Chapter 12 of the NCERT Class 12 English Flamingo textbook is A Roadside Stand, a thought-provoking poem by Robert Frost. This poem describes a simple roadside hut set up by poor villagers who are hoping to sell a few things to passing city people. But instead of help, they face indifference and ignorance. Frost uses this roadside stand as a symbol to highlight the wide economic and social gap between urban and rural India. It is a deeply emotional poem that makes us think about how people living in villages are often neglected and misunderstood by those living in cities.
I’m writing this article because many students find this chapter confusing at first. The language is conversational, but the message is powerful and layered. Understanding this poem not only helps you do well in your board exams but also opens your eyes to real-world issues. It is one of those poems where once you get the theme, you start noticing similar scenes in real life – roadside sellers, neglected huts, and the same hopes and struggles that the poet talks about. I’ve also included a link to download the official NCERT PDF of this chapter for easy access and revision.
Summary of A Roadside Stand by Robert Frost
This poem tells the story of poor villagers who set up a small stand beside a highway, hoping that passing city folks would stop and buy their farm produce or handmade goods. But instead, they are ignored. The poet expresses anger and disappointment at how the rich always promise development and upliftment of rural people, but never truly help them. He shows how these villagers just want a little support, not charity. They want to live with dignity and have access to the same comforts as city people.
Frost uses a very direct and honest tone to show his frustration with both city people and government officials. The city people do not even look at the stand, and if they do, they criticise it. The poet also points out how development projects often claim to be for the villagers, but in reality, they make them more dependent. The poem ends on a heavy note, where the poet almost feels like the only way to end the pain of these villagers is to let them sleep – not literally, but as a way to escape the struggle.
Key Themes and Message
- Urban-Rural Divide: The poem highlights how villages are left behind while cities develop rapidly.
- Hope and Disappointment: Villagers hope for a better future but are let down again and again.
- False Promises: Politicians and city planners often claim to help but do nothing useful.
- Dignity over Charity: The villagers want to earn their living, not depend on donations.
Poetic Devices Used in the Poem
| Literary Device | Example in Poem | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Irony | “The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead” | Shows contrast between city life and rural hopes |
| Imagery | “Open shed in the bushes” | Creates a visual of the poor roadside hut |
| Alliteration | “Greedy good-doers”, “beneficent beasts” | Adds rhythm and sharpness to the tone |
| Symbolism | Roadside stand as a symbol of rural struggle | Represents ignored dreams and expectations |
| Enjambment | Sentences continue across multiple lines | Gives a flowing, conversational feel |
Download PDF – A Roadside Stand Class 12 NCERT
Students can download the official and clean version of this chapter from the NCERT website. This includes the full poem and exercises for practice.
NCERT Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 12: A Roadside Stand
