Final answer:
Robert Frost's use of imagery in his poetry is pivotal to establishing the mood of his works, often encompassing themes of nature and everyday life that resonate with the reader on both an emotional and visual level.
Step-by-step explanation:
Robert Frost's use of imagery in his poetry greatly contributes to the mood of each poem. Imaging creates a visual representation in the reader's mind, often invoking emotional responses that align with the mood Frost aims to convey. For example, in poems such as "The Road Not Taken," Frost uses the imagery of a forked path in a wood to symbolize choices in life, the mood here can be reflective and contemplatory. In other poems like "After Apple-Picking," the vivid descriptions of the apple harvest lead to a mood of fatigue and satisfaction mixed with the contemplation of mortality. Frost's chosen images often include natural settings and everyday scenes, reinforcing a mood of familiarity, reflection, and sometimes unease, particularly when he introduces elements of danger or melancholy within the beauty of nature.
Such imagery serves a dual purpose as both a physical and an emotional descriptor, which can be seen in his portrayal of the "Assorted characters of death and blight" as a twist on the concept of starting the day, creating a grim or macabre mood. The use of nature and common things in Frost's works not only make his poetry relatable but also help him to establish a mood that varies from poem to poem, reflecting his complex view of nature and life.