THE RATTRAP

1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter,
the ironmaster, and his daughter?
• Crofter: The peddler noticed that the crofter—an elderly, lonely man—offered him
warmth and conversation purely out of companionship, which moved him deeply.
• Ironmaster: He interpreted the ironmaster’s hospitality as a formal gesture born of
mistaken identity—believing he was an old acquaintance—rather than genuine goodwill.
• Edla: She showed real empathy and kindness, treating him with respect regardless of his
past. Her compassion touched his conscience.
2. What are the instances in the story that show that the character of the ironmaster is
different from that of his daughter?
• Ironmaster acts on impulse—extending hospitality based on a mistaken identity and
later harshly branding the peddler a thief.
• Edla, on the other hand, remains emotionally grounded—sensing the peddler’s fear and
responding with empathy, even when she knows the truth.
3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’
behaviour. Pick out these surprises.
• The peddler is amazed at the crofter’s unexpected warmth and friendliness.
• He’s further surprised when the ironmaster invites him home, only to realize his identity
error later.
• Edla’s insistence on including the peddler in their Christmas plans shocks both her father
and the peddler.
• Ultimately, the peddler leaves a heartfelt letter and gift for Edla, revealing his
transformation.
4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?
• It was Edla’s genuine compassion—her refusal to ostracize him, even after discovering
his identity—that triggered a change of heart. Her warmth moved him to return the stolen
money and write a note of gratitude.
5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
• The peddler’s metaphor portrays life’s comforts—like wealth, food, and shelter—as bait,
tempting people toward traps. Those enticed by these offerings often find themselves
ensnared, lost in the complexity of the world.
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 and endearing him to us?

• Although the story’s tone is somber, the peddler’s sardonic view of the world as a rattrap
adds a dry, ironic wit that softens the narrative. This subtle humor makes him relatable
and humanizes an otherwise morally ambiguous character.
7. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
The idea struck him while he was crafting his rattraps; he realised that the whole world
seemed like a giant rattrap, baiting people with comforts—wealth, food, shelter—just like
cheese in a trap, ensnaring them when they gave in.
8. Why was he amused by this idea?
The peddler led a bleak, nomadic life, finding solace in this metaphor. It became his
favourite pastime to think of how the world trapped people, and to observe both those
ensnared and those circling the bait.
9. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality he received from the crofter?
No, he was surprised. The crofter welcomed him with hot porridge, tobacco, and even played
cards with him—acts of friendliness that were unexpected for a vagabond like him.
10. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
The crofter was lonely and sought companionship. His openness came from a genuine need for
conversation and sharing, making him unusually warm to the stranger.
11. Why did he show the thirty kronor to the peddler?
The peddler showed skepticism. To reassure him, the crofter displayed the thirty kronor he had
earned from selling milk, proving his honesty and trust.
12. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?
Unfortunately, he did not. Though invited in good faith, he later returned, forced open the
window, stole the money, and left—betraying the crofter’s trust.
13. Why did the peddler think that the world was a rattrap?
Working constantly with rat-traps made him perceive that the world lures people with
comforts—food, shelter, wealth—just as a rattrap baits rats, only to trap them.
14. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
The crofter was lonely and welcomed any company; he treated the peddler kindly, offering food
and conversation.
15. Why did the peddler decline the ironmaster’s invitation?
He was carrying stolen money and feared exposure; attending the invitation felt like stepping
into a lion’s den
[Link] owned Ramsjö Iron Mills? Why did he visit at night?
It was owned by an ex-armyman turned ironmaster, who visited at night to check on the quality
of his products
17. What did the peddler include in his letter to Edla?
He confessed to refusing to embarrass her as a thief, returned the crofter’s stolen money, and
explained that the rattrap was a Christmas gift—highlighting how her faith transformed him
18. Why did the peddler knock at the cottage? How was he treated?
He sought shelter; the crofter warmly welcomed him, provided supper, and played cards
[Link] was Edla happy to see the gift from the peddler?
She was overjoyed because it reflected his transformation, expressed gratitude, and restored her
faith in him
20. Explain the metaphor of the rattrap in the story.
It symbolizes how worldly temptations ensnare people, and only kindness (like Edla’s) can help
one escape the trap
[Link] is Edla the epitome of the Christmas spirit?
Through her selflessness—inviting and caring for the peddler—she demonstrated forgiveness
and moral redemption.
22. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
Edla was joyful because the gift—and accompanying note—showed that her kindness had truly
transformed the peddler. It proved that her trust was not misplaced, and that she had helped bring
out his better nature.

23. In what sense did the peddler consider the world a "rattrap"?The peddler thought the
world was like a rattrap because it enticed people with wealth, comfort, and pleasure—just like a
rattrap baits with cheese—but once someone gave in, they would be trapped and destroyed.
24. Why did the peddler take pleasure in likening the world to a rattrap?
He enjoyed this thought because the world had always treated him harshly. Believing that life
was a trap gave him a sense of superiority—he prided himself on having avoided getting
ensnared so far.
25. What impressions did Edla form about the stranger, and how did she instill confidence
in him?
Edla immediately sensed the stranger’s nervousness and mistrust. She concluded he might be a
thief or fugitive, but she spoke gently and with empathy to instill trust and make him feel safe.
26. Why did he decline the ironmaster’s invitation initially but accept Edla’s?
The ironmaster’s invitation made him anxious—he feared recognition and exposure because of
the stolen money. However, Edla's friendly and welcoming manner reassured him, prompting
him to accept her invitation instead.

27. What led to the peddler’s transformation?

Edla’s warmth, trust, and respect were instrumental in touching the peddler’s conscience. Her
human compassion awakened his better nature, and he left behind his life of deceit—truly
transformed.
1. Why did the peddler choose to walk through the forest?
After stealing the crofter’s thirty kronor, the peddler avoided the highway to escape detection. He
chose the forest path but soon got lost in its confusing trails, symbolizing how he himself became
caught in the rattrap of greed.
2. What made the ironmaster think that the peddler was an old acquaintance?
In the dim light of the furnace, the ironmaster mistook the peddler for an old regimental comrade, Captain
von Stahle. The soot and grime, along with the flickering flames, obscured the peddler’s true identity.
3. How did the peddler react to Edla’s invitation?
Initially hesitant and frightened, the peddler feared he would be exposed and punished. However, Edla’s
genuine warmth and respectful treatment touched him, and he reluctantly agreed to go with her.
4. What message does the story convey about kindness and redemption?
The story emphasizes that even the most morally lost individuals can be redeemed through empathy and
trust. Edla’s kindness transformed the peddler from a thief into a man capable of self-respect and
gratitude.
5. What was the peddler’s gift, and what did it signify?
He left behind a rattrap as a Christmas gift along with the stolen money and a note thanking Edla for
treating him like a real person. It symbolized his realization that he had been trapped—and saved by her
compassion.
6. Describe the transformation of the peddler’s character. What factors led to this change?
The peddler begins as a bitter, cynical man, seeing the world as a giant rattrap. He justifies his theft from
the crofter by this belief. However, his encounter with Edla, who treats him with dignity despite
suspecting his past, deeply affects him. Her kindness, especially during Christmas—a time of compassion
and forgiveness—evokes guilt and introspection in him. He decides to act honorably by returning the
stolen money and leaving a thank-you note. The transformation is profound: from a petty thief to a man
with self-awareness and moral courage. It underscores the power of empathy in changing lives.
7. How is the theme of materialism versus human values presented in the story?
The story juxtaposes material temptations with inner values through the metaphor of the rattrap. People,
like rats, are drawn to the bait—money, power, comfort—and lose their moral compass. The peddler
himself falls into this trap by stealing from the crofter. However, he also experiences the redemptive
power of human values through Edla’s kindness. Her unconditional hospitality helps him realize that
dignity and compassion hold more worth than material gain. The message is clear: while materialism may
lure us, only humanity and empathy lead to true fulfillment.

8. “Edla proved to be a better judge of character than her father.” Discuss.

Yes, Edla demonstrated keen insight and compassion. While her father—the ironmaster—was
quick to judge based on appearances and social class, Edla looked deeper. She recognized the
peddler’s fear and treated him with dignity. Her intuition that he needed help, not judgment, was
proved right when the peddler ultimately returned the stolen money and left a touching note. Her
humane treatment brought out the best in him, something her father’s conditional kindness never
could.
9. What role does loneliness play in the actions of the crofter and the peddler?
Both characters are products of isolation. The crofter welcomes the peddler warmly, craving human
interaction. His loneliness makes him overly trusting, leading to betrayal. Similarly, the peddler’s life of
solitude and social exclusion fuels his bitterness and criminal tendencies. The story suggests that isolation
can distort judgment and behavior, and that empathy can bridge that gap, as shown later by Edla’s actions.