Chapter 9: The Rattrap

English
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Chapter 4: The Rattrap

Class: XII

Exercise number – 1

Question 1

Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meanings from the context.

Answer 1

 

expressions	Meanings
Keep body and soul together	To manage to keep alive/ to survive
Hunger gleamed in his eyes	One’s face and eyes reveal that the person is very hungry
Plods along the road	Moves along the road slowly but deliberately, to walk with a heavy feet
Unwonted joy	Unusual pleasure or happiness
Impenetrable prison	Impassable confinement
Nodded a haughty consent	arrogantly allowed the man to enter/ arrogant approval
Eased his way	Moved himself slowly and carefully
Fallen into a line of thought	Considered a matter in a particular way/struck by an idea
Things have gone downhill	To decline or grow worse and worse

 

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Think As you Read

Question 1

From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?

Answer 1

One day the peddler was thinking of his rattraps. Suddenly he was struck by an
idea that the entire world with its lands and seas, its cities and villages was nothing however an enormous rattrap. It offered wealth and joys, shelter and food as baits within the same manner because the rattrap offered cheese and pork. As before long as somebody touches the bait, he finds himself within the trap.

 

 

Question 2

Why was he amused by this idea?

Answer 2

The peddler believed that the world with all its riches and joys, food and shelter
appears as a rattrap to tempt people. The world had ne'er been kind to him. It gave him
unusual pleasure to think sick of it. Therefore he was pleased to place confidence in the folks that were already caught within the trap and others circling around the bait.

Question 3

Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?

Answer 3

No, the peddler did not expect the kind of hospitality that he had received from the

Crofter. This was because he was usually greeted by ‘sour’ and unfriendly faces whenever

He knocked on doors and requested for shelter.

Question 4

Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?

Answer 4

The crofter was an old man who wasn’t married person. He was living a
monotonous and boring life in solitude. He welcome his guest very warmly. He offered him
food and shelter. Naturally, he was happy to induce somebody to speak to in his lonely life. So he was talkative and friendly with the peddler.

Question 5

Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?

Answer 5

The crofter was very pleased with his cow that gave him enough milk to support him.
He told peddler that he had got thirty kronor last month as payment by activity the milk to
creamery. The peddler appeared uncertain regarding it. So, in order to assure his guest he showed thirty kronor to the peddler.

Question 6

Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?

Answer 6

No, the peddler didn't respect the confidence and trust reposed in him by the
crofter. In fact, he betrayed his trust by robbing the thirty kroners from him.
However, later within the story, his conscience was awakened by his stick with the
Williamsons and he decided to return the money.

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Think as you read

Question 1

What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?

Answer 1

After stealing the crofter’s cash, the peddler believed that it had been not safe to walk
on the public route. Thus he went into the woods. However it had been an enormous and confusing forest. He walked and walked however couldn't get out of it. The forest having its trunks, branches and thickets seemed to be a big rattrap for him. Then he realized that he had fallen into the rattrap.

Question 2

Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

Answer 2

In the unsure reflection from chamber, the ironmaster mistook the peddler as his
old army unit comrade, Captain Von Stahle. His condition was terribly miserable. As he was an old acquaintance, he wished to assist him. He conjointly wished his company on Christmas Eve. Therefore the ironmaster spoke kindly to the peddler and invited him home.

Question 3

Why did the peddler decline the invitation?

Answer 3

The peddler knew that the ironmaster had mistaken him as his old regiment
comrade. The invite by the ironmaster failed to please the peddler since he had the taken
money in his pocket. He thought that it'd be like throwing himself voluntarily into the
lion’s den. He was feeling guilty and frightened. Thus he declined the invitation.

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Think as you read

Question 1

What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?

Answer 1

Edla Willmansson had higher power of persuasion. She checked out the peddler quite
compassionately. She knew he was afraid. Thus she assured him that no harm would come to him and he would be allowed to depart even as freely as he came. Her friendly manner created the peddler feel easier. He thought he might open up to her and accepted the invitation.

Question 2

What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?

Answer 2

When Edla visited 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 from
prison. His look and behaviour conjointly left her in doubts whether or not he was truly an
educated man, as claimed by her father.

Question 3

When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?

Answer 3

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 cloths.
The ironmaster realised that he had mistaken to recognise the person as his old friend
because of the reflection of the chamber, the previous night.

Question 4

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 4

The ironmaster came to grasp the truth regarding the peddler the next morning. The
peddler in his defence explained that he ne'er pretended to be what he wasn't. He showed
himself as a poor merchandiser. He only desired to sleep within the forge for the night. He had declined the ironmaster’s invitation again and again.

Question 5

Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?

Answer 5

The peddler’s true identity came to light the next morning. However Edla served the
peddler not as her father’s old comrade. Even once knowing the truth regarding the peddler she wished him to remain with them on holiday and enjoy a day of peace. In her view it was not correct to ward off someone whom they'd invited on Christmas.

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Think as you read

Question 1

Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?

Answer 1

When Edla opened the package of gift left by the peddler she felt very happy. She
found a small rattrap with three wrinkled ten kronor notes and a letter addressed to her. He
had left the thirty kronors for its rightful owner. He wasn't a thief however his circumstances created him so. She was happy to notice that in spite of everything he had changed.

Question 2

Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

Answer 2

The peddler was a vagabond. Once he was invited by the ironmaster, he behaved
like a real captain. During this role, he raised himself on top of the petty temptation. Kindness and hospitality shown by Edla had transformed him fully. He needed to behave nicely with them. So he signed himself as Captain Von Sthale.

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Understanding the Text

Question 1

How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the

crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?

Answer 1

The different ways that within which the peddler repaid the three people correspond to the
way he understood the kindness of the three people. The peddler realized that for the small farmer it was his longing for company that led him to supply his welcome. The ironmaster’s hospitality apparently was restricted to his acquaintances. It absolutely was only the daughter who genuinely offered warmth and goodness to the peddler. He was touched by Edla’s kindness and it created him wish to act differently. He repaid her good treatment with a gesture of true gratitude.

Question 2

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 2

The ironmaster did not recognize the particular identity of the peddler. He took him for an
old acquaintance, whereas his daughter may figure out that the person was frightened. This suggested that he had stolen one thing. Though the father and therefore the daughter expressed compassion for the vagabond, each did so for various reasons .The ironmaster was bound to help the vagabond pass though his tramp manners as a result of he had taken the latter for his old comrade. The daughter but needed to feed him and welcome him in spite of knowing that he wasn't Captain Von Stahle. The father acted impetuously and casually and invited him while not confirming the stranger’s identity. On realizing his mistake he recklessly wanted to hand him over to the sheriff. Once he was threatened to be ensnared by the rattrap of this world, he thought otherwise. Edla on the opposite hand showed a powerful sense of observation. She justifiably judged him to be a tramp without any education. She persuaded her father to let him keep as a result of they'd promised him Christmas cheer. When the blacksmith’s daughter infected the protagonist along with her true unselfishness the peddler’s inner soul experienced a fast transformation form an unpleasant duckling to a blinding swan.

Question 3

The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’

behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.

Answer 3

The first instance is that of the crofter’s welcome to the peddler. The rattrap
peddler, wont to being shooed away, was shocked at the friendly behaviour of the crofter.
The peddler was conjointly shocked at the unexpected invitation given by the ironmaster, who was himself dismayed to understand his mistake when recognizing the peddler the next day. Another unexpected reaction, for each the peddler and also the ironmaster, is Edla’s intervention to seek peddler’s presence for Christmas. However, the most sudden reaction is from the peddler when he leaves the package and also the letter for Edla, showing gratitude to the girl’s hospitality and respect for him.

Question 4

What made the peddler finally change his ways?

Answer 4

Edla Willmansson treated the tramp in a very friendly manner. She was nice and kind
to her. She interceded on his behalf once her father was about to turn him out. She still pleased the peddler even after knowing the reality about him. She offered him the suit as Christmas present and invited him to spend succeeding Christmas with them. Her love and understanding aroused the essential goodness of the peddler and he changed his ways.

Question 5

How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?

Answer 5

The image of the rattrap signifies that the world exists solely to trap individuals by
setting baits for them. Whenever somebody is tempted by the luxuries, he finishes up being caught in a very dangerous trap. The author, thus, makes a way deeper discuss the woeful plight of these in pursuit of the worldly pleasures, which regularly 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 large rattrap known as world only when he appreciates the kindness to him by Edla.

Question 6

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 6

The peddler doesn’t stumble upon as a humorous person, though one will find a
subtle sense of humour within the means he cares the world as being a large rattrap. He is singularly happy by this thought of his as a result of it provides him with the chance of
thinking ‘ill’ of the world that's not kind to him. It’s 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's simply a prey. Thus, he lightens the mood and
theme of the story and makes us please him.

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Talking about the Text

Discuss the following in groups of four. Each group can deal with one topic. Present the views of your group to the whole class.

 

Question 1

The reader’s sympathy is with the peddler right from the beginning of the story. Why

is this so? Is the sympathy justified?

Answer 1

From the beginning, the rattrap merchant is shown as a victim of his situation and not
a downright evil character. The peddler had to resort to beggary and stealing as a result of his business wasn't profitable enough to form each ends meet. His condition of poverty will not permit him to be absolutely righteous. Moreover, we discover that he lacks friends and guide to steer him within the right path. The sympathy is justified because in the end we find out that the peddler is capable of appreciating real goodness and hospitality. Once he's treated with
respect and kindness, he reciprocates a similar within the best manner he will.

Question 2

The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.

Answer 1

The Rattrap deals with the problems of human loneliness and also the have to be compelled to bond with others. Not only the peddler however also alternative characters just like the crofter, the ironmaster and
Edla emphasise this truth.
The peddler’s conscience had left him as a result of he had been lonely in his difficulty, for a long time. However Edla’s kindness and hospitality changed him. The crofter, on the opposite hand, is a lonely fellow whose probing for company leads him to allow shelter to a vagabond, and he ends up obtaining robbed. Even, the ironmaster and his girl suffer from loneliness. They crave company on Christmas Eve and are excited once they get the chance to serve a guest.

Question 3

The story is both entertaining and philosophical.

Answer 2

The story is told within the sort of a fairy tale with a cheerful ending. The narrative is
interesting with several surprises and attention-grabbing dialogues. The twists and also the
unexpected reactions of the characters typically amaze the reader creating the story
entertaining.
However, the author has rigorously managed to weave philosophical parts into the
storyline. The rattrap peddler’s comparison of the complete world with a large rattrap makes this a remarkable comment on however such individuals find yourself obtaining trapped within the large chasm. The story conjointly makes associate observation on the inherent goodness of individuals. It also showcases however goodness and kindness shown by some individuals will modification others’ perspective.

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Working with Words

Question 1

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 1

Labels and it’s 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 unknown 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 the

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

2. 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 2

Five other such words with a similar meaning of ‘movement accompanied by weariness’ are lurch, stumble, slog, hike, clump, traipse and stomp.

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Noticing Form

1. He made them himself at odd moments.
2. He raised himself.
3. He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught.
4. … a day may come when you yourself may want to get a big piece of pork.

Notice the way in which these reflexive pronouns have been used (pronoun + self)

In 1 and 4 the reflexive pronouns "himself" and "yourself" are used to convey

emphasis.

In 2 and 3 the reflexive pronoun is used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it

refers to the same subject in the sentence.

Pick out other examples of the use of reflexive pronouns from the story and notice how they are used.

Answer 2

Examples and Usage

Example:

"…would be like throwing

himself voluntarily into the lion’s used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it

den" refers to the same subject in the sentence

"...except my oldest daughter

and myself"

Usage:

used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it

refers to the same subject in the sentence

 

Example:

"...he laughed to himself."

used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it

refers to the same subject in the sentence

"...better powers of persuasion than

he himself"

Usage:

used to convey emphasis

 

Example:

"stretched himself out on the floor"

 

Usage:

used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it

refers to the same subject in the sentence

 

Example:

"He could not bring himself to

oppose her."

Usage:

used to convey emphasis

 

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Thinking about the Language

Question 1

Notice the words in bold in the following sentence.

"The fire boy shovelled charcoal into the maw of the furnace with a great deal of clatter".

This is a phrase that is used in the specific context of an iron plant.

Pick out other such phrases and words from the story that are peculiar to the

terminology of ironworks.

Answer 1

 

Other such phrases could be as follows:

1. ‘a hard regular thumping’
2. ‘hammer strokes’
3. ‘a large plant with smelter, rolling mill and forge’
4. ‘pig iron’
5. ‘coal dust’
6. ‘put on the anvil’

Question 2

Mjolis is a card game of Sweden.

Name a few indoor games played in your region. ‘Chopar’ could be an example.

Answer 2

Some indoor games are chess, ludo, table tennis, playing cards, billiards, etc.

Question 3

A crofter is a person who rents or owns a small farm especially in Scotland. Think of

other uncommon terms for ‘a small farmer’ including those in your language.

 

Answer 3

Some other terms are peasant, plowman, cultivator, krishak, kisan etc

 

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