Class 12 English Chapter 4 The Rattrap Question Answer to each chapter is provided in the list so that you can easily browse throughout different chapters Assam Board Class 12 English Chapter 4 The Rattrap and select needs one.
Class 12 English Chapter 4 The Rattrap
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The Rattrap
Lesson – 4
PROSE
Page No – 34
| THINK AS YOU READ |
1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
Ans: While randomly plodding around one day, the peddler thought about the rattrap he made. He suddenly caught hold of the idea of the world being a rattrap and he grew fond of the idea. So, whenever he faced a demanding situation, he used to think of the world in that way to comfort himself.
2. Why was he amused by this idea?
Ans: The metaphor was quite amazing. He found the idea exciting of calling the world a rattrap and everyone as rats who get lured by the cheese, in case of human’s material things, and then get trapped in the rattrap. Over the time he harboured feelings for the metaphor and used to think about it quite frequently.
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 that he received from the crofter.
4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
Ans: The crofter lived alone in a small cottage and longed for companionship, as he had neither friends nor family. So, when the peddler knocked on his door, he was delighted to have someone to talk to. He welcomed the peddler warmly, engaged in lively conversation, and treated him generously throughout his stay.
5. Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?
Ans: He displayed the thirty kronor solely to test and tempt his guest. Taking down a leather pouch hanging from the window frame, the old man pulled out three wrinkled ten-kronor banknotes right in front of the peddler. After showing them, he placed them back into the pouch, deliberately setting a bait for the peddler.
6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?
Ans: The crofter was a kind-hearted man who warmly welcomed the peddler, yearning for companionship and trusting him completely. He shared his stories and showed great hospitality. However, the peddler did not return his trust and instead stole the thirty kronor before leaving the next day. It was only later, while staying with the Williamsons, that he realized his mistake and decided to return the money.
Page No – 37
| THINK AS YOU READ |
1. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
Ans: After being lured by the money he saw at the crofter’s home, he stole them the next day before leaving his place. He walked past the highway since it would increase the risk of him being caught. While passing through the woods he realized that he had fallen for the bait, the money, and hence had fallen into the rattrap. He was hit by the same realization when the ironmaster threatened to get him arrested after he got to know about his real identity. And now the ironmaster was inviting him to his manor house. He was throwing himself into the lion’s den.
2. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
Ans: The iron master of the Rams Iron works spoke kindly to the peddler because he had mistaken him for an old regimental comrade Captain von Stahle. The iron master wanted to help the peddler not only in regaining his health but also in taking up a new vocation. He was happy not just because he met an old friend but he would have company at home, along with his daughter during the holiday season of Christmas.
3. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
Ans: The ironmaster mistook the peddler for an old regimental comrade he once knew. Aware of the truth and carrying the stolen money in his pocket, the peddler was alarmed at the misunderstanding. He initially tried to correct him, but the temptation of comfort and luxury weakened his resolve. Eventually, he gave in and went along, unknowingly walking into a trap, increasing his chances of being caught.
Page No – 41
| THINK AS YOU READ |
1. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?
Ans: She noticed that the man was afraid. She assured him that he would be allowed to leave just as freely as he came. She requested him to stay with them over Christmas Eve. Her friendly manner made the peddler feel confidence in her and accept her invitation.
2. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?
Ans: When Edla went to the iron mill to fetch the peddler, she noticed that he was frightened. She had doubts that the peddler had stolen something or had escaped prison. His appearance and behaviour also left her in doubt whether he was actually an educated man, as claimed by her father.
3. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?
Ans: The peddler stood before his host, now well-groomed and presentable. In the clear light of day, the ironmaster examined him closely and was far from pleased. The truth was undeniable there was no room for mistake. The peddler was not his old regimental comrade. Feeling deceived, the ironmaster immediately realized his error.
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?
Ans: When accused, the peddler quickly defended himself, stating that he had never claimed to be a captain or the ironmaster’s acquaintance. He also reminded him that he had initially resisted going to his home. It was the ironmaster who had insisted on bringing him for Christmas and refused to listen to his objections.
5. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
Ans: Edla had a kind heart and spent most of her time alone, as there was no one at home except her father. Delighted to have company for Christmas Eve, she invited the peddler to stay. Seeing his miserable condition, she felt sympathy for him and wanted to make him feel welcomed and comfortable. The thought of helping the tramp and making his Christmas special brought her joy and satisfaction.
Page No – 42
| THINK AS YOU READ |
1. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
Ans: Edla was delighted to find the gift left for her by the peddler. Her father had not held a good opinion of him. However, at church, they learned that a man selling rat traps had robbed the old crofter. To their surprise, the peddler had left the thirty kronor to be returned to its rightful owner. Edla felt relieved and happy to know that he was not a thief, and she was deeply grateful to him.
2. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
Ans: The peddler had always been treated poorly by the people he encountered, leaving him disillusioned with humanity and leading him to see the world as a rattrap. However, it was Edla’s kindness that helped him understand the true meaning of respect, ultimately inspiring him to change his ways. He signed the letter as Captain von Stahle because, for the first time, he saw himself as a dignified and respected man rather than just a mere peddler.
| UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT |
1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?
Ans: The peddler was a wanderer who earned a living by selling small wire rattraps. He led a lonely and monotonous life, drifting from place to place. One day, he knocked on the door of an old crofter, a man who lived alone without a wife or children. The crofter, showing unexpected kindness and hospitality, welcomed him warmly. However, the peddler repaid this generosity by stealing his thirty kronor, betraying the trust placed in him.
Later, the ironmaster, mistaking the peddler for his old acquaintance, Captain von Stahle, extended an invitation to spend Christmas Eve at his home, believing he was doing a favor for an old friend. Realizing that playing along could bring him further benefits, the peddler decided not to reveal his true identity.
Meanwhile, Edla Willmansson, with genuine compassion and warmth, urged him to come to their house. Touched by her kindness, he accepted the invitation. However, during the journey to the manor, guilt began to weigh on him, making him regret his actions. Determined to make amends, he eventually left a gift for Edla, which contained the stolen thirty kronor. In the accompanying note, he assured that the money should be returned to its rightful owner, signaling his transformation.
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?
Ans: Edla and her father had different approaches and outlook towards life. Edla was more concerned about an individual’s feelings than her father. Even after his identity was revealed she persisted in inviting him over Christmas dinner. She had a great convincing power and made both her father and the peddler accept the invitation. She felt sorry for the peddler and wanted to do her best to make Christmas special for him. Unlike her father, she did not dwell on the possible consequences. Her father feared that the peddler, being poor, might steal something from their home, but Edla refused to give in to such doubts. It was her kindness and pure-heartedness that ultimately led the peddler to change his ways and restore his faith in humanity.
3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
Ans: The first example is the crofter’s hospitality to the peddler. The rattrap peddler, expecting to be denied permission to spend the night in the cottage, is surprised by the crofter’s friendliness. The peddler’s character is full of contradictions. He sells small rat traps. But he doesn’t mind begging. He even resorts to petty thievery. The vagabond strangely has a philosophical attitude towards life. Edla’s agreement to seek the peddler’s presence for Christmas is another unexpected reaction for both the peddler and the ironmaster. The peddler, on the other hand, has an unexpected reaction when he leaves the package and the letter for Edla, expressing gratitude for the girl’s hospitality and respect for her.
4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?
Ans: The peddler’s outlook on life transformed after an unexpected encounter at the Willmanssons’ manor. Having always been poor, he was accustomed to being looked down upon and treated poorly. Over time, this led him to believe that the world was nothing more than a giant rattrap, where human luxuries and emotions served as bait to trap people.
However, his experience at the manor was different. He was warmly received, well-fed, and cared for with kindness. Despite this, he initially struggled to trust their sincerity. It was Edla’s genuine compassion and understanding that left a lasting impact on him. Her kindness touched his heart, leading him to embrace life with an open mind and rediscover his faith in humanity.
5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
Ans: The peddler consistently uses the metaphor of a rattrap throughout the story to illustrate his view of the world. According to him, life is like a rattrap, where humans, like mice, are tempted by baits such as wealth, emotions, and material pleasures (symbolized by cheese). Those who succumb to greed become trapped in the endless cycle of worldly pursuits, unable to break free.
The story highlights how people often chase after material gains, forgetting to appreciate the simple joys life offers. The writer urges readers to reflect on the idea that material wealth is not the only pursuit worth chasing; sometimes, it is important to slow down and cherish life’s small yet meaningful moments. Despite his initially cynical perspective, the peddler is deeply moved by Edla’s kindness, which ultimately changes his outlook on life.
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?
Ans: The peddler may not seem like a humorous person, but there is a subtle irony in how he perceives the world as a giant rattrap. He takes delight in this idea because it gives him a way to criticize a world that has never been kind to him. It is clear that whenever he is caught off guard, in the web of deception spun by his cunning mind, he hides behind the thought that the world is a rattrap and he is merely prey. As a result, he lightens the mood and theme of the story and endears us to him.
| TALKING ABOUT THE 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?
Ans: From the very beginning, the reader feels sympathy for the peddler. He wanders the streets, carrying the rat traps he makes, desperately searching for shelter on cold, snowy nights. It is not just his miserable condition that evokes empathy but also his outlook on life. It was not only his miserable state that made the reader empathize with him but also the ideology he formed about the world. He was never welcomed at any place and often shooed away and considered a nuisance. This made him believe that the world was a rattrap and all these human emotions and luxuries are the bait for the trap and he should avoid them. Hence, he detached himself from everyone and went through the suffering alone. I believe the sympathy is justified because even if he was a thief, he still harboured human emotions and the sufferings he went through broke him from deep within.
2. The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
Ans: The Rattrap shows the effects of loneliness and the need to bond with others. There are characters like the peddler and crofter who emphasise this fact. The fact that the crofter craves for company leads him to give shelter to a vagabond and he ends up getting robbed. The peddler had lost his conscience as he had been lonely for a long time and no one treated him well. After he met Edla, her hospitality changed him and made him mend his ways. The ironmaster and Edla too were suffering from loneliness as they were excited to have a guest during Christmas Eve.
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?
Ans: Yes, one well-known real-life example is the story of Dr. Abdul Kalam and the Kitchen Staff Incident. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once forgot to take his nephew to an exhibition due to work. His boss, Prof. Satish Dhawan, noticed and took the child himself. This act of kindness changed Kalam’s view on leadership and empathy, teaching him the value of human connection.
4. The story is both entertaining and philosophical.
Ans: Throughout the story, the peddler repeatedly insists that the world is a rattrap, which adds an amusing element. His constant rejection of material possessions is entertaining to read, and the irony of him eventually falling into the very trap he describes makes the story even more engaging. The narrative captivates the reader not only through this brilliant metaphor but also through witty dialogues that prompt deep reflection on his perspective on life. The author has not only crafted an entertaining story but also highlighted significant issues that are often overlooked. The struggles we face in life can sometimes lead us to develop a negative mindset, which, if left unchecked, can become limiting. The story encourages readers to break free from such a mindset and embrace life more openly. It reminds us that there is more to life than what meets the eye, and truly experiencing it enriches our existence. Additionally, it emphasizes the transformative power of kindness, showing how a simple act of compassion can change someone’s outlook on life, inspiring us all to be more humble and respectful.
| WORKING WITH WORDS |
1. The man selling rat traps 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.
Ans: The peddler in The Rattrap is referred to by various terms throughout the story, each reflecting the context and the attitude of those around him.
Some of these references include:
(i) Peddler: This is the most common term used for him, highlighting his profession of selling rat traps. It indicates that he is a wandering salesman, struggling to make ends meet.
(ii) Stranger: He is called a stranger when he arrives at different places, particularly at the crofter’s house and the ironmaster’s forge. This term signifies that he is unknown and possibly untrustworthy in the eyes of the people he meets.
(iii) Tramp: This term is used to describe his vagabond lifestyle. It reflects how society perceives him-as a homeless wanderer without stability or respect.
(iv) Vagabond: Similar to “tramp,” this term highlights his aimless, rootless existence. It suggests that people see him as a drifter who doesn’t belong anywhere.
(v) Ragged fellow: This phrase is used to describe his shabby and unkempt appearance, reinforcing his social status as a poor, neglected man.
2. You came across the words, plod, trudge, stagger in the story. These words indicate movement accompanied by weariness. Find five other such words with a similar meaning.
Ans: Other words which indicate weary movement are lurch, stumble, slog. clump, traipse, and stomp. Lurch means to make an unsteady, uncontrolled movement; stumble means to trip; slog means to plod heavily: clump means to walk with heavy tread; traipse means to walk reluctantly, and stomp means to walk heavily and noisily specially to show anger.
| NOTICING FORM |
1. He made them himself at odd moments.
2. He raised himself.
3. He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught.
4. … a day may come when you yourself may want to get a big piece of pork.
Notice the way in which these reflexive pronouns have been used (pronoun+self)
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.
Ans: Students, do it yourself.
| 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.
Ans: Other such phrases are as following:
(i) ‘A hard regular thumping.
(ii) ‘Hammer strokes.
(iii) ‘A large plant with smelter, rolling mill and forge.
(iv) ‘Pig iron’.
(v) ‘Coal dust’.
(vi) ‘Put on the anvil’.
These terms and phrases are used for various steps of iron production.
2. Mjölis is a card game of Sweden.
Name a few indoor games played in your region. ‘Chopar’ could be an example.
Ans: Indoor games can be fun and played with family and friends across the world. A few indoor games in my region are ludo, carrom, chess etc.
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.
Ans: In Danish a smaller farmer is called a landmand’ while in Dutch he is called “boer persoon’. Locally in my country a person who owns a small land is called ‘krishak’ and ‘kisan’.
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