Class 12 English Flamingo – Chapter 4: The Rattrap – Questions and Answers
Q1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
Ans: The peddler was thinking about his rattraps when he suddenly got the idea that the whole world is like a big rattrap. It offers things like food, shelter, riches and joy as bait. Once someone is tempted, they are caught in the trap.
Q2. Why was he amused by this idea?
Ans: His life was full of misery and rejection. So, this idea became a source of amusement and helped him mentally cope with the harsh reality. He found it funny how people ran after worldly things like animals going after bait.
Q3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?
Ans: No, the peddler did not expect such hospitality. He was used to being rejected and ignored. The crofter gave him food, tobacco, played cards, and treated him like a guest.
Q4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
Ans: The crofter was lonely and had no family. He found someone to talk to and share his experiences. That’s why he was open and friendly.
Q5. Why did he show the thirty kronor to the peddler?
Ans: The crofter wanted to prove that he had earned thirty kronor by selling cow’s milk. He wanted to impress the peddler and gain his trust.
Q6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?
Ans: No. The peddler betrayed the crofter’s trust. He stole the thirty kronor from him and ran away.
THINK AS YOU READ
Q1. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
Ans: After stealing the money, the peddler got lost in the forest. He realized he was trapped just like the rattrap he talked about, caught by the bait of money.
Q2. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
Ans: The ironmaster mistook the peddler for his old army friend, Captain von Stahle, and invited him to spend Christmas with them.
Q3. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
Ans: He knew he wasn’t the captain and feared being caught with stolen money. So, he tried to avoid going with the ironmaster.
Q4. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?
Ans: Edla was kind and respectful. She assured him that he could leave whenever he wanted. Her compassion moved him and he accepted the invitation.
Q5. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?
Ans: Edla found his behavior suspicious. He seemed frightened, which made her think he might be a thief or a jail escapee.
Q6. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?
Ans: The next morning, in proper light, the ironmaster realized the man was not Captain von Stahle. He saw the peddler clean and shaved, which made the truth obvious.
Q7. How did the peddler defend himself against not having revealed his true identity?
Ans: The peddler said he never claimed to be the captain. He had asked to stay in the forge and never lied. It was the ironmaster’s assumption.
Q8. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
Ans: Edla believed in kindness. She didn’t want to send away someone whom they had promised Christmas joy. She saw the human inside the criminal.
Q9. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
Ans: The peddler left a rattrap, money, and a letter for her. He signed it as “Captain von Stahle”. This showed he had changed because of her kindness, and she felt satisfied.
Q10. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
Ans: The peddler wanted to live up to the identity Edla gave him. Her kindness transformed him. Signing as Captain symbolized his inner change and acceptance of a better life.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
Q1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the iron master and his daughter?
Ans: He took advantage of the crofter, saw the ironmaster as someone to manipulate, but Edla's genuine care transformed him. He finally appreciated kindness and decided to reform.
Q2. What are the instances in the story that show that the character of the ironmaster is different from that of his daughter in many ways?
Ans: The ironmaster is quick to judge and changes his behavior rapidly. Edla is calm, thoughtful, and kind. She trusts and treats the peddler with dignity, even after knowing the truth.
Q3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
Ans: The crofter's kindness, the ironmaster’s mistake, the peddler’s moral awakening, and Edla’s continued kindness are all unexpected. Even the peddler surprises everyone by returning the money.
Q4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?
Ans: Edla’s compassion, trust, and respect made the peddler rethink his actions. Her kindness touched his heart, and he decided to return the stolen money and become a better man.
Q5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
Ans: The metaphor shows how people get trapped by material temptations just like rats. The peddler got trapped by greed, but escaped the trap through love and kindness.
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