What does the roadside stand symbolize in Robert Frost's 'A Roadside Stand'?

The roadside stand symbolizes the struggles of rural people who are trying to make a living, highlighting their desperation and the indifference of city dwellers.

Fill in the blank: The attitude of city people towards the roadside stand is primarily one of ___ and ___ when they do stop.

Criticism and neglect

True or False: The poet expresses a sense of hope for the rural people's situation in the poem.

False. The poet illustrates their miserable condition and the lack of awareness from city people.

How does Frost depict the emotional state of the roadside stand owner?

Frost depicts the owner as desperate for financial support, conveying a sense of pity and a longing for recognition from the city people.

What is the significance of the 'shabby paint' of the huts and sheds in the poem?

The shabby paint represents the neglect and poverty of the rural setting, contrasting with the sparkling cars of the city people, who fail to appreciate the beauty of the countryside.

What does the poet suggest about the attitude of city dwellers towards the roadside stand?

The poet suggests that city dwellers are often selfish, as they may choose to keep their money rather than support the rural sellers and enjoy the scenery.

The roadside stand's owners have hopes for ___ from the passing city cars.

Financial support

True or False: The poet believes that the sheds spoil the beauty of the mountain scenery.

False; the poet does not complain that the sheds spoil the scenery.

What unfulfilled promise do the roadside stand owners hold onto?

They hope that the city people will stop and buy their produce, thus fulfilling the promise of economic support that the political party has failed to deliver.

Fill in the blank: The produce offered for sale includes wild berries and ___ with silver warts.

Golden squash

What is the poet's view on the relocation of the poor people to villages with theaters and stores?

The poet suggests that the relocation is a deceptive act by greedy individuals who claim to help the poor. Instead of genuinely benefiting them, the relocation strips the poor of their autonomy and confuses them about what is truly beneficial.

The phrase 'greedy good-doers' in the poem refers to whom?

It refers to wealthy individuals and politicians who pretend to be helping the disadvantaged but are actually exploiting them for their gain.

Fill in the blank: The poet describes the actions of the rich as those of ___, who enforce benefits on the poor.

Beneficent beasts of prey

True or False: The poet believes that the relocation will lead to genuine happiness and self-sufficiency for the poor.

False. The poet believes that the relocation is a method to control the poor and prevent them from thinking for themselves.

What does the poet imply about the state of mind of the poor after being relocated?

The poet implies that the poor will be lulled into a state of confusion and dependency, unable to discern what is truly beneficial for them.

What does the poet suggest about the feelings of the shed owners as they wait for customers?

The poet implies that the shed owners experience a sense of childish longing and sadness, feeling almost prayerful as they wait for a car to stop and inquire about their goods, which ultimately highlights their feelings of despair and futility.

Fill in the blank: The poet expresses relief at the thought of ___ the people out of their pain.

Putting

True or False: The poet believes that the country people are content and find joy in their daily lives.

False. The poet conveys a sense of dissatisfaction and pain experienced by the country people, suggesting that they struggle with their circumstances.

What event does the poet describe that briefly interrupts the shed owners' waiting?

A car stops only to plow up grass while turning around, which symbolizes the disregard of the passing vehicles for the shed owners' hopes.

What is the main theme of Robert Frost's poem 'A Roadside Stand'?

The main theme is the societal neglect of impoverished individuals who work hard yet struggle to make a living, contrasting their plight with the indifference of city dwellers.

Fill in the blank: The poet expresses annoyance at the city dwellers for their lack of awareness about the villagers' struggles, suggesting that the villagers' resources are too ___ to enable upliftment.

Limited

True or False: The poet believes that all city dwellers are indifferent to the struggles of rural vendors.

False. The poet acknowledges that some individuals are willing to help the less fortunate.

In 'A Roadside Stand', how does Frost portray the relationship between city visitors and rural vendors?

Frost portrays this relationship as one of indifference, where city visitors often ignore the rural vendors' hardships or provide only superficial assistance.

Fill in the blank: Frost contrasts the city dwellers' attitude with the ___ of rural vendors who hope for meaningful support.

Desperation

What social issue does Frost's poem 'A Roadside Stand' highlight through the struggles of roadside vendors?

The poem highlights social inequality by contrasting the affluent lifestyle of passersby with the hardships faced by roadside vendors, prompting reflection on wealth distribution.