Class 12 NCERT English Book Flamingo Part Prose Lesson 4 The Rattrap Questions and answers.
Questions And Answer:
1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
2. Why was he amused by this idea?
3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?
4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
5. Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?
6. Did the peddler respect the confidence respond in him by the crofter?
7. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
8. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
9. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
10. What made the peddler accept Edla Willman son’s invitation?
11. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?
12. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?
13. What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was?
14. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
15. Why was Edla happy to see the gift by the peddler?
16. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
Answer:
1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap? The peddler got the idea while he was naturally thinking about his own rattraps. It struck him that the whole world, with its lands, seas, cities, and villages, was nothing but a big rattrap designed to set baits for people.
2. Why was he amused by this idea? He was amused by this idea because the world had never been kind to him. Thinking ill of it in this way gave him unwonted joy and became a cherished pastime during his dreary wanderings.
3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter? No, the peddler did not expect the kind of hospitality he received. The text explicitly states, “Instead of the sour faces which ordinarily met him, the owner… was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness.” This suggests his usual experiences were quite different.
4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler? The crofter was talkative and friendly because he was an old man without a wife or child and was happy to have someone to talk to in his loneliness.
5. Why did he show the thirty kronor to the peddler? He showed the thirty kronor to the peddler because the stranger must have seemed incredulous when the crofter mentioned that his cow supported him and that he had received thirty kronor in payment the previous month. Showing the money was meant to provide proof of his earnings.
6. Did the peddler respect the confidence responded in him by the crofter? No, the peddler did not respect the confidence shown in him by the crofter. He betrayed the crofter’s trust by stealing the thirty kronor after receiving his generous hospitality.
7. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap? The peddler thought he had fallen into a rattrap when he realized he had been walking in circles in the forest and couldn’t find his way out. He recalled his own thoughts about the world being a rattrap that offered bait, and he recognized that by succumbing to the temptation of the thirty kronor, he had been caught in his own snare. The forest, with its dense and confusing paths, felt like an “impenetrable prison.”
8. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home? The ironmaster spoke kindly to the peddler and invited him home because he mistook the peddler for an old acquaintance named Nils Olof from his regiment. He was genuinely happy to see who he thought was an old comrade and wanted to offer him comfort and companionship, especially since he lacked family at home for Christmas.
9. Why did the peddler decline the invitation? The peddler declined the invitation because he was thinking of the thirty kronor he had stolen from the crofter. He felt that going to the ironmaster’s manor house would be like “throwing himself voluntarily into the lion’s den.” He feared that his theft would be discovered if he went to such a prominent place and preferred to simply warm himself in the forge and leave unnoticed.
10. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation? The peddler accepted Edla Willmansson’s invitation because of her friendly manner, which made him feel confidence in her. He was also likely swayed by the unexpected kindness and the offer of warmth and shelter, a stark contrast to his usual experiences. He even remarks that it would never have occurred to him that she would bother with him herself.
11. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler? Edla had doubts about the peddler when she noticed that he was afraid. She thought to herself, “Either he has stolen something or else he has escaped from jail.” This suggests she suspected he was not a respectable person, despite her polite demeanor.
12. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake? The ironmaster realised his mistake the next morning, on Christmas Eve, when the stranger was clean and well-dressed in his clothes. Standing in broad daylight, it became impossible for the ironmaster to mistake him for his old acquaintance, Nils Olof. He looked at him with a puckered brow, clearly recognizing he had made an error in the dimly lit forge.
13. What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was? In his defence, the peddler stated that it was not his fault and that he never pretended to be anything but a poor trader. He reminded the ironmaster that he had pleaded to be allowed to stay in the forge and that no harm had been done, offering to put on his rags again and leave. He then went on to deliver his philosophy of the world being a big rattrap, where good things are just bait to lure people into trouble, warning the ironmaster that he too might one day be caught.
14. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him? Edla still entertained the peddler even after she knew the truth about him because she was moved by compassion. She reflected on his life of hardship, being unwelcome everywhere and constantly living in fear of arrest. She wanted to offer him at least one day of peace and belonging during Christmas. She also felt that since they had invited him and promised him Christmas cheer, they shouldn’t chase him away, even if it was all a mistake.
15. Why was Edla happy to see the gift by the peddler? Edla was happy to see the gift because it wasn’t just a rattrap; it contained the three ten-kronor notes that the peddler had stolen from the old crofter. This act of returning the stolen money indicated that her kindness had touched him and that he had chosen to do the right thing. The letter further explained his transformation and gratitude, making the gift a symbol of his changed character and a validation of her faith in him.
16. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle? The peddler signed himself as Captain von Stahle to honor Edla’s treatment of him. Throughout Christmas Eve, she had shown him respect and kindness, treating him as if he were a captain. In return, he wanted to be “nice to her, as if I was a real captain.” By signing with this name, he acknowledged the positive impact of her actions on him, suggesting that her belief in his potential had, in a way, elevated him. He also stated that this “promotion” to captain gave him the power to clear himself by returning the stolen money, preventing her from being embarrassed by a thief during the Christmas season.
Understanding the text
1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?
2. What are the instances in the story that show that the character ironmaster is different from that of his daughter in many ways?
3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to other’s behavior. Pick out instances of these surprises.
4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?
5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
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 ender him to us?
Answer:
How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality by the crofter, the ironmaster, and his daughter?
- The Crofter: Initially, the peddler sees the crofter’s kindness as an unexpected stroke of luck, a welcome respite from his usual cold reception. However, he quickly exploits this hospitality, viewing the crofter’s trust and openness as a weakness to be taken advantage of for financial gain. He doesn’t interpret it as genuine human connection but rather as an opportunity.
- The Ironmaster: The peddler misinterprets the ironmaster’s initial kindness as a potential source of financial benefit. He plays along with the mistaken identity, hoping to get a few kronor. When the ironmaster insists he come to the manor, the peddler views this as a dangerous trap, a “lion’s den” where his theft might be discovered. He doesn’t see the invitation as genuine warmth but as a potential threat to his safety.
- His Daughter (Edla): Edla’s kindness is the only hospitality that truly penetrates the peddler’s cynical worldview. He is initially surprised by her genuine compassion and her willingness to help a poor vagabond. He finds her lack of judgment and her heartfelt concern perplexing. Ultimately, it is her unwavering kindness and belief in him that he cannot comprehend within his existing framework of the world as a rattrap.
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?
- Initial Reaction to the Peddler: The ironmaster’s initial reaction is based on a mistaken identity and a desire to reconnect with a perceived old comrade. His kindness stems from this error. Edla’s kindness, however, is rooted in genuine compassion for a fellow human being in distress, regardless of his identity or social standing.
- Suspicion and Judgment: When the ironmaster realizes his mistake, his immediate reaction is anger and a threat of involving the sheriff. He judges the peddler based on his appearance and the deception. Edla, even after knowing the truth, continues to show empathy and insists on allowing the peddler to stay for Christmas, prioritizing his need for peace and belonging over her father’s embarrassment or anger.
- Focus and Priorities: The ironmaster is concerned with appearances and his social standing. He worries about the “silver spoons” and the potential shame of harboring a thief. Edla is more concerned with the human being in front of her and his emotional and physical well-being. Her priority is to offer comfort and kindness, especially during the Christmas season.
- Impact on the Peddler: The ironmaster’s initial (mistaken) friendliness doesn’t lead to any real change in the peddler. It’s Edla’s persistent and genuine kindness that ultimately touches his heart and motivates him to change his ways.
3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behavior. Pick out instances of these surprises.
- The Crofter’s Hospitality: The peddler is surprised by the crofter’s immediate and generous hospitality, a stark contrast to the “sour faces” he usually encounters.
- The Ironmaster’s “Recognition”: The peddler is surprised when the ironmaster mistakes him for an old acquaintance and invites him home.
- The Peddler’s Refusal: The ironmaster is surprised by the peddler’s repeated refusal to come to the manor house.
- Edla’s Insistence: Both the peddler and the ironmaster are surprised by Edla’s insistence that the stranger stay for Christmas even after the truth about his identity is revealed.
- The Peddler’s Transformation and Gift: The ironmaster and Edla are undoubtedly surprised by the peddler’s changed behavior, his leaving the stolen money, and his thoughtful letter signed “Captain von Stahle.”
4. What made the peddler finally change his ways? The peddler finally changed his ways because of Edla Willmansson’s unwavering kindness, empathy, and respect. She treated him like a human being worthy of dignity, despite his appearance and his lies. Her genuine care and her belief in his potential for good touched something within him that had long been dormant. By elevating him in her treatment (“as if I was a captain”), she empowered him to rise above his circumstances and act with integrity. He felt a sense of responsibility towards her kindness that he hadn’t felt before.
5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament? The metaphor of the rattrap effectively highlights the human predicament by suggesting that the world constantly offers alluring “baits” – riches, joys, shelter, food – that tempt people and can ultimately lead them into trouble and entrapment. Just as a rattrap closes in on the cheese or pork, the world can ensnare individuals through their desires and weaknesses. The story shows how poverty and hardship can make individuals susceptible to these baits, leading them down a path of desperation and wrongdoing. However, the story also suggests that just as a rattrap can be escaped through unexpected kindness and a change of heart, humans too can break free from the traps they find themselves in through compassion and empathy.
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 subtle sense of humor, particularly 1 evident in his cynical “rattrap theory” of the world, serves to lighten the seriousness of his plight and the potentially dark themes of poverty, theft, and despair. His witty, albeit grim, perspective on life provides a touch of irony and makes him more relatable and less purely a victim.
Endearing Him to Us: This subtle humor suggests a certain intelligence and resilience in the peddler. It hints that beneath his ragged exterior and his criminal behavior lies a mind that observes and processes the world in a unique way. This makes him more than just a stereotypical poor thief; it gives him a distinct personality and allows the reader to see a glimmer of humanity and wit within him, making him more sympathetic and interesting. His final letter, signed “Captain von Stahle,” also carries a touch of ironic humor, acknowledging his former status in the eyes of Edla and his newfound sense of self-worth.
Lightening the Seriousness: His ability to intellectualize his situation, even with a dark twist, prevents the story from becoming overly bleak. The rattrap metaphor, while serious in its implication, is also a clever and somewhat amusing way of looking at the world.
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 man selling rattraps 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.
2. You come 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.
Answer:
Group 1: Labels for the Rattrap Seller
- Task: Identify all the terms used to refer to the man selling rattraps in the story. Analyze what each label suggests about the context and the attitude of the people around him.
- Possible Findings to Present:
- Peddler/Rattrap Peddler/Seller of Rattraps: This is the most frequent and neutral descriptor, focusing on his occupation. It places him in the context of a traveling salesman, albeit a poor one.
- Stranger: This label is used when he arrives at the crofter’s cottage and the ironworks. It highlights his lack of familiarity and belonging in these places. It suggests a degree of distance and perhaps a hint of wariness from the inhabitants.
- Vagabond/Tramp/Poor Vagabonds: These terms appear when the blacksmiths at the forge dismiss him. They carry connotations of being homeless, destitute, and perhaps even undesirable. It reflects a lack of respect and a perception of him as a common and insignificant figure.
- Intruder: This word is used when he enters the forge unnoticed by the blacksmiths. It suggests an unwelcome presence, someone who has entered without permission or is seen as an outsider.
- Ragamuffin/Tall Ragamuffin: The ironmaster uses this term upon first properly seeing him in the forge. It emphasizes his shabby appearance and suggests a condescending attitude, viewing him as someone of low social standing.
- Fellow/That Fellow: The ironmaster uses this term when speaking to his daughter about the peddler after the initial mistaken identity. It’s a somewhat informal and slightly dismissive way of referring to him.
- Guest: This term is used by Edla and eventually by the ironmaster (albeit somewhat sarcastically at times). It indicates a shift in their treatment of him, acknowledging his presence in their home, even if initially based on a misunderstanding. Edla’s use of “guest” is genuine and reflects her hospitality.
- Captain (by Edla): This is not a literal label but a form of address used by Edla. It signifies her respect and her attempt to elevate him, treating him with a dignity he is not accustomed to.
- Thief: This label emerges when the ironmaster hears about the robbery at the church. It reflects a complete shift in his perception of the peddler, from a potential friend to a criminal.
- Rat (in the peddler’s letter): This is a self-deprecating label used by the peddler in his letter. It connects back to his initial metaphor of the world as a rattrap and highlights his former trapped state.
- Captain von Stahle (peddler’s signature): This assumed name signifies his transformation and his desire to live up to the respect Edla showed him. It represents a new identity and a break from his past.
Group 2: Words Indicating Weary Movement
- Task: Find the words “plod,” “trudge,” and “stagger” in the story. Identify five other words with a similar meaning, suggesting movement accompanied by weariness.
- Possible Findings to Present:
- Plod: To walk heavily and slowly; to move with little energy or enthusiasm.
- Trudge: To walk slowly and with heavy steps, typically because of exhaustion or difficult conditions.
- Stagger: To walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall.
- Five other words with similar meanings:
- Lumber: To move in a slow, heavy, awkward way. (Imagine someone very tired trying to move.)
- Shuffle: To walk by dragging one’s feet along or without lifting them fully. (Suggests exhaustion and lack of energy to lift feet properly.)
- Drag: To pull (something or oneself) along with effort or difficulty. (Implies a heavy, resistant movement.)
- Limp: To walk with difficulty, typically because of injury or stiffness. (Can also suggest weariness making movement painful or difficult.)
- Creep: To move slowly and carefully in order to avoid being noticed or heard. (While not always due to weariness, it can describe the slow, almost defeated movement of someone exhausted and trying to be inconspicuous.)
Each group should prepare a concise presentation of their findings to share with the rest of the class, fostering a deeper understanding of the text through collaborative exploration.
Thinking about language
1. Notice the words in bold in the following sentence.
“The fire boy shovelled charcoal into the saw 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.
2. Mjolis is a card game of Sweden.
Name a few indor games played in your region. ‘Chopar’ could be an example.
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.
Answer:
Words and phrases peculiar to the terminology of ironworks:
- Smelter, rolling mill, and forge: These are different parts of an ironworks, each with a specific function in processing iron ore.
- Pig iron: This is the raw iron produced from a blast furnace, which needs further processing.
- Anvil: A heavy iron block with a flat top, used for hammering and shaping metal.
- Bellows: A device for blowing air onto a fire to make it burn more fiercely, essential in a forge.
- Burning coal/charcoal: Fuel used to heat the furnace to very high temperatures needed for working with iron.
- Furnace: A structure in which heat is produced for smelting ore or heating metal.
- Coal dust: A fine black powder produced from coal, common in areas with coal processing.
- Charcoal crates: Containers for transporting charcoal, another fuel source for ironworks.
- Brick-tiled roof: A type of roofing material common in industrial buildings for durability.
- Master smith and his helper: The skilled worker in charge of the forging and their assistant.
Indoor games played in my region (Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India):
- Ludo: A popular board game involving dice and moving tokens.
- Carrom: A strike and pocket game played on a square board with discs and a striker.
- Chess (Shatranj): A strategic board game for two players.
- Cards (Taash): Various card games are played, such as Rummy, Teen Patti (Flash), and Call Break.
- Saap Seedi (Snakes and Ladders): A classic board game based on chance and ladders that help you advance and snakes that pull you back.
Uncommon terms for ‘a small farmer’ including those in my language (Hindi):
Hindi:
सीमान्त किसान (Seemant Kisan): This term specifically refers to a marginal farmer, owning a very small piece of land (typically less than 1 hectare).
छोटा किसान (Chhota Kisan): Simply translates to “small farmer.”
खेतिहर (Khetiihar): This term can refer to someone engaged in farming, often implying a small-scale or manual laborer on the land.
ग्रामवासी किसान (Gramvasi Kisan): A farmer who is a resident of a village, often implying a traditional, small-scale agriculturalist.
English (less common terms):
Yeoman: Historically, a small landowner or farmer.
Husbandman: An archaic term for a farmer or cultivator of land.
Smallholder: Commonly used internationally, especially in the UK and parts of Africa, referring to someone who farms a small amount of land.
Cottager (historically): Someone who lived in a cottage with a small piece of land.
About the Unit
Theme
The trap of material benefit that most human beings are prone to fall into.
Sub-Theme
The human tendency to redeem oneself from dishonest ways.
Comprehension
Factual understanding of events.
Inferring motives for human actions.
Talking about the text
Small groups discussion on:
the portrayal of characters in fiction.
human emotional needs and human behaviour.
real-life recounting of similar incidents.
narrative style.
Working with words
Choice of synonyms to reflect personal attitudes ‘Noticing form’
Focus on the uses of the reflexive pronoun.
Thinking about language
Vocabulary specific to a particular field.
Culture-specific games (especially indoor).
Region-specific synonyms.
Answer:
Theme: The trap of material benefit that most human beings are prone to fall into.
- Discussion Points:
- How does the story illustrate this theme through the peddler’s initial motivation and actions?
- What “baits” does the world offer in the story, and how do they tempt the characters?
- Are there characters who resist this trap? How do they manage to do so?
- Can you think of real-world examples of individuals or societies being caught in the “trap of material benefit”? What are the consequences?
- Does the story suggest that this trap is inevitable, or is there a way to escape it?
Sub-Theme: The human tendency to redeem oneself from dishonest ways.
- Discussion Points:
- How does the peddler’s character arc demonstrate this sub-theme? What are the key moments that suggest a change in him?
- What motivates the peddler to return the stolen money? Is it guilt, gratitude, or something else?
- Does the story present redemption as easily achievable, or does it require specific catalysts?
- Can you recall other stories (literary or real-life) where a character seeks redemption after dishonest actions? What are the challenges and successes in those instances?
- What role does empathy and kindness play in facilitating redemption, as seen in the story?
Comprehension:
- Factual understanding of events: This involves recalling the sequence of events in the story, the characters involved, and the key details of the plot. Questions would focus on “what happened?”
- Inferring motives for human actions: This goes beyond the surface level and asks “why did the characters do what they did?”. It requires analyzing their words, actions, and the context to understand their underlying reasons, intentions, and feelings. For example, why did the crofter offer shelter? Why did the peddler steal? Why did Edla insist he stay?
Talking about the text (Small group discussions):
- The portrayal of characters in fiction:
- How are the main characters (peddler, ironmaster, Edla, crofter) presented to the reader? What details are given about their appearance, thoughts, and actions?
- Are the characters complex or simple? Do they undergo any development or change throughout the story?
- What literary techniques (e.g., dialogue, description, internal monologue) does the author use to portray these characters effectively?
- How do the minor characters contribute to our understanding of the main characters and the themes?
- Human emotional needs and human behaviour:
- What are the basic human emotional needs highlighted in the story (e.g., loneliness, security, belonging, respect, empathy)?
- How do these needs influence the behavior of the different characters? For example, how does the crofter’s loneliness affect his actions? How does the peddler’s insecurity drive his? How does Edla’s empathy shape hers?
- Does the story suggest that fulfilling emotional needs can lead to positive behavioral changes?
- Can you connect the characters’ emotional needs and behaviors to real-life observations?
- Real-life recounting of similar incidents:
- Have you heard or read about real-life situations where someone was tempted by material gain and faced consequences?
- Can you recall instances where someone who had acted dishonestly sought redemption? What were the circumstances and the outcome?
- Have you witnessed or experienced acts of unexpected kindness that had a significant impact on someone’s behavior or outlook?
- It’s important to encourage respectful sharing and anonymity if personal stories are involved.
- Narrative style:
- What is the point of view of the narrator in “The Rattrap”? How does this affect our understanding of the story?
- Describe the pace of the narration. Are there moments of quick action or slow reflection?
- What kind of language and tone does the author use? Is it formal, informal, descriptive, or straightforward?
- Are there any specific literary devices (e.g., irony, symbolism, foreshadowing) that stand out in the narrative? How do they contribute to the story’s impact?
Working with words:
- Choice of synonyms to reflect personal attitudes:
- How do different words with similar meanings (synonyms) carry different connotations or emotional weight?
- Can you find examples in the story where the author’s choice of words reveals a character’s attitude towards the peddler or the situation? (e.g., “ragamuffin” vs. “stranger”).
- Think of a situation and list several synonyms to describe it, noting the subtle differences in the attitudes they convey.
- Focus on the uses of the reflexive pronoun: (As explored in the previous turn)
Thinking about language: (As explored in the previous turn)
This comprehensive overview should provide a clear understanding of the unit’s objectives and how each section contributes to a deeper appreciation of “The Rattrap.” Remember to encourage active participation and thoughtful discussion in the classroom.