The phrase functions as a query, seeking information about an individual’s identity within a specific location, a stall. The term “yonder” adds a sense of distance or separation, suggesting the individual is not in immediate proximity to the speaker. An example would be someone inquiring about a distinguished-looking individual seated in a separate area of a market or fair.
Understanding the grammatical role of each word provides a foundation for interpreting the meaning and intent behind the question. The interrogative pronoun “who” initiates the question, while the verb “is” links the subject to the prepositional phrase “in yonder stall,” describing their location. This phrasing is often associated with traditional folk songs or narratives, suggesting a context rooted in older forms of storytelling and possibly hinting at the importance of the unknown individual within the story.
