THE RATTRAP

1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
The tramp went around selling small rattraps made of scrap wire. One day he was struck by
the idea that the whole world was nothing but a big rattrap. It existed only to set baits for
people. It offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing in the same manner
as the rattrap offered cheese. As soon as someone let himself be tempted to touch the bait,
it closed in on him and then everything came to an end.

2. Why was he amused at this idea?

His own life was sad and monotonous. He was a vagabond, lonely and isolated from any
family life. The world had treated him harshly. So it gave him some joy to think of the world
this way. It becomes a pastime for him to think of people letting themselves being caught in
the dangerous trap of others who are still circling around the bait.

3. Did the rattrap maker expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?
The peddler was surprised at the kind of hospitality that he received at the crofter’s home.
He was invited inside with a smile and he was made to feel quite welcome instead of the
usual hostile and sour faces that he met. He was served hot porridge for supper and the
crofter shared his pipe tobacco with him. They also played a game of cards. Thus the tramp
was treated well by the crofter which was unexpected.

4. What made the man think that he had fallen into a rattrap?
After stealing the money from the crofter, the tramp turned into the forest. He wanted to
avoid walking on the road. Confused and disoriented by the trees in the forest and the
narrow twisting paths madehim realize that he was lost. Tired and cold, he lay down in
despair feeling that the forest had transformed into a rattrap. He felt guilty as if he was
caught by the bait.

5. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?
The peddler betrayed the trust that the crofter had on him by breaking the window pane
and removing the thirty kronors from the leather pouch, he had seen the crofter keeping the
money in the pouch and hanging it on a nail near the window frame.

6. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
After having stolen thirty kronors from the crofter, the peddler realized that he could not
walk on the public highway and so he turned off the road into the woods. It was a big and
confusing forest and the paths twisted back and forth, he walked without coming to the end
of the wood and finally realized that he had been walking around in the same part of the
forest. Recalling his thought about the world, and the rattrap he realized that he had let
himself to be fooled by a bait and had been caught.

7. Why did the iron master speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
The iron master walked closely up to the peddler and looked him over very carefully. Due to
the uncertain reflection from the furnace he mistook the man as his old regimental comrade
Captain Von Stahle. He addressed the stranger as Nils Olof and invited him home to spend
the Christmas with him and his daughter.
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 8. Why did the peddler decline the invitation of the ironmaster?
The peddler was aware of the fact that the ironmaster had extended an invitation to his
comrade Captain Von Stahle. He also knew that after stealing the crofter’s money, he was at
a risk of getting caught. So, he declined the invitation.

9. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?

Edla’s ability to persuade and convince the peddler to stay on, made him accept the
invitation. She was compassionate and friendly. She asked him not to be afraid and assured
him that he could go away freely after Christmas dinner. She begged him to join them for
Christmas. Her sincerity and friendly nature made the peddler accept the invitation.

10.What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?

Just as Edla lifted the peddler’s hat he jumped up abruptly and seemed to be quite
frightened. Her kind looks, her compassionate and friendly nature was unable to calm him.
She thought that it looked as if he had stolen something or had escaped from jail.

11.When did the iron master realize his mistake?

The iron master realized his mistake when he met the stranger the next morning. The valet
had bathed him, cut his hair and shaved him. Moreover, he was dressed in a suit which
belonged to the iron master. He wore a white shirt, a starched collar and whole shoes. When
the iron mastersaw him in broad daylight it was impossible to mistake him for an old
acquaintance now. The iron master threatened to hand him over to the sheriff.

12. How did the peddler defend himself against not having revealed his true identity?
The peddler explained that he had no pretensions regarding his true identity. He was not at
fault. All along he had maintained that he was a poor trader. He had requested to be allowed
to stay alone. He was willing to put on his rags again and go away.

13.Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
Edla did not think it proper to chase away a human being whom they had invited to their
house and hadpromised him Christmas cheer. She understood the reality of the peddler’s life
and wanted him to enjoy a day with them. Hence she still entertained the peddler even after
knowing the truth about him.

14.Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler. It was a small rattrap in which lay three
wrinkled ten kronor notes. There was also a letter written in a large jagged handwriting a
confession made by the peddler. He did not want to embarrass her at this Christmas season.

15. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain Von Stahle?[VIMP]
The iron master had invited the peddler to his house mistaking him for Captain Von Stahle.
He was welcomed there and looked after as a Captain, even after the reality became known.
The peddler got a chance to redeem himself from dishonest ways by acting as an
honourable Captain. He did so by gifting Edla a small rattrap with three wrinkled ten kronor
notes and a letter saying that he did not want her to be embarrassed this Christmas season
by a thief and he wanted to be nice to her as if he were a real Captain.

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 16.‘The next day both men got up in good season’. Why? Who are the men and what did they
do after getting up?
The two men are the old crofter and the rattrap peddler. The crofter got up early in the
morning to milk his cow. His guest also wanted to get up because the host was up. Both left
the cottage at the same time. The crofter locked the door and put the key in his pocket.
Thereafter they both bade each other goodbye and went their own way.

(Q.) How did the peddler feel after robbing the crofter? Why did he discontinue walking on
the public highway?
The peddler after having stolen the money, felt pleased with himself. Then he realized the
danger of being caught by the police if he chose to go on the highway. Hence, he decided to
continue his journey through the dense woods to avoid getting caught.

17. Why did the blacksmith fail to notice the entry of the peddler in the forge?
The forge was a noisy place. The big bellows groaned and the burning coal made cracking
sounds. The fire boy was shovelling charcoal into the furnace noisily. A waterfall roared
outside. Sharp north wind made the rain strike the brick-tiled roof. Hence the blacksmith did
not notice the peddler entering the forge.

18.What two plans did the iron master reveal to his daughter at the breakfast on
Christmas Eve? How did the daughter react?
The iron master firstly decided that the old regimental comrade (the peddler) had to gain
some flesh on his bones. Then he must choose a different profession and not run around the
country selling rattraps. The daughter reacted by saying that the previous night there was
no indication to show that he had once been an educated man.

19. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
The crofter was an old man without a wife or child. He was happy to get someone to talk to
in his loneliness. He valued the presence of the peddler so much that he shared his
confidences generously with him. It was probably a way for the crofter to infuse a sense of
joy in his otherwise dreary life.

20. Why did the crofter show the thirty kronor notes to the peddler?[vimp]
The crofter told the peddler that he had earned a reasonable sum of money from his
extraordinary cow that gave him so much milk for creamery everyday and had earned thirty
kronor last month. The peddler seemed incredulous to acknowledge this piece of
information.So, in order to assure his guest of the truth, he showed thirty kronor to him.

21.Why did the peddler have to resort to both begging and petty thievery? (Imp.)
The peddler went around selling small rattraps of wire. He made them himself. He got the material by
begging in the stores or at the big farms. But even so he didn't earn much. So he had to resort to both
begging and petty thievery to keep body and soul together.

22. What kind of life did the peddler lead and why ?
The business of selling small rattraps was not profitable for the peddler. So he had to resort to both
begging and petty thefts. It kept his body and soul together. Even so, his clothes were in rags. His
cheeks were sunken and he often remained hungry. Life was quite sad and monotonous.
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23. How does the author employ the metaphor of 'rattrap' effectively in the story? Explain by
giving examples from the text. (V. Imp.)
The author uses the metaphor of 'rattrap' very often but effectively in the story. This world is
nothing but a big rattrap. It only sets trap for people. Riches or joys are just baits to tempt
the people. The peddler realises that stealing of 30 kronors was such a bait. Similarly, going
to the manor house was like voluntarily entering a lion's den

24.How was he welcomed by the old crofter ? Did he expect such a hospitality?(Imp)
One dark evening, the peddler needed shelter for the night. He knocked the door of a
cottage. He expected 'sour faces' to greet him. But surprisingly he got the hospitality of an
old and lonely crofter. He was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness. The peddler
was served supper and played "mjolis" with his host.

25. How did the peddler prove false to his host, the old crofter ? Did he let himself voluntarily
swept away by the bait ? (Imp.)
Naturally, the peddler played false to his generous host, the crofter. The old man took three
ten kronor notes out of the pouch. He then stuffed them back into the pouch. He did all in the
presence of his guest. Perhaps he was setting a bait. The vagabond couldn't overcome the
temptation and ran away with the money.

26.Why did the peddler decline to come home with the ironmaster ? (Imp.)
Ans. The ironmaster mistook the peddler as an old acquaintance. He invited him to come home with
him. But the peddler was not amused. He was quite alarmed. He thought of the thirty kronors. Going
up to the manor house was not safe. It was like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion's den.

27. Why did the peddler accept Edla Willmansson's invitation of bringing him to her home?
The peddler had declined the invitation of the ironmaster to come to his manor. But he
bowed to Edla Willmansson's invitation. The girl was highly persuasive. She was full Of
compassion and friendly nature. She appreciated his feelings and assured him of complete
freedom and security.

28. What doubts did Edla entertain about the peddler when she met him for the first time at the
forge ?
When Edla met the peddler for the first time, she looked at him compassionately, she
noticed that the man was afraid. Either he had stolen something or else he had escaped from
jail. She also doubted if he was at all an educated person. There was nothing about him to
show that.

29. Why did the ironmaster send his daughter to the forge ? Did he succeed in his mission ?
(Imp.)
Ans. The ironmaster failed in his mission to take the peddler home. Then he sent his
daughter to the forge. He hoped that she had better powers of persuasion. The girl looked at
him compassionately. She assured him that he would stay at Christmas. He will have
freedom of going away at any time. The girl succeeded in persuading him to come home.

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30. How and when did the ironmaster know the truth about the peddler? How did he react after
it ? (Imp.)
The peddler stood well groomed before the ironmaster in broad daylight. Everything became
clear. But the ironmaster did not seem pleased. The guest was not an old comrade from the
regiment. He felt deceived and cheated. He threatened to call the sheriff but asked him to go
away at once from there.

31. How did the ironmaster's daughter intercede for the vagabond when her father had asked
him to leave the place at once ? (V. Imp.)
The truth about the peddler was known. The ironmaster asked him to go away from there at
once. But soon his daughter Miss Edla Willmansson interceded for the stranger. She told her
father that the miserable man was welcomed by none. Moreover, it was unethical to chase
away a guest. He had been invited and promised Christmas cheer.

32.What did Miss Willmansson find in the package ? Why did she give a little cry of joy ? (Imp.)
Miss Willmansson found a rattrap and in it lay three wrinkled ten kroner notes. In the rattrap
lay a letter. It was addressed to her. She was praised for being so nice to the peddler. Miss
Willmansson gave a little cry of joy. The peddler returned 30 kronors to be given to the
rightful owner. She also got a little Christmas present from him.

33.What is the message conveyed by the story ? (Imp.)

In the story the author Selma Lagerlof conveys a definite message. The story has a universal
appeal. The essential goodness in a human being never dies. It can be awakened through
understanding and love. Miss Edla awakens the basic goodness of the peddler. He is a
transformed noble person in the end.

34. Justify the title of the story 'The Rattrap".

Ans. Selma Lagerlof gives a very apt and logical title to the story. The metaphor of the
rattrap is very effectively used. The whole world is nothing but a big rattrap. All riches, joys,
food and shelter are just baits. The moment anyone touches the bait, the rattrap closes in on
him. Then everything comes to an end

35.Give a character sketch of the man with the rattraps or the peddler as portrayed by
Selma Lagerlof in 'The Rattrap'. (Imp.)
OR
The peddler enjoys the sympathy of readers right from the beginning of the story.
Draw a character sketch of the peddler justifying the sympathy he generates among
the readers.
Ans. Selma Lagerlof draws the character of the peddler with all sympathy and understanding.
Selma wants to give a definite message. The peddler represents some human weak nesses.
Actually, he is the product of circumstances. But he is never devoid of basic huma goodness.
Only it lies in hibernation for some time. The essential goodness in him is awakened through
love and understanding of Miss Edla Willmansson.

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 The peddler is so many things, all rolled in one. He is a vagabond cum beggar cum a petty
thief. At moments he can raise himself to a philosopher. He philosophises life and compares
the world to a big rattrap. Finally, he transforms himself into a 'gentleman'.
The peddler is pragmatist. He finds his business not quite profitable. He doesn't mind
resorting to both begging and petty thievery. Nor is he above temptations. He steals 30
kronors of his generous host, the old crofter.
The peddler raises himself above petty worldly temptations in the end. His essential human
qualities raise him to heroic heights. He is witty and humorous. He knows how to deal with
men and tricky situations. He'thanks Miss Edla for her kindness and hospitality. She gives a
little cry of joy when he decides to return 30 kronors to the rightful owner. She is requested
to return the money to its rightful owner, the old crofter. The readers forgive him for his little
human weaknesses. They develop sympathy and appreciation for him.

36.Describe Miss Edla Willmansson and her role in awakening the essential human
goodness in the man with the rattraps or the peddler.
Ans. Miss Edla Willmansson is the oldest daughter of the owner of the Ramsjo Ironworks.
She is 'not at all pretty'. But she seems to be modest and quite shy. She possesses all that is
good in human nature.
Miss Willmansson's basic human goodness comes to light when she intercedes for the
vagabond. As the truth is known about him, her father threatens to call the sheriff. But Miss
Willmansson insists on keeping the guest with them. She is against chasing away a person
whom they had invited and 'promised Christmas cheer'.
Miss Willmansson has great persuasive powers. Even her father acknowledges it. Her
persuasive powers make the stranger surrender to her wish. She is very sensitive. She feels
Ejected when she hears that the peddler has robbed the old crofter. She gives a little cry of
joy when the peddler proves his honesty and innocence.
Ultimately, it is Miss Willmansson's deep sympathy, kindness and understanding that
awakens essential human goodness in the peddler. He addresses her most respectfully as
•'Honoured and noble Miss" in his letter. He finally thanks her for saving him from falling into
the 'world's rattrap'. He would have fallen in the trap 'if he had not been raised to captain.'

37.Attempt a character sketch of the crofter. How did he treat the peddler ?[ CBSE 2008)
Ans. The Crofter was a generous host and a good companion. He was an old man without
wife or child. He was a lonely man always in search of a good company. He was happy to get
someone to talk to in his loneliness. Hence, when the peddler knocked on the door of his
cottage to ask shelter for night, he was happy to receive him. The old man was equally
generous with his confidences. In his days of prosperity he had been a Crofter at Ramsjo
Ironworks. Now it was his cow which supported him. He picked up three ten kronor notes, he
received from selling the creamery from the pouch. He did it in the presence of his guest. He
stuffed them back into the pouch. It proved to be a bait difficult to be resisted by the
peddler. The generous host made every effort to make his guest comfortable. Immediately
he put the porridge pot on the fire and gave him supper. He carved off a big slice from his
tobacco roll and gave it to the guest. Finally, he got out an old pack of cards. He played
'mjolis' with his guest until bedtime.

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38.How did the peddler betray the confidence reposed in him by the Crofter in 'The Rattrap'?
(CBSE 2008)
Ans. The peddler did betray the confidence reposed in him by the Crofter. He considered this
world nothing but a big rattrap. It sets baits for people. The peddler unwillingly allowed
himself to be tempted to touch the bait. Those thirty kronors which the Crofter stuffed into
the pouch proved to be a bait. He stole the money. By doing so he committed a breach of
trust. It was nothing but simple moral degeneration.
One dark evening as he was walking along the road, he saw a gray cottage by the roadside.
He knocked on the door to ask shelter for the night. He was well received there. The owner
was an old man without wife or child. He was happy to find a man to talk to in his loneliness.
He served him supper, gave him tobacco and played a game of cards with him. The old man
went to the window and took down a leather pouch. He counted thirty kronors and put it into
the pouch. It provided a big bait. The peddler was tempted to steal them. In this way, he
betrayed the confidence that was reposed in him by the host.

39.How did the peddler feel after robbing the crofter ? What does his reaction highlight?(CBSE
2008)
Ans. The peddler had mixed feelings after robbing the crofter. First he felt quite pleased as he
walked along the road. He had been smart enough to smash a pane and steal thirty kronors.
However, as he was trapped in the forest, his happiness disappeared. He began to think of the world
and the rattrap. Now his own turn had come. He had let himself befooled by a bait. He had stolen
the money of his obliging host. He had committed a breach. He was trapped in now.
The peddler dared not continue walking on the public highway. He had money in his pocket. He
turned off the road into the woods. During the first hours he had no difficulty. Later, in the day it
became worse. He walked for hours without coming to the end of the road. There he started
philosophising life. He realised that a bait was thrown to him. The old crofter knowingly stuffed the
money in the pouch before the eyes of his guest. He couldn't resist the temptation and stole the
money. He was trapped in. There seemed no way going out. The thick unending forest closed in
upon him like an impenetrable prison.

40. Describe the peddler's meeting with the ironmaster. Why did he decline his invitation ?
(CBSE 2008)
Ans. It was by chance that the peddler found himself at the Ramsjo Ironworks. It was a dark evening
before Christmas. The peddler opened the gate and stood close to the furnace. It was nothing unusual
for poor vagabonds to have night shelter in the winter in front of the fire. The ironmaster noticed the
peddler. He walked close up to him and looked him over very carefully. He mistook him for Captain
Stahle, an old comrade of his regiment. He felt sorry that he had resigned from the regiment long
ago. The ironmaster invited the peddler home as their special guest at Christmas. The peddler was not
amused. He didn't want to be received by the owner like an old regimental comrade. He looked quite
alarmed and declined the invitation.
Going to the manor house appeared like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion's den'. He didn't
want to go there. He only wanted to spend the night in the forge. He wanted to sneak away in the
morning unnoticed. Then he thought of the thirty kronors. They were a bait and he couldn't resist the
temptation. Now again the bait had been thrown at him. He has to resist the temptation and decline
the invitation. The ironmaster only assumed that the peddler felt embarrassed because of his
miserable clothing.

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41. What are the instances in the story that show that the character of iron master is different
from that of his daughter? OR Compare and contrast the character of the iron master
with that of his daughter. (CBSE 2008)
Ans. The iron master and his daughter provide quite an interesting comparison and contrast.
They do have some similar traits. But basically they are two opposite and contrasting
characters. The iron master mistook the man with the rattraps to be an old acquaintance, an
old comrade from his regiment. He invited him to his manor house. He needed some
company for Christmas. But the man declined to come. Then the ironmaster sent his
daughter Edla to persuade him. She made him comfortable. Here, both the father as well as
the daughter shared the common trait. They were both hospitable. But the similarity ends
here. Once, the tramp's true identity is revealed, the iron master grows furious. He even
went to the extent of handing him over to the sheriff. He wanted him to get out of there as
fast as he could.
Edla was made up of different stuff. She didn't want to chase away the tramp as they had
already promised him 'Christmas cheer'. At the church they learned that one of the old
crofters had been robbed by a man who went around selling rattraps. He wondered how
many silver spoons the tramp might have stolen from his house. But his daughter Miss
Willmansson was overjoyed to learn that the man had not taken anything with him at all. On
the contrary he had left behind a Christmas present. She felt honoured and obliged and
accepted it pleasure.

42.“The whole world ... was nothing but a big rattrap'. How does the author use the metaphor
of the rattrap in the story ? How does the peddler save himself to be trapped in the rattrap ?
(V. Imp.)
Ans. The sad and monotonous life of the peddler makes him a little philosopher. One day
when he was thinking of his rattraps, suddenly he was struck by an idea. The whole world is
nothing but a big rattrap. It has only one purpose. It just sets baits for people. The world
offers riches, joys, shelter, food and clothing. They are just baits. As soon as anyone touches
the bait, the rattrap closes in on him. Then everything comes to an end.
The metaphor of the rattrap has been used very effectively. The peddler can't overcome the
temptation of stealing 30 kronors. Again this metaphor comes alive when the ironmaster
invites him to his manor house. The peddler doesn't want to go to the manor house. It will
mean voluntarily throwing himself into the lion's den. Only he surrenders when he is
persuaded by Miss Willmansson to go there.
Finally, the peddler feels himself released from the rattrap. It is due to the deep sympathy,
kindness, love and understanding shown by Miss Willmansson towards him. He raises himself
above petty temptations. He would have been trapped in the world's rattrap if he had not
been raised to a captain. That gave him strength to come out of that trap.

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43. The story 'The Rattrap' focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
Justify the statement by giving examples from the text.
Ans. Certainly, Selma Lagerlof focuses on human loneliness in the story 'The Rattrap'. She
also highlights the need to bond with others to overcome loneliness and sadness of life. All
characters and incidents lead to this theme. The story starts with the peddler. He wanders
away lonely from one place to the other selling his small rattraps. To him the world is very
unkind and unsympathetic. Then comes the old crofter. With no wife and son with him he
always feels lonely. The peddler never expects such a warm reception there. The old man is,
however, hungry for human intercourse. He provides him supper and offers tobacco to
smoke. He plays cards with him until bedtime.
Similarly, the ironmaster feels quite lonely. He is eager to entertain a guest at Christmas. His
wife Elizabeth is no more. His sons are abroad. He requests the peddler to come to the
manor house with him. He changes his mind only when he comes to know the truth about
him. Miss Willmansson understands more than anyone the miserable life of a vagabond.
Therefore, she offers him a peaceful and comfortable stay at least for a day.

44. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
The author Selma Lagerlof tells a universal theme through all her stories. One cannot
imagine how dull and sad a vagabond might be walking slowly along the roads for his bread.
The metaphor of the rattrap struck on one such occasion. He was plodding along the road,
duly lost in his own meditations. The whole world about him- the whole world with its lands,
seas, cities and villages was nothing but a big rattrap. The world had never existed for any
other purpose than to set baits for people to trap them. The world offered riches, joys, food,
shelter and clothing like a bait offering cheese and pork in a rattrap for the rats. As soon as
anyone is tempted and he to touches the bait, it closes on him and then everything came to
an end for him in life. Like the poor rattrap seller, people get tempted to the pouch baits
hung on the window frame, break the window pane and steal the kronor. For self-temptation
people like the peddler don't want to undeceive others about themselves. The touching of the
bait always makes people realize that they are caught in the world rattrap now. It is their
turn now, they must stop cherish it as their pastime of thinking about the known who get
trapped and others who ware circling around the trap. They must rise above the baits and
ban evil doings like Captain Von Stahle.

45.How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter,
the ironmaster and his daughter?
Legerlof's first scene of compassion is from the old man's hospitality. Despite the fact that he did not
know the peddler, the old man still opened his arms and acted charitable by providing food and
shelter. Showing scant regard to the crofter’s generosity and violating the trust the old man reposed
in him, he stole thirty kronors from his house. Feeling no compunction about robbing him of his hard
earned money, the peddler thought he had acted very smartly.

As the peddler ponders on the road of guilt, he soon receives a second action of care from the
ironmaster’s hospitality which also did not touch the peddler’s heart. When the iron master mistook
him as an old acquaintance he did not clear his doubt in hope of getting a couple of kronor notes.
When he is invited by the ironmaster to his house to celebrate

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 Christmas, he feels a sense of entrapment and thus , declines the invitation. On realizing his
real identity when the ironmaster shows him the door, the ungrateful vagabond gives him a
piece of his mind saying that he too might be ensnared in the rattrap of this world.
However Edla’s warmth, friendliness and hospitality touched him. When the girl treated him
like a Captain, he spontaneously behaved like a real Captain. He left a rattrap as a Christmas
gift for Edla and enclosed a letter of thanks and confession in it. Leaving behind the stolen
money to be restored to the owner, he redeemed himself from his dishonest ways and
emerged an altogether transformed person.

50. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’
behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.

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 peddlar
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.

46. 'The Rattrap' is a story in which a good deed or an act of kindness changes a
person’s view of the world. Discuss with reference to the theme of the story.
‘The Rattrap’ is an entertaining and philosophical story that reveals the theme of the human
tendency to redeem oneself from dishonest ways. The tramp proves the idea that the
essential goodness of human beings can be awakened through understanding and love.
Circumstances had forced the peddler to indulge in petty crime. Even though he used to sell
rattraps made from scrap metal, his poverty had brought out the worst in him, making him
bitter and killing his conscience. The tramp’s view of the world was a cynical one; he envied those
who were better off than him. He believed the world to be like a rattrap that offered temptations
like shelter and foodfor entrapping victims.
The peddler does not hesitate to steal the money from the crofter even though he enjoys his
hospitality and warm welcome. Pangs of guilt trouble him when he loses his way in the forest. His
bitter and hardened temperament receives a chance for repentance when he encounters the iron
master and his daughter. The author brings aboutan effective twist in the story to show that innate
goodness exists in all human beings. It takes a little love, understanding and an act of friendship to
bring it to the fore. The iron master’s daughter showed him sympathy,love and respect and restored
his dignity and self-esteem. This touched a chord in the heart of the peddler who at once felt that
he was no longer the nameless tramp that he had been all his life but somebody with an identity.
Motivated by Edla’s kindness, he redeemed himself by returning the stolen money and feeling sorry
for his deed.

47.Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain Von Stahle?[imp]

The peddler signed the letter as Captain Von Stahle to vindicate his stand and prove that it
was Edla’s kindness and compassion which enabled him to behave in a manner worthy of her
trust. Signing his name as Captain Von Stahle was an acceptance of the exalted stature of
the captain that the peddler had been placed at.
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48.What made the peddler finally change his ways?[vvimp]
The peddler had been living a despicable life of poverty, despair and frustration without ever
coming across any soul to understand, sympathize, love and guide him. Neither the crofter’s
hospitality nor the ironmaster’s invitation to the manor house made any impact on him. In
fact he repaid the crofter by stealing his earnings and the ironmaster by giving a piece of his
mind when the latter talked of taking the matter to the sheriff.
However , the meeting with the ironmaster’s daughter was the turning point in his life. The
kindness , the concern and the understanding that she showed him touched the core of his
heart and transformed his way of thinking. The ironmaster’s daughter understood that he
needed security and succor and convinced her father to allow him to stay on in their house to
share the Christmas cheer. She restored his dignity and self worth. She treated him like a
captain of the army though she was aware that he was a common tramp.
When the girl treated him like a Captain, he spontaneously behaved like a real Captain. He
left a rattrap as a Christmas gift for Edla and enclosed a letter of thanks and confession in it.
Leaving behind the stolen money to be restored to the owner, he redeemed himself from his
dishonest ways and emerged an altogether transformed person.

49. 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?

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.

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