THINK AS YOU
READ PAGE
34
1. From where did the peddler get the
idea of the world being a rattrap?
Answer:
The peddler was thinking about his rattraps when he had the epiphany that the
entire world was nothing but a big rattrap. Its sole purpose was to tempt
people with bait. In the same way that the rattrap offered cheese and pork, it
offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing. When someone
allowed himself to be enticed to touch the bait, it closed in on him, and the
game was over.
2. Why was he amused by this idea?
Answer:
His life had been sad and monotonous for a long time. He walked slowly from one
location to the next. He had never had it easy in this world. As a result, this
idea became his favorite pastime during his gloomy ramblings. He was amused by
how many people fell into the dangerous snare and how many others were still
circling the bait.
3. Did the peddler expect the kind of
hospitality that he received from the crofter?
Answer:
For supper, the crofter served him porridge and tobacco for his pipe. He also
played a game of cards with him until it was time for him to go to bed. People
usually frown when a peddler asks for shelter, so this show of kindness was
unexpected.
4. Why was the crofter so talkative and
friendly with the peddler?
Answer:
The crofter's situation and temperament caused him to be so chatty and friendly
with the peddler. He was relieved to have someone to talk to in his loneliness
because he didn't have a wife or child. Second, he was very forthcoming with
his secrets.
5. Why did he show the thirty kronor to
the peddler?
Answer:
The crofter had told the peddler that he had received thirty kronor in payment
for supplying his cow's milk to the creamery. The peddler appeared to be
unsure. So, in order to reassure his guest, he showed the peddler the thirty
kronor.
6. Did the peddler respect the confidence
reposed in him by the crofter?
Answer:
No, the peddler did not respect the crofter's trust in him. He smashed the
windowpane, took the money, and hung the leather pouch back in its place as
soon as he had the chance. He then walked away.
THINK AS YOU
READ PAGE 37
1. What made the peddler think that he
had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
Answer:
The peddler realized he couldn't walk down the street with stolen money in his
pocket. He went for a walk in the woods. He didn't make it to the end of the
woods because he kept walking. Then he realized he'd gotten himself caught in
the rattrap. He had been duped by a bait and had fallen prey to it.
2. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to
the peddler and invite him home?
Answer:
The ironmaster approached the peddler with caution. In the hazy reflection from
the furnace, he mistook the man for Captain Von Stahle, an old regimental
comrade. He introduced himself to the stranger as Nils Olof, spoke to him
politely, and invited him to his home.
3. Why did the peddler decline the
invitation?
Answer:
The peddler was well aware that the ironmaster had mistaken him for a former
regimental comrade. Second, he had thirty kronor in his possession that he had
stolen. It would be like entering the lion's den if you went to the
ironmaster's house. As a result, he turned down the invitation.
THINK AS YOU
READ PAGE
41
1. What made the peddler accept Edla
Willmansson’s invitation?
Answer:
Miss Edla Willmansson gave the peddler a sympathetic look. She noticed the man
was terrified. She assured him that he would be free to leave as he had
entered. She asked him to spend Christmas Eve with them. Her friendly demeanor
inspired the peddler to trust her and accept her invitation.
2. What doubts did Edla have about the
peddler?
Answer:
When Edla lifted the peddler's hat, he leaped to his feet and appeared
startled. Her friendly expressions, as well as her disclosure of her name and
the reason for her visit, were ineffective in calming him down. She assumed he
had stolen something or had gotten out of jail because of his fear.
3. When did the ironmaster realize his
mistake?
Answer:
The stranger was cleaned and dressed the next morning. The valet had bathed
him, shaved him, and cut his hair. Breakfast was served to him in the dining
room. In broad daylight, the ironmaster noticed him. He could no longer be
mistaken for an old acquaintance. The ironmaster then realized his error and
threatened to summon the Sheriff.
4. How did the peddler defend himself
against not having revealed his true identity?
Answer:
The peddler clarified that he had not attempted to pass himself off as a
friend. He was not to blame. He had always maintained that he was a bad trader.
He had pleaded and pleaded for permission to remain in the forge. His presence
had caused no harm. He was willing to change back into his rags and leave.
5. Why did Edla still entertain the
peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
Answer:
Edla did not believe it was appropriate for them to chase a human being whom
they had invited to their home and promised Christmas cheer. She recognized the
peddler's reality and wished for him to share a day of peace with them. As a
result, even after learning the truth about the peddler, she continued to
entertain him.
THINK AS YOU
READ
PAGE 42
1. Why was Edla happy to see the gift
left by the peddler?
Answer:
The contents of the gift package became visible as soon as Edla opened it. She
discovered a small rattrap containing three wrinkled ten kronor bills as well
as a letter addressed to her. Because she had been so nice to him all day, the
peddler wanted to reciprocate. He didn't want her to be embarrassed by a thief
during the Christmas season.
2. Why did the peddler sign himself as
Captain von Stahle?
Answer:
The ironmaster mistook the peddler for Captain von Stahle and invited him to
his home. Even after the truth became known, he was welcomed and treated as
captain. By posing as an honorable Captain, the peddler was able to atone for
his dishonesty.
UNDERSTANDING
THE TEXT PAGE
43
1. How does the peddler interpret the
acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster, and his
daughter?
Answer:
The peddler sees the crofter, the ironmaster, and his daughter's acts of
kindness and hospitality in a different light. He defrauds the crofter because
he keeps him company and helps him pass the time when he is lonely. He's hoping
to get a few kronors from the ironmaster and is taken aback by the father and
daughter's opposing personalities. Edla's kindness, care, and intervention on
his behalf have left an impression on him.
2. 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 (ironmaster) 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 daylight he calls the man dishonest, demands an
explanation, 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 runaway prisoner. In spite of that She is gentle, kind, and friendly
to him. She treats him nicely even after knowing the mistake in identity.
3. The story has many instances of
unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behavior. Pick out
instances of these surprises.
Answer:
The peddler is taken aback by the crofter's warm welcome, generous supper,
cheerful company, and intimate confidences. Captain von Stahle is how the
ironmaster addresses the peddler. When the ironmaster addresses him as
"Nils Olaf," he is taken aback. The ironmaster assumes that his
refusal was due to embarrassment caused by his dreadful attire. The ironmaster
laughs at the peddler's comparison of the world to a rattrap and abandons his
plan to summon the sheriff. When Edla tells him the suit is a Christmas
present, the peddler is completely taken aback. She also invites him to join
them for Christmas next year. She does all of this despite the fact that she
knows he is not who he claims to be. In exchange for his hospitality, the crofter's
guest, the rattrap peddler, robs him.
4. What made the peddler finally change
his ways?
Answer:
Edla Willmansson was very friendly with the tramp. She treated her with respect
and kindness. When her father was about to throw him out, she intervened on his
behalf. Even after learning the truth about the peddler, she continued to
entertain him. She gave him the suit as a Christmas present and invited him to
spend the following holiday season with them. The peddler's essential goodness
was reawakened by her love and understanding, and he eventually changed his
ways.
5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap
serve to highlight the human predicament?
Answer:
The world tempts a person with various good things in life, such as wealth and
happiness, shelter and food, warmth and clothing. These looked exactly like the
rattrap baits. Once a person has been enticed by the bait, the world has closed
in on him. The crofter's thirty kronor enticed the peddler. It causes him to
withdraw. He takes a stroll through the woods. He is apprehensive about
visiting the Manor House. Only after returning the bait does he find peace
(money).
6. The peddler comes out as a person with
a subtle sense of humor. How does this serve in lightening the seriousness of
the theme of the story and also endear him to us?
Answer:
The peddler has a subtle sense of humor that comes out in his interactions with
the ironmaster and his daughter after the truth about him is revealed. He has
no fear of being cast out in the cold in rags or of being imprisoned. With his
rattrap metaphor, he makes the ironmaster laugh. His letter to Edla with the
Christmas present demonstrates his ability to make others laugh at him. As a
result, he lightens the seriousness of the story's theme while also endearing
himself to us.
TALKING ABOUT
THE TEXT PAGE
43
Discuss the following in groups of four.
Each group can deal with one topic. Present the views of your group to the whole
class.
1. The reader’s sympathy is with the
peddler right from the beginning of the story. Why is this so? Is the sympathy
justified?
Answer:
We sympathize with the peddler because of his way of life and how the world
treats him. It is a well-known fact that sympathy always runs away with the
underdog, and the peddler with the rattraps is no exception. He begs the
material for his rattraps, such as a wire. Because his business isn't
particularly profitable, he turns to beg and petty thievery to keep his body and
soul afloat.
His life is depressing and routine. He plods along
the highway, lost in his own thoughts. He considers the world to be a rattrap
because it has never been kind to him. Whenever he asks for a place to sleep
for the night, he is met with a frown. He is a figure who is unwelcome,
unwanted, and unattractive. The forge's blacksmiths give him a casual,
uninterested look. Without saying anything, the master blacksmith nods
haughtily in agreement.
The old crofter, who is lonely, finds him amusing
company. He is mistaken for an old regimental comrade by the ironmaster. Only
Edla Willmansson treats him with kindness and friendliness. The tramp's
goodness is awoken by her kind treatment. By returning the stolen money, he
earns our respect and admiration. As a result, we can see that the sympathy is
not only well-deserved but also well-founded.
2. The story also focuses on human
loneliness and the need to bond with others.
Answer:
In the story, at least three characters suffer from loneliness and express a
desire to connect with others. They also represent three levels of human
society. The rattrap peddler, the elderly crofter, and the ironmaster are all
lonely people. At various points in the story, the peddler is referred to as a
tramp, a vagabond, and a stranger. He shuffles from one location to the next,
exhausted. He's completely absorbed in his own thoughts. People stare at him
with a sour expression as he seeks shelter for the night. Even the blacksmiths
give him a haughty nod of approval. The elderly crofter is lonely because he
has neither a wife nor a child. As a result, he is overjoyed when he finds the
peddler to converse with his loneliness.
In his manor house, the ironmaster is also lonely.
His wife Elizabeth died, and his sons are currently serving in the military.
Except for his oldest daughter and himself, there is no one else at home. His
requests for Captain von Stehle's company demonstrate his need for human
interaction. He admits that they didn't have any visitors for the holidays. The
stranger declines the invitation not because he is opposed to forming bonds
with others, but because he is afraid of being caught with stolen money.
3. Have you known/heard of an episode
where a good deed or an act of kindness has changed a person’s view of the
world?
Answer:
Yes, I'm aware of how a Bishop's kindness transformed a hard-hearted beastly
convict into a man with renewed faith in God and human values. The story is
told through a famous play called "The Bishop's Candlesticks."
At midnight, the Bishop feeds and shelters a runaway
convict who threatens him with a knife. Long years of incarceration and harsh
treatment on the prisonship have turned the man into a beast, devoid of all
human emotions. The inmate flees with the Bishop's silver candlesticks but is
apprehended by the cops. To save the convict from further punishment and
torture, the Bishop tells the cop that the man is a friend of his and that he
gave him the candlesticks himself. The Bishop's kindness softens the convict's
hard heart. He sobs and sobs and sobs and sobs and sobs and sobs and sob He
promises to become a man once more.
4. The story is both entertaining and
philosophical. Discuss.
Answer:
The story amuses us by revealing aspects of human nature and how people respond
to various situations. After stealing thirty kronor, the peddler's actions are
quite amusing. The blacksmiths' responses to the tramp's request for shelter
demonstrate how casual and indifferent humans can be.
The ironmaster's change of heart toward the stranger demonstrates how selfish and ignorant humans can be. He asks the vagabond to accompany him home and spend Christmas with them, mistaking the vagabond for an old regimental comrade whom he believes he has run across unexpectedly. The ironmaster sends his daughter when the stranger refuses to accompany him. She persuades him to follow her thanks to her superior persuasion skills. When the ironmaster sees the stranger in broad daylight, he is irritated. Rather than admitting his error, he places the blame on the man. He mentions delivering him to the sheriff. The tramp is saved by the metaphor of the world being a rattrap, but the ironmaster wants to throw him out. His daughter's remark is both amusing and philosophical. She wants the tramp to have a peaceful day. Second, she doesn't want to drive away someone they'd invited home and promised Christmas cheer to.
WORKING WITH
WORDS PAGE
43
1. 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?
Answer:
Initially, the man who went around selling small wire rattraps was referred to
as a Vagabond because he plodded along the road, along with his thoughts. When
the narrator describes his meeting with the old crofter, he refers to him as a
"stranger." He's dubbed "the man with rattraps" when he
leaves the next day. He is dubbed "the rattrap peddler" when he
returns half an hour later to steal money. He is an intruder to the blacksmiths
at the forge. He is now referred to as a 'tramp' by the narrator. He is a
"ragamuffin" in the eyes of the wealthy ironmaster. The man with the
rattraps is referred to as a stranger because he has never seen the ironmaster or
knows his name. When the ironmaster leaves, he is described as a stranger* as
he stretches himself out on the floor. During his stay as a guest at the
manor’s house, the label sticks to him. These descriptions also hint at the
degree of social separation between the individuals and the rattrap peddler, as
well as their attitudes toward him.
2. You came across the words, plod,
trudge, stagger in the story. These words indicate movement accompanied by
weariness. Find five other such words with similar meanings.
Answer:
Clomp, lumber,
lurch,
reel,
and stumble are five other words with
similar meanings.
THINKING
ABOUT LANGUAGE PAGE
44
1. Notice the words in bold in the
following sentence:
“The fire boy
shovelled charcoal in the maw of the
furnace with a great deal of clatter.” This is a phrase that is used in the
specific context of an iron plant.
Pick out other such phrases and words
from the story that are peculiar lo the terminology of ironworks.
Answer:
Hammer strokes, smelter, forge, rolling mill, coal dust, furnace, pig iron,
anvil, iron bar, big bellow, coal, charcoal, shovel, and sooty panes are some
of the terms used in ironworks terminology.
2. “Mjolis”
is a card game of Sweden.
Name a few indoor games played in your
region. “Chopar” could be an example.
Answer:
‘Rang-kaaf and ‘Turap Bol’ are popular indoor card games in our region.
‘Chukkhal’ is a poor man’s substitute for Chopar.
‘Goti-paar’ is popular among young girls in rural
areas.
3. A “Crofter” is a person who rents or
owns a small farm, especially in Scotland. Think of other uncommon terms for “a
small farmer” including those in your language.
Answer:
Tiller, plowman/ploughman, husbandman, rancher, tenant farmer, and smallholder
are some uncommon terms for "a small farmer."
There are words like 'haali,' 'bataai-jotta,'
and 'jotta' in our language.
10. An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum Question Answer | |
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