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प्रश्न
How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
उत्तर
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.
APPEARS IN
संबंधित प्रश्न
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?
Answer the following question in 120-150 words:
The peddler thinks that the whole world is a rattrap. This view of life is true only of himself and of no one else in the story. Comment.
Answer the following in 125-150 words:
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?
From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?
Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?
Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?
What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?
When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?
Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?
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?
The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
What made the peddler finally change his ways?
Discuss the following in groups of four. Each group can deal with one topic. Present the views of your group to the whole class.
The reader’s sympathy is with the peddler right from the beginning of the story. Why is this so? Is the sympathy justified?
Discuss the following in groups of four. Each group can deal with one topic. Present the views of your group to the whole class.
The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
Discuss the following in groups of four. Each group can deal with one topic. Present the views of your group to the whole class.
Have you known/heard of an episode where a good deed or an act of kindness has changed a person’s view of the world?
Discuss the following in groups of four. Each group can deal with one topic. Present the views of your group to the whole class.
The story is both entertaining and philosophical.
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?
Mistaken identity led to a discovery of a new one for the rattrap peddler. How did this impact him?
In Edla's dealing with the peddler, she was compassionate and generous. Discuss with reference to the story "The Rattrap".
What Christmas present did the peddler give Edla? Explain its significance.
Why was the peddler surprised at the hospitality he received from the crofter?
Read the given extract and answer the questions.
| “I am thinking of this stranger here,” said Edla. “He walks and walks the whole year long, and there is probably not a single place in the whole country where he is welcome and can feel at home. Wherever he turns he is chased away. Always he is afraid of being arrested and cross-examined. I should like to have him enjoy a day of peace with us here – just one in the whole year.” |
- Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate option: (1)
Edla wished the Pedlar to have a peaceful day because ______.
- the Pedlar had worked for Edla
- the Pedlar had not been released from jail
- the Pedlar had been staying at the forge
- the Pedlar had always been looked with suspicion
- Select a suitable word from the extract to complete the analogy. (1)
single : multiple :: abroad : ______. - In the above extract, Edla comes across as ______. (1)
- conscientious
- pretentions
- compassionate
- selfless
- Based on the above extract, choose the statement which is true. (1)
- Relationships are rattraps.
- Money is important in the world.
- Criminal is not born but made.
- Christmas is a time of charity.
- In the context of the given extract, which day is referred to in the expression 'just one in the whole year'? (1)
- What does the expression 'he is cross examined' suggest? (1)
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words.
Explain the metaphor of the rattrap.
