A Roadside Stand - Class 12 English: NCERT Solutions, Important Questions, and Extra Questions

 A Roadside Stand - Class 12 English: NCERT Solutions, Important Questions, and Extra Questions

Looking for comprehensive resources on "A Roadside Stand" for Class 12 English? Look no further! We provide top-notch NCERT solutions, important questions, and extra practice questions for Class 12 English's "A Roadside Stand." Whether you need detailed answers or additional practice, our resources have got you covered. Access our comprehensive materials and enhance your understanding of this intriguing poem. Discover the answers to all your questions and excel in your English studies. Don't miss out on this invaluable assistance for Class 12th English's "A Roadside Stand"!

Important / Previous year question answer

Q 1. Why do the people who run the roadside stand wait for the squeal of brakes so eagerly? (2003 Delhi)

Ans: The people who run the roadside stand in the poem "A Roadside Stand" wait eagerly for the squeal of brakes because it signifies the possibility of a customer stopping at their stand to make a purchase. The squeal of brakes represents hope and the potential for a sale, which is crucial for their survival and livelihood. As marginalized individuals, they rely on these passing cars to bring them customers and income. The eagerness to hear the brakes indicates their anticipation and desperation for any opportunity to improve their economic situation.

Q2. Explain: “soothe them out of them wits” with reference to the poem The Roadside Stand’. (2005 Delhi)

Ans: In the poem "A Roadside Stand," the phrase "soothe them out of them wits" refers to the attempt made by the people running the stand to calm and persuade the passing cars' occupants to stop and make a purchase. The use of the phrase "soothe them" suggests that the individuals running the stand are trying to alleviate any hesitations or concerns the potential customers might have. They want to convince them to stop and buy something, perhaps by offering a sense of comfort or reassurance. The phrase highlights their effort to attract customers and make a living in their challenging circumstances.

Q 3.Why does Robert Frost sympathise with the rural poor? (2009 Delhi; 2011 Comptt. Outside Delhi)

Ans: Robert Frost sympathizes with the rural poor because he often portrays their struggles and hardships in his poetry. Frost was known for his deep understanding of rural life and the challenges faced by those living in rural communities. He recognized the difficulties of poverty, isolation, and the impact of societal inequality on the lives of the rural poor. Frost's sympathy stems from his ability to empathize with their experiences, their resilience in the face of adversity, and his desire to shed light on their often overlooked lives. Through his poetry, Frost gives a voice to the rural poor and humanizes their struggles.

Q 4. What was the plea of the folk who had put up the roadside stand? (2008 Delhi; 2011 Delhi; 2013 Delhi)

Ans: The plea of the folk who had put up the roadside stand in the poem "A Roadside Stand" was for the passing cars to stop and support their business. They hoped to attract customers and make sales to improve their economic situation. Their plea was for the passing cars to recognize their struggle and make a conscious choice to contribute by purchasing their goods. Through their roadside stand, they sought empathy, understanding, and a willingness from others to acknowledge their existence and help alleviate their financial hardships.

Q 5. What is the ‘childish longing’ of the folk who had put up the roadside stand? Why is it ‘in vain’? (2011 Comptt. Delhi)

Ans: The "childish longing" of the folk who had put up the roadside stand in the poem "A Roadside Stand" refers to their innocent and hopeful desire for the passing cars to stop and support their business. They long for the attention and patronage of the more affluent individuals in the cars, hoping that they would recognize their struggles and offer them financial support.

However, it is described as being "in vain" because their longing and hope often go unfulfilled. The passing cars, driven by people who are often indifferent or unaware of the plight of the roadside stand owners, continue to drive past without stopping. The childlike innocence and optimism of the stand owners are met with disappointment as their longing for support remains unfulfilled, leaving them in a state of despair and helplessness.

Q 6. Why didn’t the ‘polished traffic’ stop at the roadside stand? (2012 Delhi)

Ans: The "polished traffic" in the poem "A Roadside Stand" refers to the affluent individuals driving the passing cars. They do not stop at the roadside stand for several reasons. Firstly, their polished and luxurious lifestyle creates a stark contrast with the humble and marginalized existence of the stand owners, making it difficult for them to relate or empathize with their struggles. Secondly, the fast-paced nature of the traffic symbolizes the rush and indifference of modern society, where people often prioritize their own convenience and overlook the needs of others. Thus, the polished traffic represents the apathy and disconnect of the privileged towards the plight of the roadside stand, resulting in their failure to stop and offer support.

Q 7. What news in the poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ is making its round in the village? (2013 Outside Delhi)

Ans: In the poem "A Roadside Stand," the news that is making its round in the village is the speculation that the people running the roadside stand might be getting rich. This news circulates among the villagers, suggesting that they are intrigued by the possibility of financial success of the stand owners. However, this speculation is merely a rumor, as the poem highlights the stark reality of the stand owners' struggles and the economic challenges they face. The contrast between the rumors and the harsh truth emphasizes the disparity between perception and the actual circumstances of the roadside stand.

Q 8. Why do people at the roadside stand ask for city money? (2013 Comptt. Delhi)

Ans: In the context of the poem "A Roadside Stand," the people at the roadside stand ask for city money because they recognize that the passing cars represent a symbol of urban affluence. They are aware that the occupants of these cars are more likely to have disposable income and the means to support their business. By asking for city money, the people at the roadside stand are essentially appealing to the more prosperous individuals who come from urban areas and who may be more inclined to spend on their products or services. It reflects their strategic approach to target those who are perceived to have greater financial resources.

Here are some questions and answers related to the poem "A Roadside Stand" for Class 12:

Q1: What is the central theme of the poem "A Roadside Stand"?

Ans: The central theme of the poem "A Roadside Stand" is the struggle and resilience of marginalized individuals in society and the exploitation they face.

Q2: How does the poet describe the roadside stand?

Ans: The poet describes the roadside stand as a humble and makeshift structure made of boards, showing signs of wear and tear. It is located at the edge of a town, suggesting its marginalization.

Q3: What is the significance of the roadside stand in the poem?

Ans: The roadside stand symbolizes the lives and struggles of the people who run it. It represents their endurance, resilience, and the harsh reality they face on a daily basis.

Q4: What are the contrasting images presented in the poem?

Ans: The poem presents contrasting images of poverty and affluence. The roadside stand represents poverty, struggle, and deprivation, while the passing cars and their occupants represent wealth, luxury, and indifference.

Q5: How does the poet portray the people who run the roadside stand?

Ans: The poet portrays the people who run the roadside stand as hardworking and determined individuals who are trying to make a living. They endure harsh weather conditions, economic instability, and the indifference of the passing cars.

Q6: What is the tone of the poem "A Roadside Stand"?

Ans: The tone of the poem is somber and reflective. It conveys a sense of empathy towards the marginalized individuals and highlights the societal inequalities they face.

Q7: What is the significance of the passing cars in the poem?

Ans: The passing cars symbolize the indifference and disconnect of the affluent members of society towards the struggles of the marginalized. They serve as a reminder of the stark contrast between the lives of those who run the roadside stand and those who pass by in luxury.

Q8: How does the poem explore the theme of exploitation?

Ans: The poem explores the theme of exploitation by highlighting the economic exploitation faced by the people running the roadside stand. It shows how their meager earnings and efforts are taken for granted and overlooked by the more privileged members of society.

Q9: What is the mood of the poem?

Ans: The mood of the poem is melancholic and introspective. It evokes a sense of sympathy and sadness for the people running the roadside stand and prompts the readers to reflect on social inequality.

Q10: What is the message conveyed by the poem "A Roadside Stand"?

Ans: The poem conveys a message about the persistence and resilience of marginalized individuals in the face of societal indifference and exploitation. It serves as a reminder to acknowledge and address the inequalities present in our society.

These questions and answers should help you gain a better understanding of the poem "A Roadside Stand" for your Class 12 studies.