Flamingo (Poem): A Roadside Stand

Topics in this chapter

• Rural Poverty and Inequality
• Rural–Urban Divide and Development
• Rural Aspirations and Self-Reliance
• Urban Indifference and Exploitation
• Poet’s Attitude and Moral Conflict
• Poetic Devices and Symbolic Expression

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-F46C93

   In Robert Frost's poem "A Roadside Stand," why do the rural people set up the stand beside the road?

   1. A.To earn money by selling their farm produce to passing travellers
   2. B.To provide free food to people from the city
   3. C.To display their artistic talents
   4. D.To prevent vehicles from using the road
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-B2315C

   In "A Roadside Stand," what does the expression "polished traffic" mainly suggest?

   1. A.Vehicles that have been carefully cleaned by the villagers
   2. B.Affluent urban travellers who pass by without understanding the villagers' needs
   3. C.Government vehicles bringing development to the countryside
   4. D.Traffic moving slowly because of poor road conditions
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-50A142

   Why does the poet describe the supposed helpers of the rural poor as "greedy good-doers" and "beneficent beasts of prey"?

   1. A.They genuinely sacrifice their wealth to empower the villagers
   2. B.They combine an appearance of benevolence with selfish motives and exploitation
   3. C.They are wild animals that destroy the roadside stand
   4. D.They are poor villagers who compete with one another
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-D8F0AA

   How does Frost present the contrast between the rural people and the city travellers in "A Roadside Stand," and what attitude does the poet show towards the villagers?

   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-8BCBEA

   In Robert Frost's poem "A Roadside Stand," what does the phrase "out of sorts" suggest about the motorists who are forced to stop?

   1. A.They are irritated because the interruption delays their journey.
   2. B.They are excited to learn about rural life.
   3. C.They are worried about the farmers' financial problems.
   4. D.They are eager to purchase everything at the stand.
   See the answer and solution