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Question
What made the peddler finally change his ways?
Solution
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.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
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.
Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meanings from the context.
- keep body and soul together
- hunger gleamed in his eyes
- plods along the road
- unwonted joy
- impenetrable prison
- nodded a haughty consent
- eased his way
- fallen into a line of thought
- things have gone downhill
From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?
Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?
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?
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?
Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?
The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
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.
Mistaken identity led to a discovery of a new one for the rattrap peddler. How did this impact him?
If the Christmas spirit is about selflessness, forgiveness and becoming 'better' versions of ourselves amongst other things, Edla Willmansson is the epitome of this spirit. Justify with two points of evidence from The Rattrap.
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.
