M.E.
S INDIAN SCHOOL, DOHA -QATAR
NOTES
Section: Boys’& Girls’ Date : 15/09/2021
Class & Div. : 12 (All Divisions) Subject: English
Lesson / Topic: The Rattrap
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
The peddler lived a lonely and dull life. Once he had been thinking of his rattraps and assuming that
the whole world is nothing but a big rattrap. It existed only to set baits for people. It offered riches and
joys, 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.
2. Why was he amused by this idea?
He was amused how people let themselves be caught in the dangerous snare and how others were still
circling around the bait. The world had never been kind to him. So, he felt happy thinking ill of the
world that the whole world is a rattrap.
Q3. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
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. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
The peddler avoided highway with the stolen money. He went into the forest. He kept walking
without coming to the end of the wood. This made him frustrated and tired. Then he realized that he
had indeed fallen into a rattrap.
Q5. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
The peddler knew that the ironmaster had mistaken him for his old regimental comrade. Secondly, he
had stolen the money and was afraid of being caught. Accepting the invitation would be like entering
the lion’s den. So, he declined the invitation.
Q6. What made the peddler accept EdlaWillmansson’s invitation?
Miss EdlaWillmansson spoke in a very friendly manner. She noticed that the man was afraid. She
persuaded him to stay with them over Christmas Eve and he would be allowed to leave whenever he
liked to. Her friendly manner made the peddler feel confidence in her and accept her invitation.
F 061, Rev 01, dtd10th March 2020
Q7. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
Edla did not think it proper on their part to chase away a human being whom they had asked to come
to their house and had promised him Christmas cheer. She understood the reality of the peddler’s life
and wanted him to enjoy a day of peace with them. Hence, she still entertained the peddler even after
knowing the truth about him.
Q8. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler because it was symbolic of the positive change in
peddler. She found a small rattrap with three wrinkled ten kronor and a letter addressed to her. He did
not want her to be embarrassed at the Christmas season by a thief.
Q9.Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
The peddler got a chance to redeem himself from dishonest ways by acting as an honourable Captain.
This awakened the latent goodness of his heart and he also behaved in a dignified manner and signed
himself as Captain von Stahle.
Q10. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the iron
master and his daughter?
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 kronor. 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.
Q11.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 ironmaster is impulsive whereas his daughter is sympathetic, logical and kind to the peddler. 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, demands an explanation and is ready to call in the sheriff. His daughter is more observant
than her father. She notices the fear of the stranger and thinks that either he is a thief or a runaway
prisoner. Inspite of that she is tender and friendly to him. She treats him nicely even after knowing the
mistake in identity.
Q12. What made the peddler finally change his ways?
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
F 061, Rev 01, dtd10th March 2020
to spend the next Christmas with them. Her love and understanding aroused the essential goodness in
the peddler and finally he changed his ways.
Q13. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
Ans: The world entices a person through the various good things of life such as riches and joy, shelter
and food, heat and clothing. These were just like the baits in the rattrap. Once someone is tempted by
the bait, the world closed on him.The peddler was tempted by thirty kronor of the crofter. It makes
him hide himself. He walks through the wood. He is afraid to go to the Manor house. He gets peace
only after returning the bait (money).
THE END
F 061, Rev 01, dtd10th March 2020
