Chapter: The Rattrap
Note : Write about the author, main point and extract for comprehension.
Brief question:
Q1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
Ans: The peddler had been thinking of his rattraps when suddenly he was struck by the idea that
the whole world was nothing but a big rattrap. It existed only to set baits for people. It offered
riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing in the same manner as the rattrap offered
cheese and pork. As soon as someone let himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed in on
him, and then everything came to an end.
Q2. Why was he amused by this idea?
Ans: His own life was sad and monotonous. He walked laboriously from place to place. The
world had never been kind to him. So, during his gloomy ploddings, this idea became his
favourite pastime. He was amused how people let themselves be caught in the dangerous snare
and how others were still circling around the bait.
3)Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
Ans: The crofter’s circumstances and temperament made him so talkative and friendly with the
peddler. Since he had no wife or child, he was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness.
Secondly, he was quite generous with his confidences.
Q4) Why did he show the thirty kronor to the peddler?
Ans: 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.
Q 5)Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
Ans: 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.
Q 6. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?
Ans: Miss Edla Willmansson looked at the peddler quite compassionately. She 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.
Detailed question.
1)What made the peddler finally change his ways?
Ans: Edla Willmansson treated the tramp in a friendly manner. She was nice and kind to her. She
interceded on his behalf when her father was about to turn him out. She still entertained the
peddler even after knowing the truth about him. She offered him the suit as Christmas present
and invited him to spend the next Christmas with them. Her love and understanding aroused the
essential goodness in the peddler and finally he changed his ways.
Q2) What is the theme of the story ‘The Rattrap’ ? How has this theme been developed?
Ans: The theme of the story is that most human beings are prone to fall into the trap of material
benefit. However, every human being has an essential goodness that can be awakened through
understanding and love. A human being has the tendency to redeem himself from dishonest
ways.
The theme Is developed with the help of the metaphor of the rattrap. The peddler of rattraps calls
the world a big rattrap. The material benefits like riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and
clothing are temptations that that allure a person to fall into the rattrap of the world exactly as the
bait of cheese and pork attract a rat to fall into the rattrap. Once someone takes the bait, the
world closes in on him and then everything is lost.
The peddler Is tempted by the thirty kronors of the old crofter. He steals the money. Now he is
afraid of being caught and moves through the woods. It is the kind, sympathetic, loving and
generous treatment given by Edla Willmansson that helps him get himself free from the rattrap of
the world.
