A Roadside Stand Long Answer Type Question | Assumption, Creativity & Critical Thinking Based | Class 12 Flamingo

This page offers A Roadside Stand  long answer type question for Class 12  from the book Flamingo.  We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand A Roadside Stand  long answer type question

A Roadside Stand Long Answer Type Question

1. In A Roadside Stand, how does the poet show the difference between rural and city life, and what message does he give about these differences?(Answer in 120 to 150 words)

Answer:The poet describes rural life as simple and full of hardships, where villagers struggle daily to make a living. They wait in hope that city people will stop at their roadside stand to buy something, but city people ignore or complain about them.

The city life, on the other hand, is shown as comfortable and fast paced, with people too focused on themselves to care about the poor villagers. Through this contrast, the poet highlights the lack of understanding and connection between rural and urban people.

He suggests that society should care more about those who struggle. Instead of ignoring them, we should offer genuine support and respect for rural communities, helping them have better lives without taking away their dignity.

2. How does the metaphor “greedy good doers” in A Roadside Stand help us understand the poet’s feelings about false charity?(Answer in 120 to 150 words)

Answer:The metaphor “greedy good doers” shows how some people pretend to help the poor, but in reality, they care more about their own gains. These people make big promises, but their main goal is not to help the villagers but to feel good about themselves.

They often take advantage of the villagers’ innocence and make them dependent on temporary help rather than teaching them skills to improve their own lives. The poet feels that these actions harm the villagers more than they help them, making them lose control over their own lives.

Through this metaphor, the poet warns us that real charity should be selfless, focusing on empowering others rather than seeking personal benefits or recognition.

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3. Explain how the villagers’ “childish longing” in A Roadside Stand reflects their innocence and hope for a better life.(Answer in 120 to 150 words)

Answer:The villagers’ “childish longing” shows their simple dreams and pure hope for a better life. They long for things they have seen in movies or imagined from city life, thinking that having city money will solve their problems. This hope is innocent and naïve, as they don’t realise that wealth alone cannot guarantee happiness.

Their longing is like a child’s because it is filled with wishful thinking, without fully understanding the challenges of city life. They don’t know that city life comes with its own problems, and sometimes city people don’t even have the peace that rural life offers.

The poet uses this image to make us feel for the villagers, showing how innocent their hopes are and how unfair it is that society ignores their dreams.

4. In A Roadside Stand, what message does the poet give about society’s responsibility to help rural people?(Answer in 120 to 150 words)

Answer:The poet suggests that society has a responsibility to help rural people in a way that respects their dignity and independence. He criticises the kind of help that makes the poor dependent rather than empowering them.

Society should offer real opportunities to improve their lives, such as fair job opportunities, access to education, and proper healthcare. The poet feels that rural people should not be treated as helpless or as a burden. Instead, they should be seen as valuable members of society.

The poem reminds us that true support means treating everyone equally and making sure that help brings positive, lasting change. The poet’s message is that we should care for the rural population and give them the chance to succeed on their own.

5. How does the poet in A Roadside Stand express his frustration with the government and other agencies’ false promises?(Answer in 120 to 150 words)

Answer:The poet feels frustrated because he sees that government agencies make promises to help the villagers, but these promises are rarely kept. Instead of bringing real change, these agencies push solutions that don’t address the villagers’ actual needs.

They treat the villagers as if they cannot make decisions for themselves, taking away their independence. The poet describes these promises as “false,” showing his anger at how rural people are tricked into believing things will improve.

This false hope creates disappointment, making the villagers feel even worse when they realise nothing has changed. The poet believes that promises should be honest, practical, and should focus on empowering the villagers to stand on their own.

6. What does A Roadside Stand suggest about the impact of consumerism on rural communities?(Answer in 120 to 150 words)

Answer:The poem shows that consumerism, or the focus on buying and selling, often overlooks the needs of rural people. City people are used to a comfortable lifestyle, and when they see the roadside stand, they only see it as an eyesore, not as a genuine business. They pass by without understanding the hard work and hope behind the stand.

The villagers try to join the consumer culture by selling their produce, but they are ignored, as consumerism doesn’t value small businesses like theirs. This lack of support makes it hard for the villagers to succeed, pushing them further into poverty.

The poet’s message is that consumerism should not only focus on profits but also consider supporting rural communities, allowing them to benefit from the economy too.

7. Why do you think the poet in A Roadside Stand wishes to “put these people at one stroke out of their pain”?(Answer in 120 to 150 words)

Answer:The poet’s wish to “put these people at one stroke out of their pain” reflects his deep sadness and helplessness. He feels their struggles are endless and sees that society and government fail to help them effectively.

This line shows his empathy, as he feels the villagers’ pain and wishes he could end it quickly. However, this also shows his frustration, as he knows there is no easy solution to their problems. Although the poet does not really wish harm on them, he expresses his sorrow in a way that reveals his disappointment with society’s inability to support the villagers.

The line suggests that the poet wants a way to give them peace, hoping they could live a better life without suffering.

8. How does the poet in A Roadside Stand use the image of “polished traffic” to criticise urban society?(Answer in 120 to 150 words)

Answer:The “polished traffic” symbolises the fast paced, smooth, and wealthy lives of city people. The poet uses this image to show how city people live in comfort and luxury, ignoring the struggles of rural villagers.

They speed past the roadside stand without stopping, focused only on their own lives. This “polished” world of the city is in sharp contrast to the poor, simple lives of the villagers, who wait in hope for some kindness from passing travellers.

The poet’s criticism here is that urban society is often self centred, caring only for its own comfort and overlooking the struggles of those who need help the most.

9. What lesson about kindness and empathy does A Roadside Stand teach us through the villagers’ story?(Answer in 120 to 150 words)

Answer:The poem teaches us that kindness and empathy should go beyond just words or passing thoughts. The villagers long for some understanding and connection from city people, who often ignore them. The poem suggests that genuine empathy involves stopping, noticing, and caring about others’ lives. By ignoring the villagers, society fails to show real compassion.

The poet makes us think that empathy means seeing everyone as equal and worthy of respect. True kindness would mean not just giving money but also showing respect, valuing their work, and offering opportunities for growth. The poem reminds us that our actions, even small ones, can make a big difference in someone else’s life.

10. In A Roadside Stand, how does the poet make us think about the value of hope in difficult times?(Answer in 120 to 150 words)

Answer:The villagers in A Roadside Stand live with hope, even though their lives are full of hardship. They dream that someday, someone will stop and buy from their stand, bringing a bit of relief and happiness. This hope keeps them going, despite the many disappointments they face.

The poet shows that hope is powerful, giving people strength to keep moving forward, even when things seem hopeless.

The poem teaches us that hope can be a source of comfort and courage, especially when there is little else to rely on. By showing the villagers’ unending hope, the poet reminds us that holding on to dreams, however small, can give meaning to our lives, even in the toughest situations.

11. How does the poem A Roadside Stand reveal the city people’s lack of empathy toward rural communities? What does this indifference suggest about social divides? (120-150 words)  

Answer:The poem highlights how city people pass by the roadside stand without noticing the rural folk’s struggles. Their lack of concern reflects a wider social divide between the wealthy city dwellers and the poor countryside people. The fact that they find the signs painted by the rural folk unattractive shows their superficial mindset.

This indifference signifies the growing gap between urban and rural life, where the prosperity of the cities ignores the needs of the less fortunate. The city dwellers’ selfishness, as they focus only on their convenience, portrays a broader theme of social and economic inequality. The rural folk’s attempts to sell their goods are overlooked, symbolising how they are often disregarded in the broader system of progress.

12. In the poem, what does the rural people’s desire for city money suggest about their hopes and struggles? (120-150 words) 

Answer:The rural people’s desire for city money reflects their deep yearning for a better life. They believe that money will help them escape poverty and bring them happiness like in the movies they have seen. This longing shows their struggle with the harsh reality of rural life, where opportunities are limited, and their efforts to improve are ignored.

The city money becomes a symbol of hope for them, a way to elevate their existence. However, it also shows their desperation, as they place their trust in a system that constantly neglects their needs. The poem reveals that despite their efforts, they remain trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled dreams and promises that are never kept.

13. How does the roadside stand in A Roadside Stand represent the struggle of rural communities to gain recognition? (120-150 words)  

Answer:The roadside stand is a powerful symbol of rural people’s struggle to gain recognition and respect. They set up the stand in the hope that city folk will stop and buy their goods, giving them a sense of worth. However, the indifference of the passersby reveals how rural life is overlooked and undervalued.

The stand represents the rural folk’s attempt to engage with the modern world, to be a part of its progress, but it also shows how they are left out of this progress. Their offerings, although simple, reflect their effort to participate in the economy, but their efforts are met with neglect.

This symbolises the larger societal issue of how rural communities are often left behind in the rush for development.

14. What does Robert Frost suggest about the promises of modernity in the poem A Roadside Stand? (120-150 words)  

Answer:Frost critiques the promises of modernity by showing how it fails to benefit everyone, especially the rural poor. In the poem, the rural people dream of a life of comfort and ease, based on the images they have seen in movies or heard from politicians.

However, these promises remain unfulfilled as the city folk pass by without stopping, symbolising how modern progress ignores the needs of the rural areas. The poem suggests that while cities flourish, the countryside is left behind, with its people clinging to false hopes.

Modernity is portrayed as something that serves the wealthy and powerful, while the poor remain trapped in their struggles, unable to access the same benefits. Frost questions whether true progress can exist when it leaves so many behind.

15. How does A Roadside Stand challenge typical ideas of progress and happiness? (120-150 words)  

Answer:In A Roadside Stand, Frost challenges the idea that progress and happiness are universally shared. The rural people believe that by getting city money, they will achieve the kind of life they see in movies—a life of ease and comfort. However, the reality is far from that. While cities grow wealthier, the rural areas continue to suffer in poverty.

The roadside stand represents this unequal distribution of wealth and progress. The poem suggests that true happiness cannot come from material wealth alone, especially when it is not shared equally. Frost criticises how the rural poor are ignored in the name of progress, leading readers to question whether development really benefits all or just a privileged few.

16.In A Roadside Stand, rural people yearn for a better life but feel ignored. What values are essential to bridge the urban-rural gap, and how could these values create a more inclusive society? (120-150 words)

Answer:Bridging the gap between urban and rural communities requires values like empathy, respect, and social awareness. Empathy encourages urban residents to understand and acknowledge the daily struggles of rural people, such as limited access to resources and economic challenges. Respect enables urban communities to appreciate the unique contributions of rural areas, recognising them as valuable parts of society rather than distant, overlooked places.

Social awareness brings attention to the development disparities between urban and rural areas, promoting a more balanced approach to growth. Together, these values foster a spirit of unity and understanding, creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, has a chance to prosper. By nurturing these values, we move closer to a society that is truly inclusive, where all people feel supported and recognised in the journey toward progress.

17. The poem shows the rural people’s pain at being ignored. What values should city dwellers adopt to understand and support rural lives? (120-150 words)  

Answer:City dwellers should adopt values like compassion, fairness, and inclusivity to truly understand and support rural lives. Compassion helps them recognise the daily struggles of rural communities, from limited resources to economic challenges.

Fairness urges city dwellers to consider rural needs in development projects, ensuring that progress is shared equally. Inclusivity emphasises the importance of creating equal opportunities for both urban and rural communities, promoting mutual respect and collaboration.

When urban people adopt these values, it reduces social inequalities and builds a sense of unity. Supporting rural lives ultimately benefits society as a whole, creating a more balanced and harmonious structure where every community has the chance to thrive. Embracing these values allows us to grow together and acknowledge the contributions of all, fostering a truly inclusive society.

18.In A Roadside Stand, unmet promises to the rural poor are highlighted. What values should leaders uphold with underprivileged communities, and how can these values build trust? (120-150 words)  

Answer:Honesty, responsibility, and transparency are essential values for leaders working with underprivileged communities. Honesty ensures that promises made are achievable and grounded in reality, helping avoid disappointment and fostering trust.

Responsibility means that leaders genuinely address rural needs instead of offering empty assurances, showing commitment to fair treatment. Transparency allows leaders to openly communicate their policies and actions, making the process visible and building a solid foundation of trust. When leaders uphold these values, they strengthen the bond with underprivileged communities, encouraging faith in their governance.

This trust enables meaningful support, ensuring that development initiatives are genuinely beneficial and aligned with the communities’ actual needs, paving the way for sustainable growth and mutual respect.

19. The rural people in the poem A Roadside Stand  show resilience despite setbacks. What values does their resilience teach us about facing challenges? (120-150 words)  

Answer:The resilience shown by rural people in the poem teaches us essential values like perseverance, hope, and patience. Perseverance encourages us to keep pushing forward even when we encounter obstacles, showing that continuous effort can bring progress over time. Hope gives us the strength to face hardships with a positive outlook, motivating us to believe that better days lie ahead.

Patience allows us to endure tough times without losing focus, accepting that achievements often require time and persistence. Together, these values remind us that struggles are integral to personal growth, helping us build inner strength and resilience.

By adopting these qualities in our lives, we can stay committed to our goals, maintain a positive mindset, and handle challenges with a calm, constructive approach, even when immediate outcomes are not visible.

20. In A Roadside Stand, rural folk look to city life for happiness but feel unfulfilled. What values should society promote to help people find contentment within their circumstances? (120-150 words)  

Answer:Society should promote values like gratitude, self-acceptance, and simplicity to help people find contentment within their circumstances. Gratitude allows individuals to appreciate what they already have, fostering a sense of fulfilment.

Self-acceptance encourages people to find satisfaction within themselves, reducing the constant need to chase external validations. Simplicity reminds us that true happiness does not come from wealth or possessions alone, but from valuing life’s small joys and meaningful relationships.

These values encourage people to focus on inner peace rather than striving for unattainable, distant dreams. By promoting contentment, society helps individuals avoid stress and dissatisfaction, ultimately leading to a balanced life. This approach benefits both individuals and society by creating a community that values peace and fulfilment over materialism, nurturing a genuinely happy and harmonious society.

21. In A Roadside Stand, does the rural people’s desire for change reflect a universal need or societal influence? How might this gap between reality and aspiration affect their lives? (120 to 150 words)  

Answer: The rural people’s desire for change reflects both a universal need for progress and a society-driven influence from the urban lifestyle. While they yearn for a better life, their dreams are shaped by city ideals they see in movies and news.

This contrast between their simple reality and distant aspirations creates frustration, as they feel trapped in an unchanging cycle. The more they aspire to live like city folk, the more they experience disappointment due to unmet promises.

This struggle affects their sense of worth, as they continuously hope for an unrealistic life, highlighting the need for realistic aspirations and equal opportunities that respect rural values.

22. How does the roadside stand in A Roadside Stand symbolise the rural people’s struggle for recognition? (120 to 150 words)  

Answer:The roadside stand symbolises the rural community’s effort to gain recognition and respect. The rural people set it up, hoping that city folk will stop, buy their goods, and value their hard work. However, the city people often ignore it or complain, symbolising the urban neglect towards rural life.

This small stand represents their struggle to connect with the modern world, trying to earn a dignified livelihood. Frost uses it as a symbol of the larger issue faced by rural communities—seeking validation and recognition in a society that often overlooks them.

The stand thus becomes a reminder of the inequality and neglect rural areas face in the name of progress.

23. How does the neglect faced by the rural people in A Roadside Stand impact their self-worth? What might Frost suggest about such social indifference? (120 to 150 words)  

Answer:The neglect experienced by the rural people lowers their self-worth, as they feel unvalued and unseen by the city folk. They set up the roadside stand with hope, only to be met with indifference, which deepens their frustration and sense of unimportance.

Frost may be suggesting that social indifference can harm the morale of underprivileged communities, pushing them further into isolation and hopelessness.

By neglecting these communities, society misses the chance to uplift them, creating a divide that breeds resentment. Frost’s poem underscores the importance of empathy and inclusion, implying that a supportive attitude from society could help these communities regain their self-worth and dignity.

24. How does Frost’s critique of modernity in A Roadside Stand apply to today’s world, where urbanisation often overlooks rural needs? (120 to 150 words)  

Answer:Frost’s critique of modernity remains relevant today as urbanisation continues to expand at the expense of rural communities. Like the rural people in the poem, modern rural areas are often neglected in the race for progress, with development focused mainly on urban zones.

This can lead to economic and social divides, as rural people feel left behind and unsupported. Frost’s perspective suggests the need for balanced development that addresses the unique challenges of rural areas, promoting equal opportunity.

By focusing only on cities, society risks creating a disparity that excludes rural communities, highlighting the importance of considering all lives in development plans for a truly inclusive progress.

25. In A Roadside Stand, rural people rely on city folk for support but feel let down. What does this reveal about urban-rural power dynamics? (120 to 150 words)  

Answer:The reliance of rural people on city folk in the poem highlights an imbalanced power dynamic. The rural folk depend on city traffic to buy their goods, which shows their vulnerability. However, city dwellers often ignore them, reinforcing the power imbalance.

This reliance exposes the dependence rural communities feel on urban economies, as they lack resources to sustain themselves independently. Frost may be urging for a fairer relationship where urban society recognises the value of rural contributions.

A more supportive connection would enable rural areas to flourish, benefiting the whole society and reducing the economic and social divide between urban and rural populations.