Ch- The Rattrap

Short and HOTS Questions

1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap ?

Ans: The peddler got the idea of the world being a rattrap from his own experiences of poverty,
rejection, and struggle. As he wandered from place to place, begging and stealing to survive, he
observed how people were often tempted by wealth and material possessions. This led him to the
philosophical idea that the world is like a giant rattrap — it offers bait in the form of riches and comforts,
but once a person gets enticed by them, they are trapped forever, just like a rat in a trap.

This metaphor reflects his cynical view of life, shaped by loneliness and hardship. It also serves as the
central theme of the story, highlighting how temptations can ensnare individuals, and how kindness can
sometimes free them.

2. Why was the peddler amused by this idea?

Ans: The peddler was amused by the idea that the world is a giant rattrap because it matched his own
bitter experiences. He believed that just like a rat is lured by bait, people are tempted by riches, food,
and shelter, only to get trapped in the struggles and disappointments of life. This idea made him laugh
because he found a dark, ironic truth in it. As a poor, lonely man who had received little kindness, he
saw the world as a deceptive place, and this metaphor gave a twisted sense of understanding and
justification for his hardships.

3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?

Ans: No, the peddler did not expect the kind of hospitality he received from the crofter. Being a poor
vagabond who was usually met with suspicion or rejection, the peddler was surprised and touched when
the crofter not only welcomed him into his cottage but also shared his food, conversation, and even
showed him the money he had earned. The warmth and generosity of the crofter were unexpected, as
the peddler was used to being treated with indifference or hostility. This act of kindness briefly changed
the peddler’s outlook, though he later betrayed the crofter’s trust by stealing his money.

4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?

Ans: The crofter was so talkative and friendly with the peddler because he was lonely and craved
companionship. He lived alone in his cottage and had no one to talk to, so when the peddler came by, he
welcomed him warmly. The crofter offered him food, drink, and a place to sleep, and he eagerly shared
stories about his life and how he earned money by selling milk. His friendliness was a result of his
isolation and his need for human connection, which made him open up easily, even to a stranger.

5. Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?

Ans: The crofter showed the thirty kronor to the peddler because he wanted to boast about his earnings
and prove that he was telling the truth. He had just told the peddler that he earned that money by
selling milk to the creamery, and to gain the peddler’s admiration and trust, he proudly took out the
money from a leather pouch and showed it to him. This act reflected the crofter’s naive trust and his
desire for validation, but it also exposed his vulnerability, which unfortunately led to the peddler’s
temptation to steal the money later.

6. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?

Ans: The peddler thought he had indeed fallen into a rattrap when he got lost in the forest after stealing
the crofter’s thirty kronor.

At first, he felt pleased with his theft, but soon he realized he could not find his way out of the woods. As
he wandered aimlessly, exhausted and scared, he remembered his own belief that the world was a
rattrap — tempting people with bait like money and possessions only to trap them in misery. Now, he
felt that the stolen money was the bait that had trapped him, and he was the rat caught in the snare of
his own greed. This realization made him feel hopeless and guilty.

7. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

Ans: The ironmaster spoke kindly to the peddler and invited him home because he mistook him for an
old regimental comrade, Captain von Stahle.

Seeing the peddler in the dim light of the forge, unshaven and in rags, the ironmaster still believed he
recognized an old friend from the army. Motivated by old friendship and a sense of duty, he wanted to
help the man by offering him shelter, food, and clean clothes. His kindness was not purely out of
generosity but stemmed from a sense of loyalty and personal connection to someone he thought he
knew.

8. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?

Ans: The peddler declined the ironmaster’s invitation because he feared being caught and punished for
stealing the crofter’s thirty kronor.
He was worried that if he accepted the offer and went to the ironmaster’s house, his true identity as a
thief and vagabond might be discovered. The peddler preferred to stay unnoticed and avoid trouble, so
he tried to avoid close interaction with wealthy or important people. He knew he didn’t belong in a
respectable household and was afraid that his ragged appearance and low status would expose him.

9. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?

Ans: The ironmaster realised his mistake the next morning, when the peddler had been cleaned up,
shaved, and dressed in proper clothes. In the clear daylight, the ironmaster could see the peddler’s face
properly and immediately understood that he was not his old army comrade, Captain von Stahle, but a
complete stranger. This made him feel embarrassed and angry, and he even threatened to call the
sheriff. However, Edla’s calm and compassionate attitude influenced the situation and led to a
completely different outcome later.

10. What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster
had thought he was?

Ans: When it became clear that the peddler was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was, the
peddler did not try to lie or defend himself with excuses.

Instead, he calmly said that it was not his fault—he never claimed to be Captain von Stahle. He
explained that he had not intended to deceive anyone, but when the ironmaster had insisted on
bringing him home, he had not found it wise to refuse the offer of food and shelter. He also added,
somewhat bitterly, that the world was a rattrap, and he was only caught in it like everyone else. His tone
reflected both his guilt and the hopelessness of his condition.

11. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?

Ans: Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler because it showed his gratitude and changed
character. The peddler left a beautiful, handmade iron rattrap as a present for Edla. This thoughtful gift
symbolized that he had understood the kindness she had shown him and that he wanted to thank her
sincerely. It also indicated that the peddler was no longer the bitter, distrustful man he had been before;
her warmth had touched him deeply and inspired a positive change in him. Edla’s happiness came from
seeing that her compassion had made a real difference in the peddler’s life.

12. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the
ironmaster and his daughter?

Ans: The peddler interprets the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster,
and his daughter with a mix of surprise and deep reflection. Having lived a life marked by hardship and
mistrust, he initially views the world as a “rattrap” that traps people through greed and false hopes. The
crofter’s simple generosity and warm welcome momentarily make him feel valued and cared for,
breaking his usual experience of loneliness. The ironmaster’s kindness, though based on a mistaken
identity, impresses the peddler with its nobility and respect. However, it is Edla Willmansson’s sincere
compassion and gentle treatment that truly touch his heart, making him realize the possibility of
genuine human goodness. These acts gradually soften his cynical outlook, inspiring him to hope for
kindness and a better life beyond his previous bitterness and despair.

13. 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?

Ans: In “The Rattrap,” the ironmaster and his daughter Edla Willmansson differ clearly in their
personalities and behavior:

• Initial Reaction to the Peddler:

The ironmaster is quick to anger and feels deceived when he realizes the peddler is not his old army
comrade. He threatens to call the sheriff and shows a stern, harsh side. Edla, on the other hand, remains
calm, gentle, and compassionate. She treats the peddler kindly despite knowing the truth, showing
empathy rather than judgment.

• Attitude Toward Social Class:

The ironmaster is more formal and concerned with social status, expecting respect and proper behavior
from guests. Edla ignores social differences and treats the peddler with respect and warmth, focusing on
kindness rather than status.

• Handling of the Situation:

The ironmaster reacts with suspicion and anger, reflecting a rigid, conventional mindset. Edla uses
understanding and kindness to transform the situation, showing open-mindedness and compassion.

These instances highlight the ironmaster’s sternness and pride versus Edla’s warmth and humanity.

14. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?

Ans: The metaphor of the rattrap in the story symbolizes the human condition of being caught in life's
traps—tempted by desires like wealth, comfort, and security, only to face disappointment, hardship, or
moral dilemmas. Just as a rat is lured by bait into a trap, people are drawn by worldly attractions that
can ensnare them in greed, loneliness, or despair. This metaphor highlights how human beings often
struggle against forces beyond their control, such as poverty, temptation, or social judgment. It reflects
the universal experience of vulnerability and entrapment in life’s challenges, emphasizing that many are
caught in cycles they cannot easily escape. The peddler’s belief in this metaphor shows his cynical view
of the world, but the story also suggests that kindness and compassion can offer a way out of this
“rattrap” of suffering.

15. 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?

Ans: The peddler’s subtle sense of humour adds a touch of lightness to the otherwise serious and
somber theme of “The Rattrap.”

By making witty or ironic remarks—like laughing at the idea that the world is a giant rattrap—he shows
self-awareness and a playful attitude toward his own misfortunes. This humour humanizes him, making
him relatable and more than just a desperate thief; it reveals his intelligence and resilience despite
hardship.

His humour also softens the story’s darker themes of poverty, loneliness, and moral struggle, making the
narrative more engaging and less heavy. It endears him to readers because it shows his spirit isn’t
crushed, and he can still find irony and amusement in life’s difficulties. This balance of seriousness and
humour invites readers to sympathize with him rather than judge him harshly.