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प्रश्न
How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
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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.
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 question in 120−150 words:
The peddler believed that the whole world is a rattrap. How did he himself get caught in the same?
Answer the following question in 120-150 words :
Edla proved to be much more persuasive than her father while dealing with peddler. 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?
When and how did the peddler realise that he had fallen into a rattrap ? How could he get out of it ?
From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
Why was he amused by this idea?
Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?
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?
What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?
What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?
When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?
What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was?
Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
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?
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?
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.
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?
Mjölis is a card game of Sweden.
Name a few indoor games played in your region. ‘Chopar’ could be an example.
Mistaken identity led to a discovery of a new one for the rattrap peddler. How did this impact him?
What Christmas present did the peddler give Edla? Explain its significance.
Why was the peddler surprised at the hospitality he received from the crofter?
Answer the following question in about 40-50 words.
Who was Edla Willmansson? Why did she visit the forge at night?
