The Rattrap
The Rattrap
The Rattrap Chapter Wise Important
Questions Class 12 English
or
Compare and contrast the character of the ironmaster with that of his daughter.
(Delhi 2008)
Answer. The character of the ironmaster was very different from that of his daughter. He was an ambitious and arrogant man. When he saw the peddler, he mistook him for his old regimental comrade, and invited him home, but this was more out of his sense of pride than out of sympathy or generosity.
When the ironmaster realised that he had been mistaken, he called the peddler dishonest and threatened to call the Sheriff. When he learnt that the peddler was a thief, he was ‘ worried about his own silverware.
On the other hand, Edla, the ironmaster’s daughter, was a kind and compassionate lady who was really sympathetic and considerate towards the peddler right from the beginning. She treated him with respect and dignity even after knowing that he was not a captain. It was her generous attitude which finally changed the peddler, bringing out the essential goodness of his nature.
Question answers
Q1 : From where did the peddler get the idea of the
world being a rattrap?
Answer : During one of his usual plodding, the peddler
thought on the subject of rattraps. It presented him with the idea of the world
being a rattrap and he grew fond of thinking this way.
Q2 : Why was
he amused by this idea?
Answer : The peddler was amused by the idea of the
world being a giant rattrap because he was never treated kindly by the world.
Therefore, he harboured hard feelings for it and loved 'to think ill of it' by
comparing it with a giant rattrap.
Q3 : Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality
that he received from the crofter?
Answer : No, the peddler did not expect the kind of
hospitality that he received from the crofter. This was because usually he was
greeted by 'sour' and unfriendly faces whenever he knocked on doors and
requested for shelter.
Q4 : Why was the crofter so talkative and
friendly with the peddler?
Answer : The crofter was a lonely fellow who lived on
his own in a little gray cottage by the roadside. He had no wife or children,
and craved company and friends. So, one day when the peddler turned up at his
doorstep, he was happy to find someone to talk to, to be relieved of his
boredom and monotony. This is the reason he was so talkative and friendly with
the peddler.
Q5 : Why did
he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?
Answer : The crofter was a naive and trusting man who
craved company more than anything else. He wanted to share his joy of earning
the money with someone. He got his chance when the peddler came along.
Moreover, he thought that the peddler did not believe him, so he showed the
peddler the thirty kronor bills that he kept in a leather pouch.
Q6 : Did the
peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?
Answer : No, the peddler did not respect the
confidence reposed in him by the crofter. In fact, he betrayed his trust by
robbing the thirty kronors from him. However, later in the story, his
conscience was awakened by his stay with the Willmanssons and he decided to
return the money.
Q7 : What made the peddler think that he had
indeed fallen into a rattrap?
Answer : After
stealing the money, the peddler tried to escape through the forest but soon got
lost. Left in despair, he recollected his own thoughts on the world being a
giant rattrap. A sudden realisation came to him that he had finally got himself
caught in the rattrap because he allowed himself to be tempted by the bait, the
thirty kronor bills. Similarly, on his way to the ironmaster's home, he felt
himself caught in the trap. He was again haunted by such thoughts when the ironmaster,
on realising the truth about the peddler, threatened to get him arrested. The
rattrap seller expressed himself strongly realising that the worldly bait had,
once more, tempted and trapped him.
Q8 : Why did
the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
Answer : The ironmaster of the Ramsjö Ironworks
spoke kindly to the peddler because he had mistaken him for an old regimental
comrade, Captain von Stahle. The ironmaster wanted to help the peddler, not
only in regaining his health but also in taking up a new vocation. Moreover,
the ironmaster was a lonely fellow who lived with his oldest daughter after the
death of his wife and the departure of his sons. As he longed for some company
on the Christmas Eve, he invited the peddler to his home.
Q9 : Why did
the peddler decline the invitation?
Answer : The peddler was alarmed at the idea of
spending the night at the manor of the ironmaster, of the Ramsjö Ironworks,
who was an ex-army man. He had not made an attempt to correct the ironmaster
when he was mistaken for an old acquaintance. Moreover, he was anxious about
the fact that he had the stolen thirty kronor bills with him, and accepting the
invitation "would be like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion's
den". Therefore, the peddler thought it better to decline the invitation.
Q10 : What
made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson's invitation?
Answer : By his
frightened look, Edla guessed that the peddler had either stolen something or
has escaped prison. So she hinted an assurance that he would be free to leave
whenever he wanted. Reassured, he accepted the invitation.
Q11 : What doubts did Edla have about the
peddler?
Answer : When Edla went to the iron mill to fetch the
peddler, she noticed that he was frightened. She had doubts that the peddler
had stolen something or had escaped prison. His appearance and behaviour also
left her in doubts whether he was actually an educated man, as claimed by her
father.
Q12 : When
did the ironmaster realise his mistake?
Answer : The
ironmaster realised his mistake the next day when the peddler turned up at
breakfast. The valet had bathed the peddler, cut his hair, shaved him and given
him clothes. The ironmaster realised that he had been deceived in recognising
the person because of the reflection of the furnace, the previous night.
Q13 : What
did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person
the ironmaster had thought he was?
Answer : To defend himself, the peddler argued that he
had never said that he was a captain or the old comrade of the ironmaster. In
fact, he had repeatedly declined the invitation to spend the Christmas at the
manor.
Q14 : Why
did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
Answer : Edla had a kind and sympathetic heart that
was pained by the plight of the poor peddler. She requested her father to allow
him to spend one day with them in peace as a respite from the struggle he had
to endure round the year. Her principles did not allow her to throw this man
out of her house on the Christmas Eve especially when they had already promised
him a “Christmas cheer”. Moreover, she had been in high spirits that morning thinking
of the ways in which she could help the tramp. Therefore, even after knowing
the truth, Edla wanted to entertain the peddler.
Q15 : Why
was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
Answer : Edla showed great trust in him by letting him
stay at their manor on the Christmas Eve. But the news about the robbery had
left her dejected. So she was overjoyed when she reached home to find the
package and the letter left by the peddler. This gesture of appreciation from
the peddler made her happy.
Q16 : Why
did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
Answer : Throughout his life, the peddler had never
known respect. He was always treated coldly by the world. For the first time in
his life, he was honoured and respected as if he were a captain. Even after the
truth was exposed, the daughter continued to treat him in a similar way. The
way he was treated encouraged him to behave in a like manner. He signed the
letter as Captain von Stahle so as to underline the impact of Edla's goodness
on him.
Understanding
the text
Q1 : How
does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the
crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?
Answer : The different ways in which the peddler
repaid the three people corresponds to the way he interpreted the kindness of
the three people. The peddler realised that for the crofter it was his craving
for company that led him to offer his hospitality. The ironmaster's hospitality
apparently is limited to his acquaintances. It was only the daughter who
genuinely offered warmth and goodness to the peddler. He was touched by Edla's
kindness and it made him want to act differently. He repaid her good treatment
with a gesture of true gratitude.
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?
Answer : Edla and her father had different natures.
She had more convincing power than the father and was able to persuade the
peddler to accept the invitation. We also find that the ironmaster's
hospitability was limited to his old comrade. But, the daughter was pained by
the plight of the peddler and continued to treat him well even after the truth
about his identity was revealed. Again, after finding about the robbery of the
crofter's money, while the ironmaster was more concerned with the possibility
of the peddler robbing them as well, the daughter is more pained by the
betrayal of her trust. We also find that while the father was impulsive and
reckless in nature, the daughter's behaviour was more mature and controlled.
Q3 : The
story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others'
behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
Answer : The first instance is that of the crofter's
hospitality to the peddler. The rattrap peddler, used to being shooed away, was
surprised at the friendly behaviour of the crofter. The peddler was also
surprised at the sudden invitation given by the ironmaster, who was himself
shocked to realise his mistake in recognising the peddler, the next day.
Another unexpected reaction, for both the peddler and the ironmaster, is Edla's
intervention to seek peddler's presence for Christmas. However, the most
unexpected reaction is from the peddler when he leaves the package and the
letter for Edla, showing gratitude to the girl's hospitality and respect for
him.
Q4 : What
made the peddler finally change his ways?
Answer : The
experience of the peddler at the manor of the Willmanssons made the peddler
change his ways. Earlier he had never known a true sympathiser or well-wisher.
He had no friend to steer him on the right path. Though the crofter was
hospitable to him and even the ironmaster had almost offered him help, they
failed to leave any impact on him. It was Edla who, through her genuine care
and understanding, was finally able to change the peddler for the better.
Q5 : How
does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
Answer : The metaphor of the rattrap signifies that
the world exists only to trap people by setting baits for them. Whenever
someone is tempted by the luxuries, he ends up being caught in a dangerous
trap. The author, thus, makes a much deeper comment on the woeful plight of
those in pursuit of the worldly pleasures, which often lead them to unfortunate
situations. The story helps in realising the importance of general goodness and
kindness. The peddler is saved from the snare of the huge rattrap called world
only when he appreciates the kindness to him by Edla.
Q6 : The
peddler comes out as a person with a subtle sense of humour. How does this
serve in lightening the seriousness of the theme of the story and also endear
him to us?
Answer : The peddler doesn't come across as a humorous
person, although one can locate a subtle sense of humour in the way he thinks
about the world as being a giant rattrap. He is singularly pleased by this
thought of his because it provides him with the opportunity of thinking 'ill' of
the world that is not kind to him. It is clearly visible that whenever he gets
caught unaware, in the web of deceit spun by his scheming mind, he hides behind
the thought that the world is a rattrap and he merely a prey. Thus, he lightens
the mood and theme of the story and makes us endear him.
Talking
about the text
Q1 : Discuss-
The reader's sympathy is with the peddler right from the beginning of the
story. Why is this so? Is the sympathy justified?
Answer : From the beginning, the rattrap seller is
shown as a victim of his situation and not a downright evil character. The
peddler had to resort to beggary and stealing because his business is not
profitable enough to make both ends meet. His condition of penury does not
allow him to be fully righteous. Moreover, we find that he lacks friends and
guide to steer him in the right path. The sympathy is justified because in the
end we find out that the peddler is capable of appreciating genuine goodness
and hospitality. When he is treated with respect and kindness, he reciprocates
the same in the best way he can.
Q2 : The
story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
Answer : The
Rattrap deals with the issues of human loneliness and the need to bond with
others. Not only the peddler but also other characters like the crofter, the
ironmaster and Edla emphasise this fact. The peddler's conscience had left him
because he had been lonely in his predicament, for a long time. But Edla's
kindness and hospitality changed him. The crofter, on the other hand, is a
lonely fellow whose craving for company leads him to give shelter to a
vagabond, and he ends up getting robbed. Even, the ironmaster and his daughter
suffer from loneliness. They crave company on Christmas Eve and are excited when
they get the opportunity to serve a guest.
Q4 : The
story is both entertaining and philosophical. Discuss.
Answer : The story is told in the form of a fairy tale
with a happy ending. The narrative is interesting with many surprises and
attention-grabbing dialogues. The twists and the unexpected reactions of the
characters often astonish the reader making the story entertaining. However,
the author has carefully managed to weave philosophical elements into the
storyline. The rattrap peddler's comparison of the whole world with a giant
rattrap makes this an interesting commentary on how such people end up getting
trapped in the giant chasm. The story also makes an observation on the inherent
goodness of people. It also showcases how goodness and kindness shown by some
people can change others' perspective.
Working with
words
Q1 : The man
selling rattraps is referred to by many terms such as "peddler,
stranger" etc. Pick out all such references to him. What does each of
these labels indicate of the context or the attitude of the people around him?
Answer : Labels Contexts 1 Peddler As he peddles or
sells the rattraps
2 Vagabond Used
to describe his nomadic lifestyle
3 Stranger Used
to refer to the peddler when he was at the crofter's place, possibly to emphasise
the fact that the crofter was compassionate to an un known man
4 Guest He is treated with compassion, especially at
the ironmaster's house where he was invited to spend the Christmas
5 Intruder When
the peddler trespasses and enters the iron mill
6 Tramp When the peddler asks for lodgings at the iron
mill; also when the ironmaster, mistaking him for his old regimental comrade
plans of helping him drop his tramp ways and begin a new vocation
7 Ragamuffin
When the ironmaster first notices him wrapped in rags and in the state to utter
destitution
8 Old
regimental comrade The ironmaster mistakes him for his old friend when he first
meets he peddler at his iron mill
9 Poor hungry
wretch Used only once when the author mentions the fact that Edla was excited
about the prospect of getting a chance to help an unfortunate fellow on
Christmas
10 Rat The
peddler calls himself a rat and thanks Edla for helping him escape the rattrap
with her kindness and compassion
Q2 : You
came across the words, plod, trudge, stagger in the story. These words indicate
movement accompanied by weariness. Find five other such words with a similar
meaning.
Answer : Other words are lurch, stumble, slog, hike,
clump, traipse and stomp.
The Rattrap Chapter Wise Important
Questions Class 12 English
Short
Answer Type Questions (3 Marks; 30-40 words)
Question.1. In what sense was the world a big
rattrap according to the peddler? (Compartment 2014)
or
Why did the peddler think that the world was a rattrap? (All India 2009)
Answer. The peddler was a very poor man who earned his living by selling rattraps he made himself from the materials he got by begging. His mind, thus, was always preoccupied with rattraps. One day, he suddenly thought of the whole world was a big rattrap. He felt that the shelter, food, clothes, riches and joys that the world provided were all baits set to entrap man just as a rattrap offered cheese or meat to entrap rats. As soon as one was trapped, everything came to an end.
or
Why did the peddler think that the world was a rattrap? (All India 2009)
Answer. The peddler was a very poor man who earned his living by selling rattraps he made himself from the materials he got by begging. His mind, thus, was always preoccupied with rattraps. One day, he suddenly thought of the whole world was a big rattrap. He felt that the shelter, food, clothes, riches and joys that the world provided were all baits set to entrap man just as a rattrap offered cheese or meat to entrap rats. As soon as one was trapped, everything came to an end.
Question.2. Why did the peddler derive pleasure
from his idea of the world as a rattrap?
(Delhi 2014; Modified)
Answer. The world had never been kind to the poor peddler. Wherever he went, he was greeted with sour faces and was turned or chased away. Therefore, he derived pleasure from thinking ill of the world in this way. Moreover, he perhaps envied those whose lot was better than his, and was rather amused to think that some day they too would be tempted by the bait and be caught in the Tattrap.
(Delhi 2014; Modified)
Answer. The world had never been kind to the poor peddler. Wherever he went, he was greeted with sour faces and was turned or chased away. Therefore, he derived pleasure from thinking ill of the world in this way. Moreover, he perhaps envied those whose lot was better than his, and was rather amused to think that some day they too would be tempted by the bait and be caught in the Tattrap.
Question.3. Why did the peddler knock on the
cottage by the roadside? How was he treated by the Owner Of the cottage?
(Compartment 2014)
Answer. The peddler knocked on the cottage by the roadside to seek shelter for the night. The owner of the cottage was a crofter who lived there alone. He regarded the peddler as welcome company and treated him quite hospitably. He not only put him up for the night, but also offered him food and played cards with him
Answer. The peddler knocked on the cottage by the roadside to seek shelter for the night. The owner of the cottage was a crofter who lived there alone. He regarded the peddler as welcome company and treated him quite hospitably. He not only put him up for the night, but also offered him food and played cards with him
Question.4. Why did Edla plead with her father not to sen’d the vagabond
away?
(All India 2014; Modified)
or
Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him? (NCERT)
Answer. Edla had always thought the peddler to be a poor, homeless tramp. Therefore, she didn’t feel cheated when his true identity was revealed. Instead, she felt very bad for him and his miserable condition, and pleaded on his behalf. She and her father had promised him Christmas cheer, and she felt that it would be wrong to send him away.
(All India 2014; Modified)
or
Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him? (NCERT)
Answer. Edla had always thought the peddler to be a poor, homeless tramp. Therefore, she didn’t feel cheated when his true identity was revealed. Instead, she felt very bad for him and his miserable condition, and pleaded on his behalf. She and her father had promised him Christmas cheer, and she felt that it would be wrong to send him away.
Question.5. What conclusion did the ironmaster reach when he heard that
the crofter had been robbed by the peddler? (Compartment 2014)
Answer. It was at the church th$t the ironmaster and his daughter heard that the crofter had been robbed by a peddler, who, no doubt, was the one they had sheltered at the manor house. The ironmaster at once concluded that the peddler would probably have stolen all his silverware in their absence, and rdn away.
Answer. It was at the church th$t the ironmaster and his daughter heard that the crofter had been robbed by a peddler, who, no doubt, was the one they had sheltered at the manor house. The ironmaster at once concluded that the peddler would probably have stolen all his silverware in their absence, and rdn away.
Question.6. What was the content of the letter written by the peddler to
Edla? (Foreign 2014)
Answer. The peddler had written that since Edla had treated him like a captain, he wanted to be nice to her in return. He did not want her to be embarrassed at Christmas by a thief. He had requested that the crofter’s money that he had stolen be returned. He further wrote that the rattrap was a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in the world’s rattrap, if he had not been raised to the status of captain, which motivated him to reform himself.
Answer. The peddler had written that since Edla had treated him like a captain, he wanted to be nice to her in return. He did not want her to be embarrassed at Christmas by a thief. He had requested that the crofter’s money that he had stolen be returned. He further wrote that the rattrap was a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in the world’s rattrap, if he had not been raised to the status of captain, which motivated him to reform himself.
Question.7. What were the contents of the package left by the peddler as
Christmas gift for Edla Willmansson? (Compartment 2014)
Answer. The package left by the peddler as a Christmas gift for Edla Willmansson comprised a small rattrap with three wrinkled ten kronor notes in it, which the peddler had robbed from the crofter. It also contained a brief letter for Edla explaining the peddler’s conduct.
Answer. The package left by the peddler as a Christmas gift for Edla Willmansson comprised a small rattrap with three wrinkled ten kronor notes in it, which the peddler had robbed from the crofter. It also contained a brief letter for Edla explaining the peddler’s conduct.
Question.8. Why did the peddler decline the invitation of the
ironmaster? (Delhi 2012)
Answer.The ironmaster has mistaken the peddler for an old regimental comrade and invited him home. The peddler declined the invitation because he was carrying the money he had stolen from the crofter. He knew that if the ironmaster discovered his identity, he would hand him over to the police. Therefore, for him, going to the manor house was like walking into a lion’s den.
Answer.The ironmaster has mistaken the peddler for an old regimental comrade and invited him home. The peddler declined the invitation because he was carrying the money he had stolen from the crofter. He knew that if the ironmaster discovered his identity, he would hand him over to the police. Therefore, for him, going to the manor house was like walking into a lion’s den.
Question.9. Who was the owner of Ramsjo iron mills? Why did he visit the
mills at night?
(All India 2012)
Answer.The owner of the Ramsjo iron mills was an ex-army man and an ambitious and prominent ironmaster. He was very particular about the quality of his products, and visited the mills even at night to make sure that good iron was shipped out from his mills.
(All India 2012)
Answer.The owner of the Ramsjo iron mills was an ex-army man and an ambitious and prominent ironmaster. He was very particular about the quality of his products, and visited the mills even at night to make sure that good iron was shipped out from his mills.
Question.10.How did the ironmaster react on seeing the stranger lying
close to the furnace?
(All India 2012)
Answer. When the ironmaster saw a stranger in rags lying close to the furnace, he went near him and removed his slouch hat to get a better view of his face. Due to dim light in the forge and the peddler’s dirty appearance, he mistook him to be Nils Olof, an old acquaintance of his regiment. He was delighted to see him and invited him home for Christmas.
(All India 2012)
Answer. When the ironmaster saw a stranger in rags lying close to the furnace, he went near him and removed his slouch hat to get a better view of his face. Due to dim light in the forge and the peddler’s dirty appearance, he mistook him to be Nils Olof, an old acquaintance of his regiment. He was delighted to see him and invited him home for Christmas.
Question.11.Why did the stranger not tell the ironmaster that he was not
Nils Olof? (All India 2012)
Answer. The stranger did not tell the ironmaster that he was not Nils Olof because he thought that if the gentleman believed that he was an old friend or acquaintance of his, then he might take pity on him and help him with some money.
Answer. The stranger did not tell the ironmaster that he was not Nils Olof because he thought that if the gentleman believed that he was an old friend or acquaintance of his, then he might take pity on him and help him with some money.
Question.12.Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the
peddler? (Delhi 2012)
Answer. The old crofter was lonfly and leading a dreary existence as he had no wife or children. He was happy to get someone to talk to and share his thoughts with, even though it was a tramp. So he welcomed the peddler who was quite a patient listener, and extended his hospitality to him.
Answer. The old crofter was lonfly and leading a dreary existence as he had no wife or children. He was happy to get someone to talk to and share his thoughts with, even though it was a tramp. So he welcomed the peddler who was quite a patient listener, and extended his hospitality to him.
Question.13.Why was the peddler surprised when he knocked on the door of
the cottage?
(All India 2011)
Answer. The peddler had never been treated kindly by the world. He was meted out cold treatment wherever he went. He was pleasantly surprised when the crofter greeted him with warmth and hospitality. Ordinarily, he always met ‘sour faces’ when he knocked for shelter and food, and was usually turned away.
(All India 2011)
Answer. The peddler had never been treated kindly by the world. He was meted out cold treatment wherever he went. He was pleasantly surprised when the crofter greeted him with warmth and hospitality. Ordinarily, he always met ‘sour faces’ when he knocked for shelter and food, and was usually turned away.
Question.14.Why did the peddler keep to the woods after leaving the
crofter’s cottage? How did
he feel?(All India 2011)
Answer. After stealing the money from the crofter’s, the peddler was cautious to. avoid the public, highway lest he be identified and caught. He got into the woods but finally realised that it was a big and confusing forest. The end of the forest was nowhere in sight and he felt lost. That’s when he recalled his thoughts about the world being a rattrap and he realised that he had indeed become a victim of a rattrap.
he feel?(All India 2011)
Answer. After stealing the money from the crofter’s, the peddler was cautious to. avoid the public, highway lest he be identified and caught. He got into the woods but finally realised that it was a big and confusing forest. The end of the forest was nowhere in sight and he felt lost. That’s when he recalled his thoughts about the world being a rattrap and he realised that he had indeed become a victim of a rattrap.
Question.15.What made the peddler finally change his ways? (All India
2010)
Answer. The peddler believed in giving back to the world what he received from it. He was always treated with contempt and hostility and so he never did anything good. However, Edla’s kind and caring behaviour finally changed him. She had treated him with love and respect befitting a captain, even after realising that he was a poor vagabond. The trust that Edla showed in him made him change his ways and he decided to live with dignity and respect.
Answer. The peddler believed in giving back to the world what he received from it. He was always treated with contempt and hostility and so he never did anything good. However, Edla’s kind and caring behaviour finally changed him. She had treated him with love and respect befitting a captain, even after realising that he was a poor vagabond. The trust that Edla showed in him made him change his ways and he decided to live with dignity and respect.
Question.16.Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler? (All
India 2010)
Answer. Edla felt very dejected when she came to know about the theft of the crofter’s money by the peddler, but the gift left behind, which consisted of a small rattrap and three wrinkled ten kronor notes, restored her faith in him. She felt happy because her trust in him had been justified. Her kindness had finally changed the peddler and brought out his essential goodness.
Answer. Edla felt very dejected when she came to know about the theft of the crofter’s money by the peddler, but the gift left behind, which consisted of a small rattrap and three wrinkled ten kronor notes, restored her faith in him. She felt happy because her trust in him had been justified. Her kindness had finally changed the peddler and brought out his essential goodness.
Question.17.”Edla sat and hung her head even more dejectedly than
usual.” Which two reasons
forced her to behave in that manner? (Foreign 2010)
Answer. Edla had shown kindness to the peddler even after knowing that he was not a captain. This was.the reason why she felt all the more dejected when she came to know that the peddler whom she had sheltered was actually a thief, who had recently robbed a crofter. Secondly, she also felt bad because the peddler had disproved the faith which she had shown in him.
forced her to behave in that manner? (Foreign 2010)
Answer. Edla had shown kindness to the peddler even after knowing that he was not a captain. This was.the reason why she felt all the more dejected when she came to know that the peddler whom she had sheltered was actually a thief, who had recently robbed a crofter. Secondly, she also felt bad because the peddler had disproved the faith which she had shown in him.
Question.18. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
(All India 2009)
Answer. The peddler owed his transformation to the kind treatment meted out to him by Edla. In spite of knowing the truth about him, she had honoured and treated him like a captain. She had awakened the latent goodness in his heart. He wanted to repay Edla for her kindness. His signing himself as Captain von Stahle shows that he wanted to retain the dignity and respect accorded to him.
Answer. The peddler owed his transformation to the kind treatment meted out to him by Edla. In spite of knowing the truth about him, she had honoured and treated him like a captain. She had awakened the latent goodness in his heart. He wanted to repay Edla for her kindness. His signing himself as Captain von Stahle shows that he wanted to retain the dignity and respect accorded to him.
Long Answer Type
Questions (6 Marks, 120-150 words)
Question.1. How did the peddler feel after robbing the crofter? What
course did he adopt and
how did he react to the new situation? What does his reaction reveal? (Delhi 2013)
Answer. The crofter had treated the peddler with hospitality, and had even reposed his trust in the poor vagabond. Still the peddler robbed him and was quite pleased with his smartness. However, the fear of getting caught haunted him. So, he avoided the public highway and turned into the woods. It was a big and confusing forest, and due to the approaching darkness, the peddler lost his way. He got exhausted moving around the same place, and was filled with despair. He began to feel that the forest was like a big rattrap and the thirty kronor he had stolen were like a bait set to tempt him.
His reaction reveals that he was feeling guilty for having stolen the crofter’s money. His , heart was filled with remorse and self-loathing for his act of weakness. However, his thoughts are perhaps also a way of justifying his crime.
how did he react to the new situation? What does his reaction reveal? (Delhi 2013)
Answer. The crofter had treated the peddler with hospitality, and had even reposed his trust in the poor vagabond. Still the peddler robbed him and was quite pleased with his smartness. However, the fear of getting caught haunted him. So, he avoided the public highway and turned into the woods. It was a big and confusing forest, and due to the approaching darkness, the peddler lost his way. He got exhausted moving around the same place, and was filled with despair. He began to feel that the forest was like a big rattrap and the thirty kronor he had stolen were like a bait set to tempt him.
His reaction reveals that he was feeling guilty for having stolen the crofter’s money. His , heart was filled with remorse and self-loathing for his act of weakness. However, his thoughts are perhaps also a way of justifying his crime.
Question.2. The story, The Rattrap’ is both entertaining and philosophical.
Do you agree with
this statement? Why/Why not? (Foreign 2011)
Answer. The story, ‘The Rattrap’ is indeed, both entertaining and philosophical. The fast-paced narrative in the third person, generous use of dialogue by the author and different characters belonging to different mindsets and locales make the story interesting and entertaining. Besides, the author has managed to keep up the suspense till the end.
The incidents in the forge, with the ironmaster coming at midnight, hold our attention. The peddler’s incessant refusals to the ironmaster to accompany him, but his accepting Edla’s invitation in one go, the ironmaster’s realisation of his mistake, and Edla’s sympathy and generosity, all make the story quite gripping. While all the above events make the story interesting, there is also an element of philosophy in the story.
Somewhere, the peddler’s theory of the world being a rattrap is true. One feels caught up like a rat in the entrappings of the world. Some people fall into this trap never to come out of it again. The story teaches us that, as human beings, we are not above temptations.
this statement? Why/Why not? (Foreign 2011)
Answer. The story, ‘The Rattrap’ is indeed, both entertaining and philosophical. The fast-paced narrative in the third person, generous use of dialogue by the author and different characters belonging to different mindsets and locales make the story interesting and entertaining. Besides, the author has managed to keep up the suspense till the end.
The incidents in the forge, with the ironmaster coming at midnight, hold our attention. The peddler’s incessant refusals to the ironmaster to accompany him, but his accepting Edla’s invitation in one go, the ironmaster’s realisation of his mistake, and Edla’s sympathy and generosity, all make the story quite gripping. While all the above events make the story interesting, there is also an element of philosophy in the story.
Somewhere, the peddler’s theory of the world being a rattrap is true. One feels caught up like a rat in the entrappings of the world. Some people fall into this trap never to come out of it again. The story teaches us that, as human beings, we are not above temptations.
Question.3. The story focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond
with others. Explain.
(Delhi 2010)
Answer. All. the characters in the story suffer from loneliness and are dreary souls. First of all, the tramp appears to lead a sad, monotonous existence, left to his own musings. He is always greeted by sour faces and cold words.
The old crofter’s fate has been somewhat kinder to him. Bereft of his wife and children, he lives all alone in a cottage by the roadside, and is rather happy to have visitors around.
We also have the ironmaster and his daughter, Edla, who have no company for Christmas. The ironmaster’s wife is dead and his sons are settled abroad.
He, with his daughter, are happy to play hosts for his friend. Thus, all of them have a strong desire for bonding and comradeship. The crofter is happy to be friends with the peddler, although only for a nig^it. It is the bonding with the ironmaster’s daughter that transforms the peddler. The love, understanding and dignity that he gets from the girl makes him leave his dishonest ways and redeem himself.
Question.4. Give examples from the story, The Rattrap’
to show how the ironmaster is different from his daughter. (Delhi 2009)(Delhi 2010)
Answer. All. the characters in the story suffer from loneliness and are dreary souls. First of all, the tramp appears to lead a sad, monotonous existence, left to his own musings. He is always greeted by sour faces and cold words.
The old crofter’s fate has been somewhat kinder to him. Bereft of his wife and children, he lives all alone in a cottage by the roadside, and is rather happy to have visitors around.
We also have the ironmaster and his daughter, Edla, who have no company for Christmas. The ironmaster’s wife is dead and his sons are settled abroad.
He, with his daughter, are happy to play hosts for his friend. Thus, all of them have a strong desire for bonding and comradeship. The crofter is happy to be friends with the peddler, although only for a nig^it. It is the bonding with the ironmaster’s daughter that transforms the peddler. The love, understanding and dignity that he gets from the girl makes him leave his dishonest ways and redeem himself.
or
Compare and contrast the character of the ironmaster with that of his daughter.
(Delhi 2008)
Answer. The character of the ironmaster was very different from that of his daughter. He was an ambitious and arrogant man. When he saw the peddler, he mistook him for his old regimental comrade, and invited him home, but this was more out of his sense of pride than out of sympathy or generosity.
When the ironmaster realised that he had been mistaken, he called the peddler dishonest and threatened to call the Sheriff. When he learnt that the peddler was a thief, he was ‘ worried about his own silverware.
On the other hand, Edla, the ironmaster’s daughter, was a kind and compassionate lady who was really sympathetic and considerate towards the peddler right from the beginning. She treated him with respect and dignity even after knowing that he was not a captain. It was her generous attitude which finally changed the peddler, bringing out the essential goodness of his nature.
Comments
Post a Comment