Lesson 4
The Rattrap
Short Answer Type Questions
Q. 1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
Ans. The peddler had been thinking of his rattraps when suddenly he was struck by the idea that the whole world about him was nothing but a 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 and pork, and as soon as anyone let himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed in on him, and then everything comes to an end.
Q. 2. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter ?
Ans. The hospitality was unexpected as people usually made sour faces when the peddler asked for shelter. But the crofter served him porridge for supper and tobacco for his pipe.
Q. 3. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
Ans. The crofter, an old man without any family, was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness. He was also quite generous with his confidences.
Q. 4. Why did he show the thirty kronor to the peddler ? Ans. The crofter had told the peddler that by supplying his cow’s milk to the creamery, he had received thirty kronor in payment. The peddler seemed to doubt it, so, in order to assure him of the truth, he showed the thirty kronor to the peddler.
Q.5. Why did the peddler decline the invitation of the ironmaster?
Ans. The peddler knew that the ironmaster had mistaken him for his old regimental comrade. Secondly, he had stolen money on him. Going to the ironmaster’s resident would be like entering the lion’s den. That is why he declined the invitation.
Q.6. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler ? एडला को फेरीवाले के बारे में क्या सन्देह थे ? Ans. As Edla lifted the peddler’s hat, he jumped abruptly and seemed to be quite frightened. Even her kind looks, disclosure of her name and purpose of visit failed to calm him. From his fear, she thought that either he had stolen something or he had escaped from jail.
II. Long Answer Type Questions
Q. 1. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap ?
Ans. Having stolen the crofter’s money, the peddler felt quite pleased with his cleverness. He decided to go to woods. He walked and walked but could not get out of it. Suddenly he thought that he had also been caught in the vicious, circle of trap and there was no way to get out of it.
Q. 2. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain Von Stahle ?
Ans. Throughout his life, the peddler had never know respect. He was always treated coldly by the world. The ironmaster has invited him mistaking him for Captain Von Stahle. For the first time in his life, he was honoured and respected. He was welcomed and looked after as captain even after the truth was exposed. The peddler got a chance to redeem himself from dishonest ways by acting as an honourable Captain. He signed the letter as Captain Von Stahle to underline the impact of Edla’s goodness on him.
Q. 3. 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 and his daughter Edla had different nature. The ironmaster was impulsive whereas his daughter was kind, logical and thoughtful. Edla had more convincing power than her father. We also find that when the ironmaster found that the stranger was not the person he thought he was, he demanded explanation and was ready to call the sheriff. But his daughter was more observant. She noticed the fear of the stranger. Even after knowing the truth, she continued to treat him well.
Q. 4. What made the peddler finally change his ways ?
Ans. The peddler was a poor man, sometimes he used to beg or steal to survive. His life was meaningless and he was never welcomed by anyone. He was homeless. In one of the instances, he met ironmaster and his daughter Edla. Because of Edla’s selfless service and kind treatment, the peddler decides to change his ways. This had great impact on his heart. While leaving her house, he gifted her a small rattrap with 30 kroner and a thank you note saying since she had been nice to him, so now on he would be a changed person.
