Advertisements
Advertisements
प्रश्न
What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
Advertisements
उत्तर
After stealing the money, the peddler tried to escape through the forest but soon got lost. Left in despair, he recollected his own thoughts on the world being a giant rattrap. A sudden realisation came to him that he had finally got himself caught in the rattrap because he allowed himself to be tempted by the bait, the thirty kronor bills. Similarly, on his way to the ironmaster’s home, he felt himself caught in the trap.
He was again haunted by such thoughts when the ironmaster, on realising the truth about the peddler, threatened to get him arrested. The rattrap seller expressed himself strongly realising that the worldly bait had, once more, tempted and trapped him.
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.
When and how did the peddler realise that he had fallen into a rattrap ? How could he get out of it ?
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 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?
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?
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 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?
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?
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.
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?
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.
The iron master accuses the peddler of not being quite honest. What does the peddler say to justify the situation?
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.
How does the setting of the remote forest location in 'The Rattrap' contribute to the overall tone and mood of the story?
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.
Who was Edla Willmansson? Why did she visit the forge at night?
