1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?
Answer- The peddler initially sees the kindness of the crofter, ironmaster, and Edla as traps, suspecting ulterior motives behind their generosity.
OR
The peddler initially views the kindness shown by the crofter, the ironmaster, and his daughter with suspicion. He believes that these acts of generosity are bait in the metaphorical rattrap of life, meant to ensnare him. However, Edla's genuine compassion eventually makes him realize the true value of human kindness.
OR
The peddler initially interprets the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster, and his daughter with suspicion, believing they have ulterior motives. He views their generosity as part of the metaphorical rattrap of life, meant to ensnare him in a new form of captivity. However, Edla’s unwavering kindness and genuine compassion eventually make him reassess his views. Her sincere and respectful treatment leads him to understand the true value of human kindness, which ultimately transforms his outlook on life.
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 stern and quick to judge, while Edla is compassionate and forgiving, showing empathy towards the peddler.
OR
The ironmaster is quick to judge and act, initially mistaking the peddler for an old comrade and then becoming angry when he realizes his mistake. In contrast, his daughter Edla is compassionate and forgiving. She welcomes the peddler into their home, regardless of his true identity, demonstrating empathy and understanding.
OR
The ironmaster’s character is shown to be starkly different from that of his daughter through various instances in the story. The ironmaster is quick to judge and act, initially mistaking the peddler for an old comrade and then reacting with anger when he realizes his mistake. His approach is stern and authoritative. In contrast, his daughter Edla exhibits compassion and understanding from the start. She welcomes the peddler into their home with genuine empathy, showing kindness regardless of his true identity. Edla’s consistent, gentle nature highlights her moral strength and generosity.
3.The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
Answer- The ironmaster's initial hospitality turns into anger upon discovering the peddler's identity, and Edla's continued kindness surprises the peddler.
OR
Unexpected reactions include the ironmaster's initial hospitality turning into anger upon discovering the peddler's true identity and Edla's continued kindness towards the peddler even after learning he is not who they thought. Another surprise is the peddler’s decision to leave a gift and note, revealing his transformation due to Edla’s kindness.
OR
Several instances in the story showcase unexpected reactions to characters’ behavior. The ironmaster’s initial hospitality, followed by anger upon discovering the peddler’s true identity, surprises both the peddler and the reader. Edla’s unwavering kindness towards the peddler, even after learning he is not who they thought, is another unexpected reaction. Additionally, the peddler’s decision to leave a gift and a note for Edla, revealing his gratitude and transformation, is a surprising twist. These reactions underscore the complexities of human behavior and the impact of genuine kindness.
4.What made the peddler finally change his ways?
Answer- Edla’s genuine kindness and trust lead the peddler to reassess his life and strive to become a better person.
OR
The peddler finally changes his ways due to Edla's unwavering kindness and trust. Her genuine compassion and the respectful treatment she offers him make him feel valued and understood. This experience leads him to reassess his actions and strive for a better life, symbolized by the gift and note he leaves behind.
OR
The peddler ultimately changes his ways due to Edla Willmansson’s unwavering kindness and trust. Throughout his life, he has encountered suspicion and harshness, but Edla’s genuine compassion and respectful treatment make him feel valued and understood for the first time. This transformative experience leads him to reassess his past actions and aspire to be a better person. Her belief in his potential for good deeply moves him, prompting him to leave a gift and a note as tokens of his gratitude and commitment to change, symbolizing his redemption.
5.How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
Answer-The rattrap metaphor illustrates how temptations and materialism can trap individuals, reflecting life's moral dilemmas.
OR
The rattrap metaphor in the story highlights the human predicament by illustrating how people can be ensnared by materialism and temptations. It reflects the moral struggles individuals face, where the pursuit of wealth and pleasures can lead to one's downfall, much like a rat getting caught in a trap.
OR
The metaphor of the rattrap serves to highlight the human predicament by illustrating how individuals can become ensnared by the pursuit of material wealth and superficial pleasures. Just as a rat is lured into a trap by bait, people are often tempted by worldly possessions and desires, which can lead to their downfall. This metaphor reflects the moral and ethical struggles faced by individuals, emphasizing the idea that life’s temptations can create a cycle of entrapment. The peddler’s realization of this metaphor underscores his own entanglement in this cycle and his eventual desire to break free.
6.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?
Answer- His humor adds charm, making his struggles relatable and softening the story’s serious themes.
OR
The peddler’s subtle humor helps lighten the serious themes of the story. His witty remarks and light-hearted observations make his character more relatable and endearing, adding a layer of charm to his otherwise grim circumstances. This humor balances the narrative, making the peddler’s journey and eventual redemption more impactful.
OR
The peddler’s subtle sense of humor serves to lighten the seriousness of the story’s theme and endears him to the reader. His witty remarks and ironic observations provide a contrast to the otherwise grim narrative, adding a layer of charm to his character. This humor makes his struggles more relatable and humanizes him, allowing the reader to empathize with his plight. By balancing the serious themes with moments of levity, the peddler’s humor enhances the story’s emotional impact and makes his journey towards redemption more engaging and memorable.
Think as you read
1. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
Answer- After stealing the crofter’s money, he feels trapped in the forest, realizing the truth of his rattrap metaphor.
OR
After stealing the crofter’s money, the peddler gets lost in the forest, feeling trapped and hunted. This situation makes him realize the accuracy of his rattrap metaphor, as he sees himself caught in a trap of his own making, unable to escape the consequences of his actions.
OR
The peddler feels that he has indeed fallen into a rattrap after stealing the crofter’s money and getting lost in the forest. He experiences a profound sense of entrapment and helplessness, realizing that his actions have led him into a dire situation. This feeling of being caught in a trap, unable to find a way out, mirrors the metaphor of the rattrap he often spoke of. His desperation in the forest and the consequences of his theft highlight the reality of the metaphor, making him acutely aware of the traps life sets for those who stray from the right path.
2. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
Answer- He mistakes the peddler for an old comrade from the army.
OR
The ironmaster speaks kindly to the peddler and invites him home because he mistakes him for an old regimental comrade. He believes that by bringing him home, he can offer assistance and help an old friend in need, showing the ironmaster’s initial good intentions.
OR
The ironmaster speaks kindly to the peddler and invites him home because he mistakes him for an old regimental comrade. Believing that he has encountered an old friend fallen on hard times, the ironmaster’s initial reaction is one of compassion and a desire to help. He hopes to provide his former comrade with a comfortable place to stay and an opportunity to get back on his feet. This mistaken identity leads to the ironmaster’s initial hospitality, showcasing his willingness to assist someone he thinks he knows and respects from the past.
3. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
Answer-He fears being exposed as a thief if he goes to the ironmaster's home.
OR
The peddler declines the ironmaster’s invitation out of fear of being discovered as a thief. He is wary of the consequences of his actions, especially after stealing the crofter's money, and doesn’t want to risk being exposed and possibly punished.
OR
The peddler declines the ironmaster’s invitation out of fear of being discovered as a thief. Having stolen money from the crofter, he is wary of any situation that might lead to his exposure and punishment. The peddler’s life of distrust and deception makes him suspicious of others’ motives, and he is particularly cautious about accepting the ironmaster’s offer. He worries that going to the ironmaster’s home could result in his arrest if his true identity and recent theft are uncovered, so he chooses to decline the invitation to protect himself.
Think as You read
1. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?
Answer- Edla's compassion and persistent kindness make him feel safe and respected.
OR
The peddler accepts Edla Willmansson’s invitation because of her genuine kindness and persistent compassion. Unlike her father, Edla's approach is gentle and understanding, making the peddler feel respected and safe. Her sincere hospitality convinces him to accept her offer, despite his initial reluctance.
OR
The peddler accepts Edla Willmansson’s invitation because of her genuine kindness and persistent compassion. Unlike her father, Edla’s approach is gentle and understanding, making the peddler feel respected and safe. Her sincere hospitality and belief in his inherent goodness break through his defenses. She treats him with dignity and offers him a sense of belonging that he has never experienced before. This warm and empathetic treatment convinces the peddler to accept her invitation, despite his initial reluctance and fear of being exposed.
2. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?
Answer- Edla suspects the peddler might not be who he claims, doubting his sincerity.
OR
Edla doubts the peddler’s identity and intentions, suspecting that he might not be the person her father thinks he is. She is cautious and perceptive, noticing inconsistencies in his behavior and appearance, which lead her to question his story and express concern about his true motives.
OR
Edla has doubts about the peddler’s identity and intentions from the beginning. Her perceptive nature makes her suspect that he might not be the person her father believes him to be. She notices discrepancies in his behavior and appearance, which lead her to question the peddler’s story. Despite her doubts, Edla’s compassionate heart compels her to treat him with kindness and offer him hospitality, demonstrating her belief in giving people a chance to prove themselves, regardless of her reservations.
3. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?
Answer- He realizes his mistake when he sees the peddler clean and properly dressed, recognizing he is not his old comrade.
OR
The ironmaster realizes his mistake when he sees the peddler clean and properly dressed. It becomes clear that the peddler is not his old comrade as he initially thought, and this realization makes him feel embarrassed and deceived by his own assumptions.
OR
The ironmaster realizes his mistake when he sees the peddler clean and properly dressed. This transformation in the peddler’s appearance makes it clear that he is not the old regimental comrade the ironmaster had assumed him to be. The ironmaster’s anger and sense of betrayal stem from his realization that he has been deceived by his own assumptions. This moment of recognition forces the ironmaster to confront his mistake and deal with the consequences of having invited a stranger into his home under false pretenses.
4. What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was ?
Answer-The peddler admits he never claimed to be the ironmaster's friend and they made the assumption themselves.
OR
When confronted, the peddler defends himself by pointing out that he never claimed to be the ironmaster's friend. He argues that the ironmaster and his daughter made the assumption themselves and that he simply went along with their mistake without explicitly deceiving them.
OR
When it becomes clear that he is not the person the ironmaster thought he was, the peddler defends himself by stating that he never claimed to be the ironmaster’s friend. He points out that the assumption was entirely the ironmaster’s, and he merely did not contradict it. The peddler explains that he saw an opportunity to benefit from the misunderstanding and took it, without actively lying about his identity. This defense highlights the peddler’s resourcefulness and his tendency to exploit situations for his gain.
5. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
Answer-Edla believes in showing kindness and hospitality regardless of the peddler’s past actions.
OR
Despite learning the truth about the peddler, Edla continues to entertain him because she believes in showing compassion and kindness. She feels that everyone deserves respect and a chance to change, and her principles guide her to treat the peddler with dignity, regardless of his past actions.
OR
Edla continues to entertain the peddler even after learning the truth about him because she believes in the power of kindness and compassion. Her moral principles guide her to treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their past actions or social status. Edla’s empathy allows her to see beyond the peddler’s current circumstances and recognize his potential for change. She hopes that by showing him unwavering kindness, she can inspire him to turn his life around, demonstrating her deep faith in human goodness and redemption.
Think as you read
1. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
Answer- The gift signifies the peddler's gratitude and transformation, validating her faith in him.
OR
Edla is happy to see the gift left by the peddler because it signifies his gratitude and transformation. The gift and the note indicate that her kindness has made a positive impact on him, validating her belief in the power of compassion and reinforcing her faith in human goodness.
OR
Edla is happy to see the gift left by the peddler because it signifies his gratitude and transformation. The gift and the note indicate that her kindness has made a positive impact on him, validating her belief in the power of compassion and reinforcing her faith in human goodness. The peddler’s gesture shows that he has been deeply moved by her actions and is making an effort to change his ways. This outcome brings Edla joy and a sense of fulfillment, knowing that her efforts to help him were not in vain.
2. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
Answer-He signs as Captain von Stahle to honor Edla's faith in him and signify his reformation.
OR
The peddler signs himself as Captain von Stahle to honor Edla’s faith in him and signify his reformation. By adopting this identity, he acknowledges the change her kindness has brought about in him, symbolizing his new, respectable self and expressing his sincere gratitude for her compassion.
OR
The peddler signs himself as Captain von Stahle to honor Edla’s faith in him and signify his reformation. By adopting this identity, he acknowledges the change her kindness has brought about in him, symbolizing his new, respectable self and expressing his sincere gratitude for her compassion. This act of signing the note as Captain von Stahle is a tribute to Edla’s unwavering belief in his potential for good, marking his transformation from a petty thief to a person striving for a better life.
Talking about text-
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-
Initial Hardship: From the start, the peddler is portrayed as a poor and marginalized individual struggling to survive. His difficult circumstances evoke empathy.
Human Flaws: Despite his dishonest acts, the peddler’s actions are understandable given his desperate situation. This makes him relatable as a flawed yet redeemable character.
Character Complexity: The peddler’s internal struggle and eventual redemption add depth to his character, fostering a deeper emotional connection with the reader.
Sympathy Justification: Yes, the sympathy is justified as it underscores the broader theme of compassion and understanding towards those who are marginalized and struggling.
Presentation Points:
- Discuss the peddler’s initial hardships.
- Highlight the peddler's relatable human flaws.
- Emphasize the character’s complexity and eventual redemption.
- Conclude with the justification of the reader’s sympathy.
2. The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
Answer-
Isolation Themes: The peddler’s life is marked by isolation and mistrust, reflecting the broader human experience of loneliness.Crofter’s Kindness: The crofter’s willingness to share his home highlights the innate human desire for companionship and trust.
Edla’s Compassion: Edla’s empathetic nature and her determination to help the peddler show the impact of genuine human connections.
Bonding and Transformation: The peddler’s transformation underscores the transformative power of human connection and kindness.
Presentation Points:
- Explore the theme of isolation in the peddler’s life.
- Discuss the crofter’s and Edla’s roles in emphasizing the need for human bonds.
- Highlight the peddler’s transformation through these connections.
- Conclude with the importance of bonding in overcoming loneliness.
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-Personal Anecdotes:Share personal or well-known stories where kindness led to significant positive changes in someone’s life.
Impact of Kindness: Discuss how simple acts of kindness can restore faith in humanity and prompt individuals to change their perspectives.
Community Examples: Highlight examples from the community where acts of generosity have led to broader social changes or improved relationships.
Philosophical Insight: Reflect on how these stories align with the philosophical themes in "The Rattrap."
Presentation Points:
- Share a few impactful stories of kindness.
- Discuss the emotional and practical impacts of these acts.
- Relate these stories to the themes in "The Rattrap."
- Conclude with the broader message of how kindness can change lives.
4. The story is both entertaining and philosophical.
Answer- Entertainment Aspects: The plot’s twists and the peddler’s humorous observations make the story engaging and entertaining.
Philosophical Depth: The story delves into deeper themes such as human nature, moral dilemmas, and the essence of compassion.
Balance of Elements: Discuss how the story balances its entertaining narrative with profound philosophical questions, making it appealing and thought-provoking.
Reader Engagement: Highlight how this blend of entertainment and philosophy keeps the reader invested while encouraging reflection on broader human issues.
Presentation Points:
- Discuss the entertaining elements of the plot.
- Explore the philosophical themes presented.
- Analyze the balance between entertainment and philosophy.
- Conclude with how this balance enhances reader engagement and reflection.
Working with words-
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- Peddler: This term indicates his primary occupation, highlighting his itinerant lifestyle and struggle for livelihood. It suggests a person who is seen as lower in social status, making a living through small trades.
Stranger: This term reflects the initial suspicion and distance people feel towards him. It emphasizes his outsider status and the lack of trust or familiarity from the local community.
Vagabond: This label suggests a transient and unsettled life, often carrying a negative connotation of someone who roams without a fixed home or purpose.
Tramp: Similar to vagabond, this term underscores his itinerant and destitute lifestyle, often viewed with pity or disdain by others.
Ragamuffin:This label points to his shabby appearance and poverty, often used to describe someone in ragged clothes, evoking a sense of neglect and marginalization.
Old man:This term may be used in a context of familiarity or pity, indicating his age and possibly eliciting some degree of sympathy or dismissiveness from others.
Poor fellow:This phrase conveys pity and a sense of his unfortunate circumstances, indicating a patronizing attitude from others who view him as less fortunate.
2. Find five other words that indicate movement accompanied by weariness.
Answer-
Trek: To make a slow or arduous journey, typically on foot, indicating a long and tiring process.
Slog: To move with great effort, often over a long distance or through difficult conditions, suggesting weariness and persistence.
Lumber: To move in a slow, heavy, and awkward way, indicating fatigue and lack of energy.
Plod: To walk doggedly and slowly with heavy steps, emphasizing persistent effort despite tiredness.
Wade: To walk through water or another substance that impedes movement, indicating effort and weariness in the process.
Noticing form-
- He made them himself at odd moments.
- He raised himself.
- He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught.
- … a day may come when you yourself may want to get a big piece of pork.
*In 1 and 4 the reflexive pronouns “himself” and “yourself” are used to convey emphasis.
*In 2 and 3 the reflexive pronoun is used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it refers to the same subject in the sentence.
*Pick out other examples of the use of reflexive pronouns from the story and notice how they are used.Notice the way in which these reflexive pronouns have been used (pronoun+self)
Answer- Here are examples of reflexive pronouns used in "The Rattrap" along with their contexts and uses:
1. "He laughed to himself as he went away" - This reflexive pronoun is used to emphasize that the ironmaster laughed internally or privately .
2. "He must have asked himself" - Here, the reflexive pronoun is used in place of a personal pronoun to indicate that the subject (the ironmaster) is reflecting on his own thoughts or actions .
3. "He saw himself in the mirror" - The reflexive pronoun is used to indicate that the subject (the peddler) is looking at his own reflection .
Thinking about language-
1. Notice the words in bold in the following sentence.
“The fire boy shovelled charcoal into 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 to the terminology of ironworks.
Answer- Forge:Refers to a furnace or a hearth where metal is heated and shaped.
Blacksmith:A person who works with iron, especially in forging it.
Hammer Stroke:The forceful hits used to shape heated metal.
Anvil: A heavy iron block used in the shaping of metal.
Ironmaster: The manager or owner of an ironworks.
Furnace:An enclosed structure for intense heating, particularly for melting metals.
Charcoal: Used as fuel in the furnace for heating metal.
Bellows: A device for blowing air into a furnace to increase the heat.
2. Mjolis is a card game of Sweden.
Name a few indoor games played in your region. ‘Chopar’ could be an example.
Answer- Chess: A strategic board game played worldwide.
Carrom:A tabletop game popular in South Asia.
Ludo: A board game derived from the Indian game Pachisi.
Scrabble:A word game where players use letter tiles to create words on a board.
Dominoes:A game played with rectangular tiles with dots representing numbers.
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-
Peasant:A farmer of low social status who owns or rents a small piece of land for cultivation.
Yeoman: Historically, a small landowner and farmer in England.
Tenant Farmer: A person who farms rented land.
Smallholder: A person who owns or rents a small piece of land for farming.
Kulak: A term used in Russia for a relatively affluent farmer owning a small farm.
Jajmani (जजमानी): In some parts of India, this term refers to a small farmer who may also provide services to the community.
Bhoomihar (भूमिहार): In some regions of India, this term is used for a small landowning farmer.
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