hope that pacifies the poor without delivering tangible benefits.
- Exploitation of Labor and Resources: The rural poor, lacking alternatives, are often compelled to accept unfair wages or sell their produce at exploitative prices, further contributing to the wealth of the powerful while remaining in poverty themselves.
The Impact on Rural Communities
The consequences of this deceptive "soothing" are profound and detrimental:
- Emotional and Psychological Distress: The constant cycle of hope followed by disappointment leads to feelings of despair, frustration, and a sense of being cheated. This is what is meant by being "soothed out of their wits"—their sense of reality and hope is distorted.
- Economic Stagnation: Without essential facilities and fair economic opportunities, rural areas remain underdeveloped, preventing the poor from escaping the cycle of poverty.
- Loss of Dignity and Autonomy: The rural poor are stripped of their agency, becoming passive recipients of empty gestures rather than active participants in their own upliftment.
This critical perspective highlights that the true challenge for the rural poor is not just economic hardship but also the manipulative forces that prevent genuine progress under the guise of assistance.
