NOTES- THE RATTRAP
The Rattrap Class 12
Chapter
4 The Rattrap
Exercise : Solutions of Questions
on Page Number : 32
Q1 :
Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meanings from
the context.
Answer :
keep body and soul together - to manage to keep alive; to survive
hunger gleamed in his eyes - feeling so hungry that
the expression shows on one's face
plods along the road -
moving 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 - indifferent agreement
eased his way - moved himself slowly and carefully
fallen into a line of thought - agreement of thoughts
things have gone downhill - to decline or grow worse
and worse
Think as you read : Solutions
of Questions on Page Number : 34
Q1 :
From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a
rattrap?
Answer :
During one of his usual plodding, the peddler thought on the subject of rattraps. It presented him with the idea of the world being a rattrap and he grew fond of thinking this way.
Q2 :
Why was he amused by this idea?
Answer :
The peddler was amused by the idea of the world being a giant rattrap because he was never treated kindly by the world. Therefore, he harboured hard feelings for it and loved 'to think ill of it' by comparing it with a giant rattrap.
Q3 :
Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received
from the crofter?
Answer :
No, the peddler did not expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter.This was because usually he was greeted by 'sour' and unfriendly faces whenever he knocked on doors and requested for shelter.
Q4 :
Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
Answer :
The crofter was so talkative and friendly with the peddler
because he was a lonely fellow who lived on his own in a little gray cottage by
the roadside. He had no wife or children, and craved company and friends.
Q5 :
Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?
Answer : 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 his guest of the truth he showed the thirty kronor to the peddler.
Q6 :
Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the
crofter?
Answer :
No, the peddler did not respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter. In fact, he betrayed his trust by robbing the thirty kronors from him.
Think as you read
Q1 :
What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a
rattrap?
Answer :
The
peddler realised that he must not walk on the public highway with the stolen
money in his pocket. He went into the woods. He kept walking without coming to
the end of the wood. Then he realised that he had fallen in the rattrap.
Q2 :
Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite
him home?
Answer :
The
ironmaster of the spoke kindly to the
peddler because he had mistaken him for an old regimental comrade, Captain von
Stahle.
Q3 :
Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
Answer :
The peddler knew that the ironmaster had mistaken him for his
old regimental comrade. Secondly, he had stolen money—thirty kronor—on him.
Going to the ironmaster’s residence would be like entering the lion’s den. So,
he declined the invitation.
Think as you read
Q1 :
What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson's invitation?
Answer :
Edla Willmansson
noticed that the man was afraid. She assured him that he would be allowed to
leave just as freely as he came. She requested him to stay with them over Christmas
Eve. Her friendly manner made the peddler feel confidence in her and accept her
invitation.
Q2 :
What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?
Answer :
When Edla went to 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 prison. His appearance and behaviour also left her in doubts whether he was actually an educated man, as claimed by her father.
Q3 :
When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?
Answer :
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 Clothes. The ironmaster realised that he had been deceived.
Q4 :
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 :
To
defend himself, the peddler argued that he had never said that he was a captain
or the old comrade of the ironmaster. In fact, he had repeatedly declined the
invitation to spend the Christmas at the manor.
Q5 :
Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the
truth about him?
Answer :
Edla
had a kind and sympathetic heart that was pained by the plight of the poor
peddler. She requested her father to allow him to spend one day with them in
peace as a respite from the struggle he had
to endure round the year.
Think as you read
Q1 :
Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
Answer :
Edla was overjoyed when she reached home to
find the package and the letter left by the peddler. This gesture of appreciation
from the peddler made her happy.
Q2 :
Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
Answer :
The ironmaster has invited the peddler to his house mistaking
him for Captain von Stahle. He was welcomed there and looked after as captain
even after the reality became known. The peddler got a chance to redeem himself
from dishonest ways by acting as an honourable Captain.
Understanding the text : Solutions
of Questions on Page Number: 43
Q1 :
How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and
hospitality shown by the
crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?
Answer :
The peddler interprets the acts of kindness and hospitality
shown by the crofter, the iron master and his daughter differently. He cheats
the crofter as he provides him company in his loneliness and helps him pass
time. He wants to get a couple of kronors from the iron master and is surprised
at the contrasting style of behaviour of father and daughter. He is touched by
the kindness, care and intervention of Edla on his behalf.
Q2 :
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 :
The ironmaster is impulsive* whereas his daughter is cool,
logical, kind and thoughtful. In uncertain light he (iron master) mistakes the
stranger as his old regiment comrade. He invites him home and takes care of his
feeding, clothing etc. When he sees him in broad day light he calls the man
dishonest, and is ready to call in the sheriff. His daughter is more observant.
She notices the fear of the stranger and thinks that either he is a thief or a
run away prisoner. Inspite of that she is gentle, kind and friendly to him.
Q3 :
The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the
characters to
others' behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
Answer :
The peddler is surprised at the warm welcome, generous
supper, cheerful company and intimate confidences by the crofter. The
ironmaster addresses the peddler as Captain von Stahle.
The peddler
looks at Edla in boundless amazement when she tells him that the suit is a
Christmas present. She also invites him to spend next Christmas with them. She
does all this even after knowing the mistake about his identity.
Q4 : What made the peddler finally change his ways?
Answer :
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.
Answer :
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