Vocabulary in Out, Out—

In this context, the noun “affair” refers to the activities or business, whether professional or personal, that people were engaged in before the accident. The speaker’s tone is neutral, rather than disapproving, in suggesting that the others are heartless or selfish; instead, they are portrayed as simply pragmatic and productive. Frost seems to suggest that tragedy is an inevitable part of life and that life must move on.

“Ether” is a type of highly flammable liquid anesthesia that was used during surgeries beginning in the 1840s. Ether can be vaporized into a gas that, while blocking pain, does not always result in loss of consciousness. Though the speaker suggests that ether causes the boy to become unconscious, it is possible that the darkness is actually death approaching.

The adjective “rueful” refers to an expression of sorrow or regret, but it connotes wryness or humor. The speaker indicates that the boy’s laugh is perhaps one of shocked disbelief—for, despite the danger of the “man’s work” he has been made to do, he is still a child. Frost’s word choice invites readers to empathize with the boy as he processes what has taken place, therefore rendering his plight all the more upsetting.