CBSE Class 12 English HOTs The Rattrap Set 03

During one of the long dark evenings just before Christmas, the master smith and his helper sat in the dark forge near the furnace waiting for the pig iron, which had been put in the fire, to be ready to put on the anvil. Every now and then one of them got up to stir the glowing mass with a long iron bar, returning in a few moments dripping with perspiration, though, as was the custom, he wore nothing but a long shirt and a pair of wooden shoes.

Question. What was the master Smith waiting for?
Answer: The master Smith was waiting for the pig iron to be ready to put on anvil.

Question. Select the suitable word from the brackets to complete the following analogy.
Adversity : Misfortune :: Tradition : _________ (Forge/Custom)
Answer: Custom

Question. Complete the sentences with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract.
The given lines describes the scene inside Ramsjö Ironworks. The description is significant because _________ .
Answer: it indicates that the peddler would find shelter in the warmth of the Ironworks.

Question. What can we say about the workers of the Ironworks based on the given extract?
Answer: Based on the given extract, we can say that the workers at the iron works were hardworking people who were dedicatedly doing their task even on Christmas Eve.

Question. How were they stirring the glowing mass?
(a) By shovelling the charcoal
(b) By heating the furnace
(c) By using a long iron bar
(d) By blowing the fire hard
Answer: (c) By using a long iron bar

Question. What was the custom?
(a) To sit with the helper in the dark forge
(b) To wear nothing but a long shirt and a pair of wooden shoes
(c) Shovelling the charcoal into the maw of the furnace
(d) Dripping with perspiration
Answer: (b) To wear nothing but a long shirt and a pair of wooden shoes

“I am thinking of the 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.” 

Question. In the context of the given extract, which day is referred to in the expression ‘just one in the whole year’?
Answer: The day referred to in the extract as ‘just one in the whole year’ is the day of Christmas.

Question. Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
Edla is _________ (defending/arguing with) the peddler.
Answer: defending

Question. Complete the sentence suitably.
Edla wished the peddler to have a peaceful day because _________ .
Answer: the peddler has always been looked with suspicion

Question. What does the expression ‘he is cross examined’ suggest?
Answer: The phrase suggests that peddler was always looked at with suspicion and cross-examined to check if he was true and honest.

Question. In the above extract, Edla comes across as
(a) conscientious
(b) pretentious
(c) compassionate
(d) selfless
Answer: (c) compassionate

Question. Based on the above extract, choose the statement which is True.
(a) Relationships are rattraps.
(b) Money is important in the world.
(c) Criminal is not born but made.
(d) Christmas is a time of charity.
Answer: (d) Christmas is a time of charity.

“Since you have been so nice to me all day long, as if I was a captain, I want to be nice to you, in return, as if I was a real captain — for I do not want you to be embarrassed at this Christmas season by a thief; but you can give back the money to the old man on the roadside, who has the money pouch hanging on the window frame as a bait for poor wanderers. The rattrap is a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in this world’s rattrap if he had not been raised to captain, because in that way he got power to clear himself. “Written with friendship and high regard. Captain Von Stahle.” [CBSE Question Bank 2021 Modified]

Question. What is the significance of the letter written to Edla?
Answer: The letter written by the peddler to Edla holds significance because it highlights how Edla brought about a change in a petty peddler.

Question. Select the correct option from those given in bracket to fill in the blank.
This communication includes _________ (a promise/regret).
Answer: a promise

Question. Complete the sentence suitably.
Captain Von Stahle presents the _________ .
Answer: real name of the peddler

Question. Do you think the peddler would have changed if Edla would not have been nice to him?
Answer: I do not think that the peddler would have changed if Edla’s compassion had not impacted him. it was just because of Edla’s kind treatment that the peddler changed.

Question. Which of the following cannot be attributed to the peddler, according to the above extract?
(a) Indebtedness
(b) Reform
(c) Self-pity
(d) Self-awareness
Answer: (c) Self-pity

Question. Why did the peddler gift a rattrap as a Christmas present?
(a) It was all the peddler had that he could give away, and represented his turn to honesty.
(b) It symbolised his successful escape from entrapment as he returned the stolen money.
(c) It served as a reminder for Edla to be wary of the dangerous temptations of the world.
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Explain how the rattrap symbolises the dual aspects of human nature. 
Answer: The rattrap symbolises the dual aspects of human nature. On one hand, the rattrap presents the tendency towards greed and deceit. In a society, driven by wealth and gain, the rattrap ensnares individuals, reducing their existence to a constant struggle to escape from materialistic enticements. On the other hand, it presents the potential for redemption through empathy and kindness, as shown by the ironmaster’s daughter, Edla.

Question. What do we learn about the crofter’s nature from the story ‘The Rattrap’?
Answer: The crofter was a lonely person without a wife or children. He was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness. He was also generous and trusting person because he hosted the peddler for a night and even showed him where he had kept his money.

Question. How did the peddler’s feelings change after robbing the crofter and why? With reference to ‘The Rattrap’, state your response in 20-30 words. 
Answer: The peddler’s feelings undergo a change after robbing the crofter. Initially, the peddler was quite pleased with his ingenuity. Driven by greed, he had committed the theft and was happy with it thinking that he was very smart. Later, however, when he was lost in the forest, he became reflective and regretful. Eventually, he recalled his thoughts about the world being a rattrap and how he had let himself be fooled by a bait and would now be caught.

Question. How did the crofter entertain the peddler? 
Answer: The crofter entertained the peddler by sharing his feelings, giving him food and even playing a game of cards with him. He behaved in a friendly manner with the peddler and welcomed him warmly to his house.

Question. Why did the stranger not tell the ironmaster that he was not Nils Olof?
Answer: The stranger did not tell the ironmaster that he was not Nils Olof because he thought that if the gentleman believed that he was an old friend or acquaintance of his, then he might take pity on him and help him by giving him some money.

Question. Why did Edla invite the peddler? 
Answer: Edla had initially invited the peddler to spend Christmas at her home on her father's behalf. Her father had mistakenly identified the peddler to be an acquaintance from his regiment by the name Captain Nils Olof and had invited him home. But the peddler had declined the invite. So, he sent his daughter Edla to convince the peddler to accept the invite.

Question. Why did Edla decide to entertain the peddler? Or Why did Edla invite the peddler? 
Answer: Edla invited the peddler and entertained him because she wanted to celebrate Christmas in the true spirit of the festival by having a guest over for Christmas supper. She also wanted to give the peddler a day of peace. Further, she believed that it was not fair to turn away a guest on the eve of Christmas.

Question. Why did the iron master compare Edla to a parson? 
Answer: The ironmaster compared his daughter Edla to a parson as she preached to him just like one when she asked him to let the vagabond stay in the house even though he was not an acquaintance. She reinforced the Christian value of celebrating Christmas by helping others. She didn’t want to chase away a human being whom they had asked to come and to whom they had promised Christmas cheer.

Question. Edla sat and hung her head even more dejectedly than usual. Which two reasons forced her to behave in that manner?
Answer: Edla had shown kindness to the peddler even after knowing that he was not a captain. This was the reason why she felt all the more dejected when she came to know that the peddler was actually a thief who had recently robbed a crofter. She felt that she had done wrong in offering shelter to a thief. Further, she felt bad because the peddler had not measured up to the faith which she had shown in him.

Question. What was the content of the letter written by the peddler to Edla? 
Answer: The peddler wrote that he wanted to be nice to Edla as she had treated him nicely and like a captain. He further stated that he did not want her to be embarrassed by a thief at Christmas and requested her to return the money he had stolen to the crofter.

Question. What Christmas present did the peddler give Edla? Explain its significance. 
Answer: The Christmas present left by the peddler for Edla comprised a small rattrap with three wrinkled kronor notes in it along with a letter. The gift present left by the peddler is significant as it indicates how Edla’s kindness and compassion affected the peddler. He changed for the better and now wants to live an honest life like a captain.

Question. The lesson. ‘The Rattrap’ is both entertaining and philosophical. Do you agree with the statement? Give reasons. 
Answer: The lesson ‘The Rattrap’ is indeed both entertaining and philosophical. The fast-paced narrative in the third person, generous use of dialogue, different characters with varying mindsets and locales make the story interesting. Furthermore, the peddler’s theory of the world being a rattrap adds a philosophical element to it. The story teaches us that human beings are not above temptations.

Question. If the world is ‘nothing but a big rattrap’, as the tramp seated in the story ‘The Rattrap’, who might the rattrap peddler be? Discuss. 
Answer: If the world is ‘nothing but a big rattrap’, as per the tramp, then the rattrap peddler can become someone who sells the baits of the world. However, he is just another human being in the world, who is tempted into the rattrap as he steals money from the old crofter. He is reduced to just a person who conceptualised the idea but is not saved from it.

Question. Despite his philosophical insights, the vagabond fails to resist temptations. What would you attribute this to? Explain with reference to any instance from the text. 
Answer: Despite his philosophical insights, the vagabond fails to resist temptations simply because of his humanness. The vagabond is a poor and a deprived man who is treated unkindly by the social world around him. Just like every other individual, he is also vulnerable to the baits of food, shelter, luxury, etc. Hence, the bait comes to him when the old crofter shows him his money. Blinded by the bait, he also falls in the rattrap.

Question. A mistaken identity led to a discovery of a new one for the rattrap peddler. How did this impact him? 
Answer: It is true that the mistaken identity led to a discovery of a new one for the rattrap peddler. The mistaken identity of the Captain and the resultant goodness received by the peddler gave him the power to clear his conscience. It brought out the latent goodness that was hidden due to the cruel treatment he had received from the world. The kindness and compassion he saw lent him the conviction to become a better human and allowed him the opportunity to behave in a dignified manner befitting a Captain.

Question. 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’. 
Answer: 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. This is so because despite knowing the truth about the peddler not being a Captain, Edla convinces her father to give him shelter and treats him with full respect. She forgives him for not telling his true identity to them and further invites him for future Christmas celebration showing that even the peddler had the chance of becoming a better version of himself.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. The peddler’s story speaks on a general level to society, urging for a different outlook towards those maligned individuals who can be redeemed by compassion and understanding. In the light of the story ‘The Rattrap’, how do you think society can help individuals, specially juvenile delinquents, from falling prey to petty crimes and bad habits? 
Answer: The peddler in the story, ‘The Rattrap’, used to earn his living by selling small rattraps. Since his business was not profitable, he resorted to petty thefts. Nobody treated him with kindness or respect. But when he was showered with affection and respect by Edla, he was highly touched. The act of concern and compassion impacted him so much that he left the stolen money at her home. This shows that goodness is latent in the human heart which can be brought out by love, care and understanding. The peddler’s instance, thus, urges society to change its outlook towards those maligned individuals who can be redeemed by compassion and understanding. Society can help such individuals by being sympathetic and compassionate. It should treat these individuals, particularly juvenile delinquents, with love and kindness and help them from falling prey to petty crimes and bad habits. Society should thus develop an empathetic attitude towards them and try to understand human nature.

Question. ‘The Rattrap’ focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others. Comment.
Answer: All the characters in the story, ‘The Rattrap’, suffer from loneliness and are dreary souls. First of all, the tramp appears to lead a sad, monotonous existence, left to his own musings. He is always greeted by sour faces and cold words wherever he goes. Next, the old crofter lives all alone in a cottage by the roadside. He is happy to get someone to talk to and get over his sense of loneliness. That’s the reason why he is so generous and hospitable as a host. Then, the ironmaster and his daughter Edla also have no company for Christmas. The ironmaster takes the tramp home, mistaking him to be his old comrade. He, with his daughter, is happy to play the perfect host to his former colleague. Thus, all of them have a strong desire for bonding and comradeship. The crofter is happy to be friends with the peddler, although only for a night. Similarly, the ironmaster and his daughter have an opportunity to practise their Christian virtues of kindness, sympathy and hospitality. The compassion and sincerity shown by Edla changes peddler into a man who is one of the members of society.

Question. A good deed or an act of kindness can change a person’s view of the world. What characteristics of Edla’s conduct inspire the peddler to redeem himself and change his ways? Or In Edla’s dealing with the peddler, she was compassionate and generous. Discuss with reference to the story ‘The Rattrap’.
Answer: There is great transforming power in the act of kindness. There are many fictional and real life stories which reveal us how compassion and kindness changed bad people into good human beings; these stories teach us the lesson of being kind. Edla’s empathy and kindness changed the life of the vagabond rattrap seller. Edla restored his dignity and self-worth and treated him like a Captain of the army though she was aware that he was a common tramp. She was empathetic towards the peddler and the kindness and concern she showed towards him touched the core of his heart and transformed his way of thinking. Her kindness and caring nature transformed the unscrupulous vagabond into a good human being. This shows that the peddler was not a bad man at heart, but was only bound by his poor and unfortunate circumstances which forced him to steal things. But the love, trust and understanding shown by Edla brought out his basic human goodness.

Question. In the lesson ‘The Rattrap’ the narrator takes an empathetic approach towards the rattrap seller. Considering the above statement, discuss the narrator’s portrayal of the peddler. [CBSE 2022 Term II]
Answer: It is true the narrator takes an empathetic approach towards the rattrap seller who leads a life of deprivation. When we first see the rattrap peddler, we find him to be a tall man who had his own imagination and mediation. However, to meet his livelihood, he had to resort to petty thievery and begging. He wore rags and hunger gleamed in his eyes. He went round selling self-made small rattraps of wire. Mostly he came across sour faces and was a victim of his cruel circumstances. People would not talk to him respectfully or kindly let alone give him shelter or work so that he could live an honest life. The peddler is so affected by his situation that he even philosophises his existence. His philosophy takes him to understand the world as a big rattrap. According to him all the riches, joys, food, clothing and shelter are just baits. Anyone who touches the bait, the rattrap closes on him. He himself becomes entrapped in this rattrap. His behaviour which could have been seen as immoral, now receives sympathy from the readers who understand that he is product of his situation. He could only change when he comes across compassion and kindness which happens when he meets Edla. The latter’s presence, had a significant impact on the peddler. He changes for the better. Hence, throughout the story, we cannot help but sympathise with the peddler just as the narrator had expected us too.

Question. ‘She gave a little cry of joy. She found a small rattrap, ........’ ‘Saheb-e-Alam received a pair of discarded shoes with a hole in one of them. In spite of this he was very happy.’ Compare the joy that both Edla and Saheb experience after receiving their respective gifts. 
Answer: Receiving gifts has always been loved by everyone. Be it birthday or other special occasion, getting gifts adds to the joy one feels. This joy can be a result of a number of reasons just like the joy felt by the two characters—Saheb-e-Alam from ‘Lost Spring’ and Edla from ‘The Rattrap’ are different. Both these characters receive gifts and are happy to receive them but their joy are of very different nature. Edla’s joy is a result of the realisation of how her compassion has helped transform a person’s life. In the lesson ‘The Rattrap’, everyone except Edla, the daughter of a rich family, treats the peddler poorly. Even when his real identity and the news of theft is revealed, everyone curses the peddler except Edla. She was sad for her trust was broken but when she receives the peddler's gift, she realised how she had transformed a man to a honest citizen. Saheb-e-Alam, on the other hand, is a ragpicker. He lives a deprived life where he has to struggle to even feed himself. He had hoped to get a lot of things which included shoes which was an item of luxury for him. In this light, getting even discarded and torn shoes were a huge gift for him and his joy knew no bounds. Thus, the life experience of both Edla and Saheb make their joy different.

Question. Franz from ‘The Last Lesson’ and the peddler from ‘The Rattrap’ learn from their mistakes. Discuss with reference to the above texts, the human tendency to make mistakes and learn from them.  Or Franz from ‘The Last Lesson’ and the peddler from ‘The Rattrap’ demonstrate the importance of learning from one’s mistakes and rising up to evolve as a better person. Write an article based on the two texts on how a man evolves after learning from his mistakes.
Answer: In ‘The Last Lesson’ by Alphonse Daudet and ‘The Rattrap’ by Selma Lagerlöf, the protagonists Franz and the peddler respectively, exemplify the transformative power of learning from one’s mistakes. Initially, Franz is indifferent to his studies until it is too late, realising the value of education only after losing the opportunity to learn. Similarly, the peddler initially resorts to deceit and thievery but undergoes a profound transformation after experiencing kindness and compassion. Both characters evolve into better individuals through their experiences, demonstrating the importance of self-reflection and personal growth. Franz’s regret over his past indifference motivates him to continue learning despite adversity, while the peddler’s newfound integrity and gratitude lead him to a more honest and fulfilling life. These stories highlight the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for redemption, emphasising that true evolution stems from acknowledging one’s mistakes and striving to become a better person.

Question. The story ‘The Rattrap’ shows the loneliness of many characters and the human need to bond with others in society. In 100-120 words, explain any three instances to prove the above statement. 
Answer: One of the main themes of the story is loneliness. All the characters of the story — whether it was Edla, the ironmaster, the crofter or the peddler — were victims of loneliness. The peddler is a lonely man who has always been shunned by society’s cold and bitter attitude. When he goes knocking at the old cottage door, little does he expect the hospitality that he eventually receives. The crofter welcomes him with open arms, as he is thrilled to have someone to talk to, after so long. He serves the peddler hot food, gives him tobacco for his pipe and plays a game of cards with him as well. He is an excellent host who goes on to share some secrets with the stranger as well. The ironmaster and his daughter, on the other hand, miss having company and this makes Edla extend this invitation to the peddler. Thus, the need for human bonding emerges as one of the main themes of the story.

Question. In the story ‘The Rattrap’, explain what the rattrap symbolises with an example from the story. What can you infer about the nature of human suffering from this symbol? Answer in 120-150 words. 
Answer: In ‘The Rattrap’, the rattrap symbolises the deceptive allure of material wealth and the entrapments of life’s temptations. The protagonist, a peddler, views the world as a giant rattrap, enticing individuals with riches and comforts only to trap them in hardship and suffering. This symbolism is exemplified when the peddler himself is tempted by the stolen money from the old crofter. Initially, the money seems like an escape from his impoverished life, but it quickly leads him into a web of guilt, fear, and eventual entrapment at the ironmaster’s mansion. This symbol of the rattrap suggests that human suffering often stems from the pursuit of superficial desires and the illusion of easy gain. The peddler’s experiences illustrate how succumbing to these temptations can lead to a cycle of misery, reinforcing the idea that true contentment comes from integrity and moral strength, rather than material possessions.

Question. Do the following statements about life apply to the peddler in ‘The Rattrap’? Why or why not? Do you think you are similar to the peddler in this regard? Answer in 120-150 words. We are responsible for our own lives; every choice we make shapes the life we lead. 
Answer: The statement “We are responsible for our own lives; every choice we make shapes the life we lead” applies to the peddler in ‘The Rattrap’. Throughout the story, the peddler’s choices significantly impact his circumstances. His decision to steal the crofter’s money is a pivotal moment that leads to a series of troubles, demonstrating how his actions shape his fate. However, his eventual redemption, influenced by Edla’s kindness, also highlights that making better choices can lead to positive changes in life. Reflecting on this in my own life, I recognise similarities with the peddler. Like him, my decisions have shaped my experiences and outcomes. The peddler’s journey underscores the importance of personal responsibility and the potential for change through conscious choices. Acknowledging this empowers us to steer our lives towards better paths, learning from mistakes and striving for integrity.