Question

Why is the stand existence said to be pathetic?

Answer 1

The stand’s existence is said to be pathetic because its owner is quite poor; they have put certain articles on sale to earn money. The passersby in their cars speed past the stand.  They do not stop there to buy anything from them. The few who stop, do it either to back the car, or to enquire about farmer's wages, or to ask if they have a gallon of gas. Thus the owner’s desire to earn money remains unfulfilled.