Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 4 The Rattrap

Chapter 4: The Rattrap – Summary and Key Insights

Author: Selma Lagerlöf
Genre: Fiction with a moral message
Theme: Compassion, redemption, and human dignity

Chapter Summary

The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlöf is a story with a deep moral undertone. It revolves around a poor, lonely peddler who sells rattraps and survives through begging and petty theft. He views the world as a giant rattrap, which offers temptations like wealth and shelter, only to trap people later. Ironically, this philosophy turns true in his own life when he steals thirty kronor from a kind old crofter and ends up lost in the woods.

The peddler finds refuge at the ironmaster’s house after being mistaken for an old acquaintance. Though the ironmaster soon realizes the mistake and asks him to leave, his daughter Edla persuades him to stay and treats him with respect and kindness. This act of genuine compassion changes the peddler’s heart.

On Christmas morning, the ironmaster and Edla discover that the peddler has left quietly but not before returning the stolen money. He also leaves behind a letter and a rattrap as a Christmas gift, thanking Edla for treating him like a real human being and giving him a chance to become better.

Key Themes

Redemption through Compassion
The story illustrates how empathy and kindness can bring about a moral transformation in even the most hardened individuals.
The World as a Rattrap
A symbolic representation of how greed and materialism can entrap people in a never-ending cycle of misery.
Human Dignity and Respect
The way Edla treats the peddler, despite knowing the truth about him, reflects the power of treating everyone with dignity.
Irony and Transformation
The peddler, who believes others fall into the trap of materialism, ends up trapped himself — but also finds the path to redemption.

Character Sketches

The Peddler: A poor, lonely man who undergoes a drastic change from a petty thief to a man with conscience.
The Crofter: A trusting, generous old man who unknowingly becomes a victim of theft.
The Ironmaster: A man of status who acts kindly at first due to a mistaken identity.
Edla Willmansson: The ironmaster’s daughter, whose kindness and understanding bring about the peddler’s transformation.

Important Points

Rattrap Philosophy: The peddler believes the world is like a rattrap — it tempts people with material things, only to trap them.
Crofter’s Money: The peddler steals 30 kronor after the crofter trusts him.
Forest Trap: Lost in the woods, the peddler begins to feel the world has truly caught him in a rattrap.
Mistaken Identity: The ironmaster invites the peddler home thinking he is an old comrade.
Edla’s Role: Her kindness becomes the catalyst for the peddler’s transformation.
Christmas Gift: The peddler leaves behind the stolen money with a note, showing his moral rebirth.

Important Questions

Q1. Why did the peddler compare the world to a rattrap?

Q2. What was the peddler’s experience with the crofter?

Q3. How did the ironmaster react upon learning the peddler’s real identity?

Q4. Why did Edla want the peddler to stay for Christmas despite knowing the truth?

Q5. How did the peddler repay Edla’s kindness?

Q6. What moral lesson does The Rattrap convey?

Q7. How is the title ‘The Rattrap’ symbolic?

Answers

A1.

The peddler believed that life offers people material temptations like food, shelter, and money, just like a rattrap offers bait. Once people are lured by these, they get trapped in misery and greed. He used this analogy to explain his cynical view of the world.

A2.

The crofter welcomed the peddler warmly, gave him food, company, and even showed him his money. However, the peddler betrayed his trust and stole his thirty kronor, proving how temptation can overpower morality.

A3.

The ironmaster was initially sympathetic, mistaking the peddler for an old friend. Upon learning the truth, he felt insulted and asked the peddler to leave. However, he respected Edla’s decision to let him stay.

A4.

Edla believed that everyone deserves kindness, especially on Christmas. She saw that the peddler was poor and lonely and felt he should be treated with dignity, regardless of his past.

A5.

The peddler left a package for Ed
la on Christmas morning containing the stolen thirty kronor, a note, and a small rattrap. In his letter, he thanked her for treating him like a human being and expressed that he had resolved to change for the better.

A6.

The story teaches that kindness, understanding, and compassion can bring about significant change in a person. It also warns against the dangers of greed and materialism, symbolized by the rattrap.

A7.

The title symbolizes both the literal rattraps the peddler sells and the metaphorical ‘rattrap’ of life that tempts people into wrongdoing. It reflects the central theme that worldly attractions can trap people just like rats in a trap.

Preparation Tips for Students

Understand the symbolism of the rattrap and how it connects to the theme.
Focus on character development, especially the peddler\’s transformation.
Use quotes from the text for value-based answers.
Practice moral-based essay writing around topics like compassion and second chances.
Be ready to explain the story’s title, moral, and key turning points.

The Rattrap – NCERT Solutions Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 4

Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context:

(i) keep body and soul together: The peddler’s rattrap business didn’t earn him enough, so to survive, he had to beg and even resort to petty theft to fill his stomach.

(ii) hunger gleamed in his eyes: His extreme hunger was clearly visible in his eyes, almost shining through due to his desperation.

(iii) plods along the road: It means walking slowly and with heavy steps, usually due to tiredness or exhaustion.

(iv) unwonted joy: It refers to a rare or unusual sense of happiness that the person is not accustomed to.

(v) impenetrable prison: It symbolizes a place from which escape seems impossible – here, it refers to the dense forest he was trapped in.

(vi) nodded a haughty consent: It means giving approval or agreement in an arrogant or proud manner.

(vii) eased his way: This means making one’s movement smoother or more comfortable, often by moving cautiously or gently.

(viii) fallen into a line of thought: It means getting deeply involved or lost in a particular chain of thinking.

(ix) things have gone downhill: It means the situation or condition has worsened significantly over time.

Think as You Read – Part 1

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

The idea struck the peddler one day while he was thinking about his rattraps. He imagined the whole world as a giant rattrap, where all the riches, joys, and luxuries were like baits to trap people just like his own wire traps caught rats.

Question 2. Why was he amused by this idea?

The peddler found the idea amusing because he was a poor man who had suffered much. Thinking ill of the world and comparing it to a rattrap gave him a sense of comfort and revenge against the world\’s cruelty.

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

No, the peddler did not expect such warm hospitality. Usually, when he asked for shelter, he was met with cold or unfriendly responses. The crofter’s kind and welcoming behavior came as a surprise to him.

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

The crofter lived alone and had no family. His loneliness made him eager to talk and share stories with someone. That’s why he welcomed the peddler warmly and chatted with him freely.

Question 5. Why did he show the thirty kronor to the peddler?

The crofter told the peddler that he earned thirty kronor from selling milk. To prove his words, he showed the peddler the notes kept in a leather pouch. He wanted the peddler to believe his success story.

Question 6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?

No, the peddler did not honor the crofter’s trust. The next morning, he broke the window of the cottage and stole the thirty kronor, thus betraying the man who had shown him kindness.

Think as You Read – Part 2

Question 1. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?

After stealing the money, the peddler tried to escape through the forest. However, he lost his way and kept wandering in circles. He realized that he was truly caught in a trap, like the ones he used to make, with no escape from the forest – just as he believed the world was a rattrap.

Question 2. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

The ironmaster mistook the peddler for an old friend and former army comrade. Thinking he was someone he knew, he felt compelled to help him and invited him to spend Christmas with his family.

Question 3. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?

The peddler declined because he feared being recognized as a thief. He had just stolen money and thought visiting the ironmaster’s home would increase the risk of being caught.

Think as You Read – Part 3

Question 1. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?

Edla Willmansson, the ironmaster’s daughter, was kind and compassionate. She assured the peddler that he was free to leave whenever he wanted and invited him to spend Christmas with them. Her genuine concern and gentle manner touched the peddler, and he accepted the invitation.

Question 2. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?

Edla suspected that the peddler might have either stolen something or escaped from jail. She felt that he looked fearful and uneasy, which made her doubt his story.

Question 3. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?

The next morning, after the peddler had bathed, groomed, and changed clothes, the ironmaster realized that he was not the captain he had mistaken him for. In daylight, it became clear that the man was a complete stranger.

Question 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?

The peddler explained that he had never claimed to be anyone else. He had even asked to stay in the forge but was brought to the house against his will. He offered to leave immediately if they wished so.

Question 5. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?

Edla believed in kindness and giving people a chance to reform. She felt sorry for the peddler who had nowhere to go and was always unwanted. She insisted he should stay and enjoy a peaceful Christmas, even if only for one day.

Think as You Read – Part 4

Question 1. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?

Edla was delighted to find the gift because it proved that the peddler had respected her trust and kindness. Instead of stealing anything, he left behind the stolen thirty kronor and a heartfelt note, showing he had changed for the better.

Question 2. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain Von Stahle?

The peddler signed the letter as Captain Von Stahle because Edla had treated him with such dignity and respect, as if he were a real captain. Her kindness made him want to live up to that image and show he was capable of noble behavior.

Question 1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster, and his daughter?

The peddler, a poor vagabond who sold rattraps, led a life of loneliness and despair. He was not used to kindness, so the warm hospitality of the crofter, the ironmaster, and his daughter deeply surprised him. The crofter welcomed him into his home, offered him food and company, and even showed him the money he had earned. However, the peddler betrayed his trust by stealing his thirty kronor.

Later, when the ironmaster mistook him for an old acquaintance, he invited him to spend Christmas at his home. The peddler went along, thinking he might gain something from this confusion. Though initially suspicious, he was moved by the genuine compassion of Edla Willmansson, the ironmaster’s daughter. Her trust, kindness, and empathy stirred a sense of guilt and reformation in him. He eventually returned the stolen money and left a gift for Edla, proving her kindness had changed him.

Question 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?

The ironmaster and his daughter Edla exhibit contrasting personalities throughout the story. The ironmaster, although initially generous, acts impulsively. He invites the peddler to his home purely because he mistakes him for an old regimental friend. Once the truth is revealed, he loses interest and asks the peddler to leave.

On the other hand, Edla is compassionate and wise. She sees the peddler as a poor man in need, not as someone trying to deceive them. Her kindness remains unchanged even after learning his true identity. She insists he be allowed to stay and celebrates Christmas with dignity. It is her genuine concern and respect for the peddler’s humanity that ultimately leads to his transformation. Her character is more empathetic and mature compared to her father’s judgmental attitude.

Question 3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.

The story is rich with unexpected turns and reactions:

The Crofter’s Kindness: The old crofter welcomes the peddler into his home, offering him food, conversation, and even showing his earnings. This surprises the peddler, who usually receives cold treatment from others.
The Peddler’s Betrayal: Despite the crofter’s kindness, the peddler steals his money, which is unexpected and highlights the peddler’s desperation.
The Ironmaster’s Invitation: The ironmaster invites the peddler home, mistaking him for an old friend. The peddler, expecting to be turned away, is surprised.
Edla’s Compassion: Even after learning the truth about the peddler’s identity, Edla insists he stay and celebrates Christmas with them. Her empathy and understanding are unexpected, and this deeply moves the peddler.
The Peddler’s Reformation: In a surprising act of redemption, the peddler returns the stolen money and leaves a kind note and a gift for Edla. His transformation is a result of her kindness.

Question 4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?

The peddler\’s transformation was triggered by the unconditional kindness and respect shown by Edla Willmansson. Although he had earlier stolen the crofter’s money, Edla treated him with dignity, inviting him to spend Christmas at her home even after learning of his true identity.

She believed in offering a second chance and saw him as a human being worthy of compassion. Her actions stirred the peddler’s conscience, and he decided to live up to the trust she placed in him. He not only returned the stolen thirty kronor but also left a heartfelt note and a rattrap as a gift. Her compassion inspired him to choose honesty and integrity over deceit.

Question 5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?

The metaphor of the rattrap is central to the story. The peddler views the world as a giant rattrap, filled with temptations like wealth and comfort that act as bait. According to him, once a person is lured by these material attractions, they are caught in life’s trap with no escape.

This metaphor mirrors the human condition, where people often fall prey to greed, deception, and selfish desires. The peddler himself gets trapped after stealing money. However, when he is treated with kindness and respect, he realizes that it’s possible to break free from this metaphorical trap through redemption and moral courage. The rattrap thus symbolizes both entrapment and the possibility of escape through human values.

Question 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?

The peddler’s sense of humour brings lightness to the otherwise serious themes of loneliness, poverty, and human weakness. His comparison of the world to a rattrap, where people are caught by temptation, reflects his wit and philosophical insight. Even in dire situations, he shows a self-deprecating humour—for instance, when he realizes he is caught in the “trap” of the forest after stealing the money.

His ability to laugh at his own misfortune and comment wryly on the world’s nature makes him relatable and endearing. This humour softens the reader’s judgment of his flaws and helps us sympathize with his situation. It also balances the story’s tone, making his ultimate transformation more believable and touching.

Question 7. The reader’s sympathy is with the peddler right from the beginning of the story. Why is this so? Is the sympathy justified?

From the outset, the peddler evokes sympathy because of his miserable and lonely existence. He is homeless, poorly dressed, and struggling to survive. Though he resorts to petty thievery, it is shown as a result of his harsh circumstances rather than malice.

His philosophical reflections on life as a rattrap and his humour in the face of adversity make him a compelling character. The world, as he sees it, is unkind and full of deception. Despite this, he appreciates acts of kindness and eventually redeems himself.

The sympathy he receives is justified, as the story portrays him not as a criminal but as a victim of society’s neglect—someone who reforms when shown compassion.

Question 8. The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.

Yes, the story deeply explores the theme of human loneliness and the universal need for companionship. The peddler lives a solitary life, wandering from place to place without any human connection. The crofter, despite having some savings, lives alone and eagerly welcomes the peddler just for company.

The ironmaster and his daughter also experience emotional isolation. The ironmaster\’s insistence on bringing the peddler home for Christmas stems from a desire to fill the emotional void in their lives.

Edla’s compassion arises from her understanding of human loneliness. Her kindness toward the peddler provides him not only with shelter but also a sense of belonging. Ultimately, it is the warmth of human connection that leads to the peddler’s moral awakening.

Question 9. 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?

(Sample answer – students can personalize it.)

Yes, I once heard of a homeless man who was regularly offered food by a kind shopkeeper. Initially, the man was skeptical and even rude. But over time, the shopkeeper’s consistent kindness changed his outlook. He stopped drinking, began helping around the shop, and eventually got a small job. He said the simple act of being treated with dignity made him believe in humanity again. This shows how a single act of compassion can transform someone’s life and outlook.

The Rattrap – Working with Words

Question 1.

The man selling rattraps is referred to by many terms in the story. He is called a “vagabond” because he wanders from place to place without a settled home. When he is with the crofter, he is called a “stranger” because the crofter did not know him before. He is also called “the man with the rattraps” because he sells them.

He is called “the rattrap peddler” because he is a travelling hawker. He is also called a “tramp” because he is a stroller. When the ironmaster saw him first, he thought he was “the tall ragamuffin” due to his shabby clothes. The ironmaster also refers to him as his “old regimental comrade,” having mistaken him for a captain he once knew.

Later, the ironmaster calls him “a good fellow” after the peddler’s philosophical comment on the world. Edla refers to him as “the poor hungry wretch” and also uses the term “vagabond.” Each label reflects the speaker’s context and attitude—ranging from suspicion to sympathy.

Question 2.

Five other words that indicate weary or unsteady movement are:

Slog
Tramp
Lurch
Sway
Wobble

The Rattrap – Noticing Form

Reflexive pronouns used in the story include:

He made them himself at odd moments. (Emphasis)
He raised himself. (Subject refers back to the object)
He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught. (Subject-object reflexive)
…a day may come when you yourself may want to get a big piece of pork. (Emphasis)

Other examples from the story:

He laughed to himself – indicates subject-object reflexivity.
He himself – used for emphasis.
You would bother with me yourself – refers to the same subject.
To clear himself – used for emphasis.

The Rattrap – Thinking About Language

Question 1.

Words and phrases related to ironworks from the story:

A hard regular thumping
The hammer strokes from an iron mill
Smelter, rolling mill, and forge
Master smith and his helper sat in the dark forge near the furnace
Waiting for the pig iron
To be ready to put on the anvil
To stir the glowing mass
The big bellows groaned
The burning coal cracked

Question 2.

Indoor games commonly played in our region include ludo, carrom, table tennis, and cards. Chopar is also a traditional example.

Question 3.

Other uncommon terms for “a small farmer” include granger, rancher, planter, tiller, cultivator, peasant, ranchman, and grower.

The Rattrap – Extra Questions and Answers (Short Answer Type)

Question 1:

The Peddler derived pleasure from the idea that the world was like a rattrap because he felt it offered poetic justice. The rich and powerful too would eventually be trapped by temptations, just like rats.

Question 2:

Edla pleaded with her father not to send the vagabond away because she felt sorry for him. She believed he deserved kindness and compassion, even after knowing his true identity.

Question 3:

The Peddler’s letter to Edla expressed his gratitude. He stated that since he had been treated like a captain, he wanted to return the favor by leaving behind the stolen money and a rattrap as a gift.

Question 4:

The package left for Edla contained a rattrap, thirty kronor in crumpled notes, and a note explaining his transformation and expressing gratitude.

Question 5:

The ironmaster concluded that the Peddler might have been a thief and could steal the silver cutlery from their house.

Question 6:

The Peddler knocked on the Crofter’s cottage door for shelter. The Crofter welcomed him warmly, offered food, company, and a bed for the night.

Question 7:

The idea of the world as a rattrap came to the Peddler when he compared human greed to bait. The material temptations were traps in which people got caught, like rats.

Question 8:

The Crofter was lonely and happy to find someone to talk to. He welcomed the Peddler warmly and treated him like a guest.

Question 9:

The Crofter showed the thirty kronor to the Peddler because he was proud of the money he had earned from selling milk and wanted to prove it.

Question 10:

The ironmaster mistook the Peddler for an old army comrade. Seeing him in rags near the furnace, he invited him home with kindness, assuming he had fallen on hard times.

Question 11:

The Peddler declined the invitation because he feared being exposed as a thief. He didn’t want to risk being reported to the police.

Question 12:

The ironmaster was the owner of Ramsjo Ironworks. He visited at night to ensure the quality of the iron being produced and shipped.

Question 13:

The Peddler didn’t reveal his identity to the ironmaster as he hoped to get some money or help, taking advantage of the mistaken identity.

Question 14:

The Peddler was used to being treated with suspicion and hostility. So he was surprised and touched when the Crofter welcomed him warmly and kindly.

Question 15:

The Peddler avoided the highway out of fear after stealing the Crofter’s money. Lost in the forest, he realized he had fallen into a real “rattrap”—temptation and guilt trapping him.

Question 16:

Edla was happy to find the gift from the Peddler as it proved that he had reformed. She was relieved and touched by his gesture of returning the stolen money and acknowledging her kindness.

The Rattrap – NCERT Solutions (HTML Format)

Question 21: What made the Peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?

The Peddler accepted Edla Willmansson’s invitation because of her kind and gentle manner. Unlike the ironmaster, she treated him with compassion and dignity. She assured him that he could leave anytime he wished and that no harm would come to him. Her sincerity and warm-heartedness made the Peddler feel safe and respected, prompting him to accept her invitation.

Question 22: What doubts did Edla have about the Peddler?

Edla doubted the Peddler\’s identity from the beginning. She noticed that he was afraid and uncomfortable, which made her suspect that he might be a thief or a fugitive. She felt that he did not resemble an educated or respectable person as her father believed. She even expressed her concern that he did not look like her father\’s old regimental comrade.

Question 23: When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?

The ironmaster realised his mistake the next morning when he saw the Peddler in broad daylight, clean-shaven and well-groomed. In the clear light, he could see that the man was not his old acquaintance from the regiment. The earlier confusion had occurred due to the poor lighting in the forge and the Peddler’s shabby condition.

Question 24: What did the Peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was?

The Peddler calmly stated that he had never pretended to be the ironmaster\’s acquaintance. He only wanted shelter for the night and had even refused the ironmaster’s repeated invitations. The misunderstanding was not his fault, and if they wished, he was ready to leave and put on his rags again.

Question 25: Why did the Peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

The Peddler signed himself as Captain von Stahle because he wanted to show his gratitude to Edla Willmansson, who had treated him with respect and dignity despite knowing his true identity. Her kindness had restored his self-worth, and by signing the letter as “Captain von Stahle,” he acknowledged the identity she had bestowed upon him, symbolically elevating himself to a respectable status.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1: The Peddler declined the invitation of the ironmaster but accepted the one from Edla. Why?

The Peddler declined the ironmaster’s invitation because he feared that his true identity would be discovered and he would be handed over to the police for stealing the crofter’s money. The ironmaster had mistaken him for a former colleague and wanted him to visit the manor. The Peddler sensed danger and refused.

However, when Edla invited him again, she did so with warmth and concern. She spoke to him kindly and assured him he could leave anytime. Her genuine compassion touched the Peddler’s heart, and he felt safe and accepted, which led him to accept her invitation.

Question 2: Edla proved to be much more persuasive than her father while dealing with the Peddler. Comment.

Edla was more persuasive because she approached the Peddler with empathy rather than suspicion or arrogance. While the ironmaster insisted on inviting the Peddler due to a mistaken identity and later grew angry upon knowing the truth, Edla consistently treated the Peddler with kindness. Her calm, respectful manner made the Peddler feel valued and safe, eventually encouraging him to change his dishonest ways. Her kindness transformed the Peddler into a dignified man who even left behind a gift and a thank-you note.

Question 3: Why did the Crofter repose confidence in the Peddler? How did the Peddler betray that and with what consequences?

The Crofter trusted the Peddler because he was lonely and desired human company. He welcomed the Peddler warmly, offered food and shelter, and even proudly showed him the thirty kronor he had saved. However, the Peddler betrayed this trust by stealing the money and fleeing.

To avoid being caught, he avoided the highway and entered the forest but got lost. He felt trapped, realising that just like a rat caught in a rattrap, he too had been lured by the bait of money. This experience made him reflect on his actions and feel remorse.

Question 4: Why did the ironmaster invite the Peddler to his home? Why did the latter decline it?

The ironmaster invited the Peddler thinking he was an old regimental friend fallen on hard times. He wished to help him by offering shelter and food during Christmas. However, the Peddler declined the offer because he feared his true identity as a thief would be exposed in the bright light of the ironmaster’s house, leading to his arrest. He wanted to avoid suspicion as he was carrying stolen money.

Question 5: How did the Peddler feel after robbing the Crofter? What course did he adopt and how did he react to the new situation? What does his reaction reveal?

After robbing the Crofter, the Peddler initially felt pleased with his act. But soon, guilt and fear took over. To avoid being caught, he took to the forest instead of the public road. However, he lost his way and kept wandering in circles.

He felt trapped in the forest and likened it to a giant rattrap, with the stolen money acting as bait. His feelings of helplessness and self-loathing revealed that he was not entirely heartless. The experience sparked introspection, leading to his eventual transformation.

Question 6: The story ‘The Rattrap’ is both entertaining and philosophical. Do you agree? Why/Why not?

Yes, ‘The Rattrap’ is both entertaining and philosophical. The storyline is engaging with unexpected twists—like the mistaken identity, the theft, and the redemption arc. The vivid characters and realistic dialogues make it enjoyable.

Philosophically, it presents the idea that life is like a rattrap, filled with temptations that can entrap individuals. It also highlights how love, kindness, and compassion can lead even the most lost souls to redemption, as seen in the Peddler’s transformation.

Question 7: The story focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others. Explain.

The theme of loneliness is central in the story. The Crofter is lonely and eagerly welcomes the Peddler. The ironmaster and his daughter too seem isolated, as they invite a stranger to spend Christmas with them. The Peddler himself is a wanderer, disconnected from society.

Each character seeks connection, warmth, and understanding. Edla’s kindness helps the Peddler feel human again, emphasizing that bonding and empathy can heal even the most broken souls.

Question 8: Give examples from the story to show how the ironmaster is different from his daughter.

The ironmaster is impulsive and proud. He mistakes the Peddler for an old friend and invites him out of a sense of superiority. When he realises the mistake, he is quick to label the Peddler dishonest and threatens to involve the sheriff.

In contrast, Edla is calm, gentle, and compassionate. She sees beyond appearances and treats the Peddler with dignity. Her humane behaviour leads to the Peddler’s transformation, whereas her father’s prideful actions only alienate.

Question 9: How does the Peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the Crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?

The Peddler misuses the Crofter’s kindness by stealing his money. He initially misleads the ironmaster by remaining silent about his identity. However, Edla’s kindness makes him reflect on his actions. He begins to value the respect she shows him and feels ashamed of his past.

Ultimately, he redeems himself by returning the stolen money and leaving a heartfelt note. He realises that genuine kindness can uplift even the most downtrodden individuals.

Question 10: The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.

The Crofter surprises the Peddler with his warmth and trust, despite being a stranger.
The Peddler unexpectedly steals the Crofter’s money after receiving hospitality.
The ironmaster mistakes the Peddler for an old friend and invites him home.
Edla, despite her doubts, treats the Peddler with dignity and respect.
The biggest surprise is the Peddler’s transformation—he returns the stolen money and leaves a gift, signed as “Captain von Stahle.”