Class 12 NCERT Solutions eNGLISH 

Flamingo Prose Chapter 4

The Rattrap

THINK AS YOU READ 

Q1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?

✅ 20 words:

While thinking about his rattraps, he suddenly imagined the whole world as a trap to catch people with temptations.

✅ 40 words:

The peddler got the idea while walking alone, thinking about his rattraps. He felt the world was also a trap, offering riches and joy as bait. Once people were tempted, they were caught, just like rats in a real rattrap.

✅ 60 words:

While walking in the woods and thinking about his rattraps, the peddler had an amusing idea: the world was one big rattrap. It offered things like wealth, food, and shelter as bait. When people were tempted, they got caught in suffering and disappointment. This thought brought him joy because it matched his own sad experiences of the world.

✅ 80 words:

The peddler got the idea when he was walking and thinking deeply about his rattraps. Suddenly, he thought the entire world was a big rattrap made to catch people. It offered baits like food, shelter, money, and luxuries—just like cheese in a rat trap. When people tried to grab these, they were caught in the trap of problems and suffering. This idea gave him comfort, as it matched his own pain and made him feel less alone in misery.

Q2. Why was he amused by this idea?

✅ 20 words:

He was amused because it made the unfair world look like a game, where others were also trapped like him.

✅ 40 words:

The idea amused him because it made him feel clever. The world had been unkind to him, so thinking it was a trap made him feel better. It was fun imagining everyone else falling for the bait like he once had.

✅ 60 words:

He found the idea entertaining because it gave him a sense of justice. The world had never been kind to him, so thinking of it as a giant trap made him feel good. It comforted him to imagine that rich and powerful people also got caught in life’s baited traps, not just poor wanderers like himself.

✅ 80 words:

The peddler felt joy in thinking the world was a rattrap because it offered a funny but sharp way to explain life. Being poor and mistreated, he had suffered a lot. This idea let him believe that everyone—rich or poor—gets trapped by life’s temptations. It made him feel less like a victim and more like a thinker. This dark humour gave him some comfort and made his dull life feel a bit meaningful.

Q3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?

✅ 20 words:

No, he didn’t expect it. He was surprised when the crofter welcomed him warmly, fed him, and gave him company.

✅ 40 words:

The peddler was a poor man and usually met with rude behaviour. So, he didn’t expect kindness. But the crofter welcomed him with warmth, food, tobacco, and conversation. This unexpected hospitality was rare and surprising for someone used to rejection.

✅ 60 words:

The peddler was used to being turned away by people, so he never expected anyone to be kind. But the crofter surprised him with warm hospitality. He offered food, shared tobacco, and even played cards with him. This friendliness made a strong impression on the peddler because he rarely received such treatment. It also built trust, which the peddler later betrayed.

✅ 80 words:

The peddler, being a poor and ragged wanderer, had never experienced true kindness. So when the crofter not only welcomed him but also served him food, shared tobacco, and talked to him like a friend, he was genuinely surprised. The warmth and hospitality were completely unexpected. This unusual act of kindness touched the peddler but also led to his moment of weakness, where he stole the crofter’s money. It showed how rare compassion can be for the poor and lonely.

Q4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?

✅ 20 words:

The crofter was old and lonely. He was happy to have someone to talk to and share his time with.

✅ 40 words:

Being alone with no wife or children, the crofter felt happy to find company. He eagerly welcomed the peddler, fed him, and shared his life stories. His loneliness made him extra friendly and eager to talk, even about personal matters.

✅ 60 words:

The crofter lived a lonely life with only his cow for company. He was glad to have a visitor. His desire for companionship made him warm and welcoming. He enjoyed feeding the peddler, giving him tobacco, and playing cards. He even shared about his earnings and showed his money, revealing how badly he needed someone to talk to and trust—even a stranger.

✅ 80 words:

The crofter was an old man who lived all alone with his cow. With no family or friends nearby, he longed for human interaction. When the peddler knocked at his door, he felt excited to finally have company. He generously offered food, played cards, and even shared details of his money, just to keep the conversation going. His extreme friendliness came from deep loneliness. Sadly, this need for connection made him vulnerable to the peddler’s betrayal.

Q5. Why did he show the thirty kronor to the peddler?

✅ 20 words:

He trusted the peddler and wanted to boast about his cow’s good milk. So, he showed him the money happily.

✅ 40 words:

The crofter was proud of his cow’s earnings and trusted the peddler. He showed him the thirty kronor to prove how useful the cow was. He didn’t think the peddler would steal and wanted to share his small success with someone.

✅ 60 words:

The crofter was lonely and trusted the peddler more than he should have. He had talked about his cow giving milk to the creamery and wanted to show that he really got thirty kronor for it. So, he proudly showed the notes to the peddler. Unfortunately, he didn’t realize that this trust would tempt the peddler to later steal the money.

✅ 80 words:

The crofter was not only lonely but also proud of his cow’s ability to earn for him. After mentioning that he had received thirty kronor from the creamery, he sensed that the peddler didn’t believe him. So, to prove his point and share his happiness, he showed the three ten-kronor notes. His act wasn’t foolish—it came from a deep desire to be believed and to feel connected with someone. Sadly, his trust was broken when the peddler stole the money.

Q6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?

✅ 20 words:

No, he betrayed the crofter’s trust by stealing the money. He broke the faith shown to him in kindness.

✅ 40 words:

The crofter trusted the peddler by sharing food and even showing his savings. But the peddler didn’t respect this trust. He returned later, broke the window, stole the thirty kronor, and ran away, proving he misused the crofter’s kindness.

✅ 60 words:

Though the crofter offered him warm hospitality and trusted him with the knowledge of his money, the peddler did not respect it. The very next morning, he returned, broke the window, stole the thirty kronor, and left. His actions showed betrayal of kindness and trust. At that moment, he thought only of survival, not of morals or gratitude.

✅ 80 words:

Sadly, the peddler failed to honour the trust and kindness shown by the crofter. After receiving food, shelter, and even emotional companionship, he returned to the cottage, broke a window, and stole the crofter’s thirty kronor. This act of betrayal revealed his desperation and lack of conscience at that moment. However, this incident also set the stage for his future transformation, showing how even someone who betrays trust can later regret and change through the power of compassion and forgiveness.

Question 7: What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?

20 words:

After stealing the money, he got lost in the forest and realized he was trapped just like in a rattrap.

40 words:

The peddler stole the crofter’s money and ran into the forest to hide. But he got lost and couldn’t find his way out. He then remembered his own words and felt that he had fallen into life’s rattrap after being tempted.

60 words:

The peddler thought he had been caught in a real-life rattrap when he got lost in the forest after stealing thirty kronor. He was unable to escape the woods, which seemed like an endless prison. It made him realize how he had been tempted by the bait of money and had now been trapped by his own greed and dishonesty.

80 words:

After stealing the crofter’s thirty kronor, the peddler tried to hide in the forest but got hopelessly lost. The forest felt like a giant trap — dark, confusing, and impossible to escape. He realized his own idea about the world being a rattrap was now true for him. He had taken the bait—money—and was now caught. This moment of reflection and regret made him realize the seriousness of his actions and was the beginning of his transformation.

Question 8: Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

20 words:

He mistook the peddler for an old army friend, Captain von Stahle, and invited him out of sympathy and duty.

40 words:

The ironmaster thought the peddler was his old regimental comrade. Out of respect and concern for his poor condition, he kindly invited him home. He wanted to help his old friend who appeared to be in a miserable state.

60 words:

When the ironmaster saw the peddler near the furnace, he mistook him for his former army companion, Captain von Stahle. Feeling sympathy and a sense of moral responsibility, he invited him home. He thought it was his duty to help someone he once knew, especially since the man looked poor, hungry, and tired. His kindness was based on mistaken identity.

80 words:

The ironmaster was doing his usual rounds at the iron mill when he noticed the peddler warming himself by the furnace. In the dim light, he mistook him for an old army friend, Captain von Stahle. He felt pity seeing his condition and believed it was his responsibility to help a former comrade. Out of goodwill and Christmas spirit, he kindly invited him to his home to rest, clean up, and enjoy the holiday season with his family.

Question 9: Why did the peddler decline the invitation?

20 words:

The peddler was afraid that going to the ironmaster’s house might expose his theft and get him arrested.

40 words:

The peddler knew he was not the captain the ironmaster thought he was. He had also stolen money. Going to the ironmaster’s home would be risky, so he refused the offer politely, hoping to escape unnoticed.

60 words:

The peddler declined the ironmaster’s invitation because he was afraid of getting caught. He had stolen the crofter’s money and knew that the ironmaster mistook him for someone else. Going to the ironmaster’s house could expose his lie and theft. So, to avoid being caught or punished, he tried to stay in the forge and escape quietly the next morning.

80 words:

Though the ironmaster was kind, the peddler declined the invitation because he feared being exposed. He had stolen thirty kronor from the crofter and wasn’t who the ironmaster thought he was. If he went to the manor, people might find out the truth, and he could be arrested. He preferred to stay low and leave quietly. His fear of being caught, along with guilt and nervousness, made him refuse the generous offer, even though it could have helped him.

Question 10: What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?

20 words:

Edla spoke kindly and respectfully. Her trust and warmth made the peddler feel safe and accepted for the first time.

40 words:

Edla treated the peddler with genuine care and compassion. Unlike others, she respected him and promised he could leave freely. Her trust and gentle behavior touched him deeply, making him drop his fear and accept her invitation willingly.

60 words:

The peddler had refused the ironmaster’s invitation out of fear. But when Edla Willmansson came and spoke kindly to him, he felt respected and safe. She was warm and gentle, and promised that he could leave freely. Her honest trust moved him emotionally. For the first time, someone treated him with dignity. This made him feel human again and accept her invitation gratefully.

80 words:

Though the peddler had been cautious and afraid earlier, Edla Willmansson’s kindness changed his mind. She spoke to him with warmth, compassion, and respect, which he wasn’t used to. She assured him that he could leave whenever he wished and would be treated with honor. Her genuine care touched his heart and made him trust her. For the first time, someone treated him as a guest, not a burden. This emotional moment led him to accept the invitation.

Question 11: What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?

20 words:

She felt he was afraid and suspicious, so she thought he might be a thief or someone who escaped from jail.

40 words:

When Edla met the peddler, she saw fear in his eyes and odd behavior. She guessed that he wasn’t really a captain, and suspected he could be a criminal or an escaped prisoner. Still, she treated him kindly and gently.

60 words:

Edla noticed the peddler’s nervousness and hesitation. He looked uncomfortable and scared, which didn’t match the behavior of a former army officer. She immediately doubted her father’s belief that he was Captain von Stahle. In fact, she suspected that he might be a thief or a runaway criminal. Despite these doubts, she chose to treat him with warmth and dignity.

80 words:

When Edla met the peddler, she sensed something was not right. He appeared nervous, scared, and awkward—nothing like how a real army captain would behave. She noticed how afraid he was and instantly guessed that he might be a thief or someone hiding something serious. Even though she had strong doubts about his identity, she decided to trust him, offering him warmth, food, and a peaceful Christmas. Her kindness played a key role in his transformation later in the story.

Question 12: When did the ironmaster realize his mistake?

20 words:

The next morning, in proper light, the ironmaster saw the peddler’s face clearly and realized he was not the captain.

40 words:

The ironmaster realized his mistake the next morning when the peddler appeared clean and well-dressed. In daylight, he could clearly see that this was not Captain von Stahle but a complete stranger. He was embarrassed by his error.

60 words:

The ironmaster saw the peddler in dim light at the forge and mistook him for an old army friend. But the next morning, after the peddler cleaned up and wore good clothes, the ironmaster could clearly see his face. The truth was obvious—he wasn’t a captain. The ironmaster felt shocked and embarrassed that he had mistaken a poor rattrap seller for a former comrade from the army.

80 words:

The ironmaster realized his mistake the following morning. At night, he had seen the peddler in poor light and assumed he was his old regimental friend, Captain von Stahle. But once the peddler had taken a bath, shaved, and dressed in fine clothes, his face was clearly visible. The ironmaster quickly understood that he was not the person he thought he was. He was upset and disappointed and even threatened to call the sheriff, but later let him stay due to Edla’s request.

Question 13: Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?

20 words:

She believed in kindness and humanity. She wanted him to have peace and feel respected, at least on Christmas.

40 words:

Even after knowing the peddler was not a captain, Edla’s heart didn’t change. She felt sorry for his hard life and wanted to give him peace and dignity. Her compassionate nature made her insist that he stay and enjoy Christmas.

60 words:

Edla believed in treating all guests with respect, especially on Christmas. Even after knowing the peddler was a poor stranger and possibly a thief, she chose to be kind. She knew he had nowhere to go and probably faced rejection everywhere. She wanted him to experience peace, food, and dignity at least for one day. Her kindness had a deep emotional impact on him and became the reason for his complete transformation.

80 words:

Edla was a kind and understanding person. She knew the peddler had lived a difficult, lonely life full of rejection. Even after learning that he wasn’t a captain and was probably a thief, she still wanted him to stay and enjoy Christmas. She believed in offering respect and warmth to every human being, especially someone who had no home or love. Her strong compassion helped the peddler feel valued, which led to his transformation. Her action proved the power of empathy and forgiveness.

Q14. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?

20 words:

She felt her trust was not wasted. The peddler’s gift showed he had changed and become a good human.

40 words:

Edla was filled with joy because the peddler returned the stolen money and left a kind note. It proved that her compassion had worked. Her belief that kindness could change people was validated, and the peddler had truly reformed.

60 words:

Edla was happy to receive the peddler’s gift because it confirmed that he had changed for the better. He returned the stolen thirty kronor and left a letter thanking her for treating him with respect. By signing as “Captain von Stahle,” he showed his new identity. Her kindness had succeeded in awakening goodness within a man whom everyone else rejected.

80 words:

Edla’s heart was filled with happiness when she saw the small rattrap with the returned money and the heartfelt letter. It meant the peddler had truly changed. Her kindness and trust had touched him so deeply that he no longer wanted to live like a thief. By signing the letter as “Captain von Stahle,” he embraced a new, honorable identity. Edla was overjoyed that her act of compassion had not only saved a soul but had also given him a second chance.

 Q15. Why did the peddler sign himself as 'Captain von Stahle'?

20 words:

He signed as ‘Captain von Stahle’ to honour the identity Edla gave him and to show his change of heart.

40 words:

The peddler used the name ‘Captain von Stahle’ to show that Edla’s kindness had transformed him. She treated him like a respected person, so he decided to live up to that identity and prove he could be noble and honest.

60 words:

The peddler signed the letter as “Captain von Stahle” because he felt truly changed by Edla’s compassion. She treated him not as a thief but as a gentleman. This touched his heart deeply. By using that name, he showed gratitude and a desire to become the person she believed him to be — honorable, respectful, and reformed.

80 words:

The peddler signed the letter as “Captain von Stahle” to reflect the identity Edla had kindly offered him. Although he was a poor rattrap seller and a thief, she treated him like a noble guest. Her trust and compassion awakened the goodness within him. By returning the money and signing as a captain, he symbolically accepted her faith in him. It was his way of saying he had changed and was no longer a thief, but a reformed and dignified man.

TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT 

Q1. The reader’s sympathy is with the peddler right from the beginning of the story. Why is this so? Is the sympathy justified?

20 words:

The peddler is poor, lonely, and mistreated. Readers feel sympathy because he struggles to survive and is shown as human.

40 words:

From the start, we see the peddler as a sad and helpless man. He lives alone, begs to survive, and is treated badly. Despite stealing, his emotions and transformation make us feel sympathy. Yes, the sympathy is justified by his change.

60 words:

The peddler is introduced as a poor vagabond with no friends or family. His life is hard, and he survives by begging and stealing. Though he steals money, readers understand he did so out of desperation. His realization and emotional change later in the story justify our sympathy. His humanity shines through his suffering, making him a relatable and touching character.

80 words:

The peddler’s hardships, loneliness, and poverty instantly create sympathy. He is not just a thief; he is a human who suffers from rejection and hunger. His belief that the world is a rattrap comes from his life experience. Despite stealing the crofter’s money, we feel for him because he later regrets it. The kindness shown by Edla awakens his inner goodness. His sincere change, letter, and returned money prove that even wrongdoers deserve a second chance. So yes, our sympathy is truly justified.

Q2. The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.

20 words:

The crofter, the peddler, and Edla—all face loneliness. The story shows how human bonding and kindness change lives.

40 words:

The crofter welcomes the peddler because he’s lonely. The peddler also longs for warmth. Edla sees his pain and treats him with respect. The story shows how emotional bonds and human connection help heal even the most broken people.

60 words:

Loneliness is central to the story. The crofter talks to the peddler because he misses company. The peddler wanders alone, ignored by society. Edla’s compassion fills the emotional gap in his life. This bond changes him from a thief to a noble man. The story shows that human beings need connection, love, and respect more than food and money to truly live.

80 words:

In “The Rattrap,” loneliness drives many actions. The crofter speaks openly and shares food with the peddler because he has no family. The peddler steals not out of evil, but out of desperation and neglect. Edla, a kind-hearted girl, recognizes the peddler’s need for love and peace. Her kindness gives him hope. The story teaches that humans can be uplifted by love, empathy, and bonding. A simple act of care can erase years of pain and bring someone back to goodness.

Q3. 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?

20 words:

Yes, stories of kindness—like helping a poor student—can inspire them to study hard and become successful in life.

40 words:

There are many stories where kindness transformed lives. A teacher’s trust or a stranger’s help during tough times has made people believe in humanity again. One good deed can change someone’s mindset, just like Edla’s changed the peddler’s life.

60 words:

Yes, many real-life stories show the power of kindness. A poor student once received books from a kind stranger and later became a top officer. That one act changed how he saw the world. Like in “The Rattrap,” simple respect and belief in someone’s goodness can help them overcome guilt and darkness. Such gestures restore faith in humanity.

80 words:

Definitely. Acts of kindness can transform people’s lives. I heard of a boy from a slum who got free coaching from a retired teacher. That single act of faith changed his future—he topped the civil services exam. He later became an IAS officer and started a school for poor kids. His words echoed the same idea as “The Rattrap”: kindness has the power to make someone believe in their worth and begin again. Such stories are true examples of humanity.

Q4. The story is both entertaining and philosophical.

20 words:

It has suspense and emotion, but also teaches moral lessons about greed, redemption, and human kindness in life.

40 words:

The story entertains with its twists—mistaken identity and the stolen money—but also gives deep life lessons. It shows how material greed traps people, and how love can transform even a thief. That makes it both engaging and thoughtful.

60 words:

“The Rattrap” works on two levels. On one hand, it has an interesting plot with humor, a thief, and mistaken identity. On the other, it deeply explores themes like loneliness, guilt, human dignity, and redemption. The rattrap metaphor gives it a philosophical base, while the characters and storyline make it emotionally compelling. This mix makes the story memorable, enjoyable, and meaningful.

80 words:

Selma Lagerlöf beautifully blends entertainment with philosophy in “The Rattrap.” The suspense around the stolen money, the mistaken identity at the ironmaster’s home, and the emotional transformation of the peddler make it engaging. But beneath the story lies a deeper message: life’s temptations trap us, and only love and respect can save us. The peddler’s journey from a thief to “Captain von Stahle” is touching and meaningful. The story reminds us of humanity’s ability to fall—and rise—with dignity and help.

THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE

Q1. 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.”

(a) What does “maw” mean? Can you use it in your own sentence?

The word “maw” means a large, open mouth — often of something scary or threatening. It can be used literally (like an animal’s mouth) or figuratively (like a dark cave or fire).
👉 Example: The hero jumped into the fiery maw of the dragon to save his friend.

Q2. Try and visualise a furnace with its mouth wide open. What kind of a picture does it bring to your mind?
When I imagine a furnace with its mouth wide open, I picture a glowing pit full of flames. It roars like a beast, throwing sparks into the air. It looks like a dragon’s mouth — ready to eat metal and wood. The intense heat and bright glow make it feel alive, dangerous, and full of energy.

Q3. What other words can you use to describe the sounds produced by a working iron mill?
Sounds in a working iron mill include loud clangs of iron, the hammering of machines, the hissing of steam, and the heavy rumble of carts. There’s also the crackle of fire and the shriek of metal being shaped. These sounds create an atmosphere of hard work, energy, and tension — perfectly matching the setting of the story’s ironworks.

EXTRA QUESTIONS 

1. Why did the peddler sell rattraps?

✅ 20 words:

He was poor and jobless, so he made rattraps from scrap wire to earn some money for food and survival.

✅ 40 words:

The peddler had no permanent job or shelter. He was homeless and survived by selling rattraps made from wire scraps. Sometimes he also begged or stole. Making rattraps was his small way of earning a living and staying alive.

✅ 60 words:

The peddler lived a life of poverty and loneliness. He didn’t have a regular job or income. So, he made rattraps from waste wire that he collected by begging. Although it hardly brought money, it helped him survive. He also begged and sometimes stole to keep himself alive. Selling rattraps was a way to maintain his body and soul together.

✅ 80 words:

Being homeless and extremely poor, the peddler had no stable work or income source. He created small rattraps from wire scraps that he collected from shops and farms. These rattraps were not very profitable, but they gave him a reason to walk from place to place. Alongside, he also begged and committed petty thefts. His rattraps symbolized his struggle and served as both a livelihood and a reflection of how he saw the world—as one big trap.

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2. What is the central message of “The Rattrap”?

✅ 20 words:

The story teaches that kindness can change people and that love helps people come out of their wrong paths.

✅ 40 words:

The story’s main message is that everyone deserves compassion. Even a thief can change when treated kindly. It shows that the world is full of temptations, like a rattrap, but love and understanding can lead to redemption and goodness.

✅ 60 words:

Selma Lagerlöf’s story conveys that human beings often fall into life’s temptations, like a rattrap catches rats. But the real strength lies in rising above those temptations. The story shows that even a thief can become honest if shown kindness and respect. Edla’s gentle behaviour brings about a complete change in the peddler, proving that love transforms.

✅ 80 words:

The central idea of “The Rattrap” is the power of love, kindness, and compassion to reform people. The peddler, who leads a dishonest life, believes the world is a trap. But when Edla treats him with dignity and warmth, he feels human again. Her trust awakens his conscience, and he returns the stolen money. The story shows that no one is beyond change and that human goodness can be awakened even in the darkest hearts with love and empathy.

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3. Why did the peddler feel trapped in the forest?

✅ 20 words:

He had stolen money and escaped into the forest but got lost and couldn’t find a way out, feeling trapped.

✅ 40 words:

After stealing the crofter’s money, the peddler avoided roads and walked through the forest. But the forest was large and confusing. He kept walking in circles, unable to escape. That’s when he felt he had been caught in the world’s rattrap.

✅ 60 words:

The peddler stole thirty kronor from the crofter and escaped into the forest to avoid being caught. At first, he felt smart. But the deep, confusing forest made him lose direction. After hours of wandering, he realized he was stuck in the same area. The forest seemed like a real trap, proving his earlier thought—that the world is a rattrap—was true for him too.

✅ 80 words:

After stealing from the generous crofter, the peddler didn’t take the public road and entered the forest to avoid suspicion. Initially, he felt proud of his cleverness. But the dense forest was tricky, and he couldn’t find the way out. He kept walking in circles, and fear took over. Suddenly, he remembered his own idea of the world being a rattrap. Now he felt trapped, both physically and mentally, by his greed. This moment was the turning point in the story.

4. Why did the ironmaster invite the peddler to his home?

✅ 20 words:

The ironmaster thought the peddler was an old friend from the army, so he kindly invited him for Christmas.

✅ 40 words:

The ironmaster visited the forge and saw the peddler near the furnace. In the dim light, he mistook him for an old regimental comrade and invited him home. He wanted to help him and share Christmas with company.

✅ 60 words:

At Ramsjö Ironworks, the ironmaster spotted the peddler resting by the furnace and mistook him for an old army friend. Feeling warm-hearted during Christmas, he invited him to his house. He wanted to offer him food, clothes, and comfort, believing he was an old companion who had fallen on hard times.

✅ 80 words:

The ironmaster was making a late-night inspection of his forge when he saw the peddler near the furnace. Due to the unclear light and the peddler’s bearded appearance, he assumed he was an old army comrade named Nils Olof. Hoping to help him during the Christmas season, he invited him to his house for shelter and food. This mistaken identity gave the peddler an unexpected chance at comfort and later, a path toward personal change.

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5. Why did the peddler refuse to go to the ironmaster’s house at first?

✅ 20 words:

He feared being caught for theft and thought the ironmaster would discover he wasn’t the person he mistook him for.

✅ 40 words:

The peddler was afraid the ironmaster might discover he wasn’t the person he thought. Also, he feared that if caught, his theft of the thirty kronor would be revealed. He preferred staying quietly in the forge and avoiding trouble.

✅ 60 words:

Though invited warmly, the peddler didn’t want to go with the ironmaster. He knew he wasn’t Nils Olof and feared the truth would come out. Also, since he had recently stolen money from the crofter, he didn’t want to be around people who might recognize or question him. He saw the house as a lion’s den and wanted to escape quietly.

✅ 80 words:

The peddler initially refused the ironmaster’s invitation because he feared being caught. He knew he was not who the ironmaster thought he was and didn’t want to be exposed. Also, he had just stolen money from the crofter and feared staying with such a powerful man might put him in danger. He felt nervous and wanted to remain unnoticed. The fear of being caught made him try to avoid further contact, especially in such a respectable home.

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6. What was Edla’s reaction when she saw the peddler?

✅ 20 words:

She felt pity and compassion. Even after knowing his truth, she treated him kindly and invited him to stay.

✅ 40 words:

Edla noticed the peddler was nervous and frightened. Instead of judging him, she reassured him gently and insisted he stay. Her kindness and trust, even after knowing he wasn’t a captain, reflected her generous and noble nature.

✅ 60 words:

When Edla saw the peddler, she noticed his fear and discomfort. She immediately sensed that he wasn’t the captain her father believed him to be. But she didn’t embarrass him. Instead, she offered him warmth, food, and shelter with kindness. She made him feel human and safe, and this trust was the key to his later transformation.

✅ 80 words:

Edla’s response was filled with empathy and compassion. She realized the man was frightened and clearly not the person her father had thought. But instead of rejecting him or scolding him, she chose to be kind. She promised that he was free to leave anytime and didn’t need to fear arrest or exposure. Her warmth and trust created a safe space for the peddler. Her behaviour reflected true Christmas spirit—caring for the weak, without judgment or conditions.

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7. What effect did Edla’s kindness have on the peddler?

✅ 20 words:

It changed him deeply. Her trust made him return the stolen money and become a better, more honest person.

✅ 40 words:

Edla’s kindness touched the peddler’s heart. She treated him with dignity even after knowing the truth. This awakened his conscience, and he returned the stolen thirty kronor. Her trust made him believe in goodness and helped him reform himself.

✅ 60 words:

The peddler was deeply moved by Edla’s genuine care. She didn’t judge or insult him, even when she knew he was a thief. Her gentle behaviour reminded him of the goodness left in the world. This emotional connection made him rethink his wrong actions. As a result, he left behind the stolen money and a note, showing his gratitude and desire to change.

✅ 80 words:

Edla Willmansson’s kind and respectful treatment brought about a big change in the peddler’s life. Until then, he had only experienced mistrust and rejection. But Edla welcomed him like a real guest, even after knowing his truth. Her belief in him touched his heart and made him feel valued. That emotional warmth encouraged him to return the stolen money, leave a thank-you letter, and address himself as “Captain von Stahle,” a title that symbolized his inner transformation and newly found dignity.

8. What did the peddler leave behind at the ironmaster’s house?

✅ 20 words:

He left a rattrap, thirty kronor he had stolen, and a letter addressed to Edla thanking her for her kindness.

✅ 40 words:

The peddler left behind a rattrap, the thirty kronor stolen from the crofter, and a letter for Edla. In the letter, he thanked her and returned the money. He signed it as “Captain von Stahle,” showing his changed identity.

✅ 60 words:

Before leaving, the peddler placed a small rattrap as a gift for Edla, along with the stolen thirty kronor inside it. He also left a heartfelt letter, explaining how her kindness helped him change. He wrote that he didn’t want her to feel ashamed of hosting a thief. The letter was signed “Captain von Stahle,” symbolizing his new self.

✅ 80 words:

The peddler left a surprising and meaningful gift before going—his handmade rattrap with the thirty kronor inside it, and a touching letter addressed to Edla. In the letter, he admitted he had stolen the money but wanted her to return it to the crofter. He expressed his deep gratitude and wrote that her compassion raised him to behave like a real “Captain.” He signed it as “Captain von Stahle,” which showed he no longer saw himself as just a poor thief.

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9. What is the symbolic significance of the rattrap in the story?

✅ 20 words:

The rattrap symbolizes life’s temptations. Like rats get trapped by bait, people get trapped by greed and worldly desires.

✅ 40 words:

The rattrap is a symbol for life’s temptations—money, food, shelter, fame. Just as rats get caught for cheese, people fall into traps for material gain. The peddler realizes this and finally escapes it through Edla’s kindness and trust.

✅ 60 words:

The rattrap represents the traps of the world—wealth, food, comfort, and fame—that lure people in. The peddler believed everyone gets trapped when tempted by these things, and he himself proved it by stealing the crofter’s money. However, Edla’s compassion helps him escape this mental trap, symbolizing that kindness and dignity can free people from material desires.

✅ 80 words:

In the story, the rattrap is a strong symbol of the worldly temptations that trap human beings. People are often drawn toward material things like wealth, food, shelter, and status—just like a rat is drawn toward cheese. The peddler initially believes everyone is a victim of this trap. Ironically, he himself gets caught after stealing money. But the story shows that one can escape this trap through human love, dignity, and kindness, as seen in his transformation through Edla’s generosity.

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10. Why did the peddler sign the letter as ‘Captain von Stahle’?

✅ 20 words:

He signed as “Captain von Stahle” because Edla treated him like one. Her respect helped him become a better person.

✅ 40 words:

The peddler used the name “Captain von Stahle” to honor Edla’s kindness. Though he was not truly a captain, her respectful behavior made him feel like one. It showed his inner transformation from a thief to a responsible human being.

✅ 60 words:

The peddler signed the letter as “Captain von Stahle” because Edla treated him like a noble guest, not a criminal. Her kindness and respect gave him a new sense of identity. By signing with that name, he was acknowledging that her compassion helped him rise above his past. It was his way of showing gratitude and reclaiming his lost dignity.

✅ 80 words:

“Captain von Stahle” was not the peddler’s real name, but he used it to honor Edla’s kindness. She treated him with respect and gave him warmth and dignity, even though she knew he was not a nobleman. That treatment made him feel like a real human being, worthy of trust. By signing the letter with that name, he was showing that her faith in him helped him change and become a new person, deserving of the title and her trust.

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11. How is Edla’s character different from the ironmaster?

✅ 20 words:

Edla is kind, understanding, and patient. Unlike her father, she treats the peddler with love, trust, and compassion.

✅ 40 words:

The ironmaster acts out of pride and position, judging people by appearance. Edla, in contrast, is kind and empathetic. She doesn’t care about status and treats the peddler with genuine warmth and trust, even after learning his real identity.

✅ 60 words:

While the ironmaster is quick to judge and wants to throw the peddler out when he learns the truth, Edla stays calm and compassionate. She sees the peddler’s fear and treats him with respect and care. She believes in giving people second chances. Her kindness brings out the peddler’s better side, unlike the ironmaster’s proud and harsh attitude.

✅ 80 words:

The ironmaster is proud and status-conscious. He invites the peddler home only because he thinks he’s an old army friend. When the truth comes out, he wants to send him away. On the other hand, Edla is warm, patient, and empathetic. She believes in humanity, not appearances. Even after knowing the truth, she insists the peddler stay, showing trust and compassion. Her genuine care becomes the reason the peddler reforms. She represents the true spirit of kindness and forgiveness.

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12. What lesson does “The Rattrap” teach about kindness?

✅ 20 words:

It teaches that kindness has the power to change hearts. Even a criminal can become good when treated with love.

✅ 40 words:

The story shows that kindness can awaken the goodness inside even the worst of people. Edla’s compassionate behavior changed the peddler completely. He returned the stolen money and thanked her. It proves that love and understanding lead to redemption.

✅ 60 words:

“The Rattrap” beautifully shows that kindness can bring about real change. The peddler, once a thief, changes only because Edla treats him with trust and respect. She doesn't judge him but gives him a warm place to stay during Christmas. This compassion touches his heart and helps him realize the right path. The story highlights the healing power of empathy.

✅ 80 words:

One of the strongest lessons in “The Rattrap” is that simple acts of kindness can have deep, life-changing effects. The peddler was used to rejection and cruelty. But Edla’s gentle behavior, her trust, and her decision to treat him with dignity melted his heart. He was no longer a thief in that moment. He felt valued and chose to return the money he stole. The story shows how love, forgiveness, and a second chance can awaken the goodness hidden in any soul.

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13. What role does the Christmas setting play in the story?

✅ 20 words:

Christmas symbolizes love, forgiveness, and new beginnings. It creates the perfect background for the peddler’s moral transformation.

✅ 40 words:

The Christmas setting adds depth to the story. It’s a time of kindness, sharing, and forgiveness. That’s exactly what Edla shows to the peddler. Her Christmas spirit brings warmth into his life and helps him make a fresh start.

✅ 60 words:

Christmas represents generosity and redemption, and that spirit is reflected in Edla’s actions. Though the peddler is a thief, she invites him to celebrate Christmas with her family. She treats him as an equal, giving him warmth and food. This loving gesture, during a holy season, helps the peddler transform. The Christmas backdrop makes the message of forgiveness more powerful.

✅ 80 words:

The Christmas setting is symbolic and plays an important role in the story’s mood and theme. Christmas is a season of giving, compassion, and hope. When Edla chooses to keep the peddler in their home during Christmas, despite knowing he’s a thief, it reflects the true spirit of the festival. Her warmth and unconditional kindness deeply touch the peddler’s heart. It makes him reflect on his wrongdoings and inspires him to return the stolen money. Christmas becomes the turning point in his life.

14. How does the story reflect the theme of redemption?

✅ 20 words:

The story shows that even a thief can change if treated with love, trust, and given a second chance.

✅ 40 words:

The story’s central theme is redemption. The peddler changes from a thief to a better person due to Edla’s kindness. He returns the stolen money and signs off as “Captain,” showing that even broken people can choose the right path again.

✅ 60 words:

“The Rattrap” clearly shows that redemption is possible for anyone. The peddler, who once believed the world was a trap, experiences kindness from Edla. Her warmth makes him reflect on his wrongdoings. As a result, he returns the stolen money and leaves a thank-you letter. His change shows that people can redeem themselves if given love and trust.

✅ 80 words:

The story carries a powerful message of redemption. The peddler, once a petty thief, is touched by the warmth and compassion shown by Edla Willmansson. Despite knowing his truth, she treats him with dignity. This emotional experience awakens his conscience and gives him the courage to make things right. He returns the stolen thirty kronor and leaves a letter expressing his change. His transformation proves that when people are shown faith and respect, they often rise above their mistakes and choose honesty.

15. Why did the ironmaster decide to let the peddler stay in the end?

✅ 20 words:

The ironmaster allowed him to stay because his daughter Edla insisted and reminded him of their promise of Christmas cheer.

✅ 40 words:

Though angry at first, the ironmaster gave in to Edla’s request. She reminded him of their Christmas spirit and the promise made to the peddler. Not wanting to hurt her feelings, he reluctantly agreed to let the peddler stay.

✅ 60 words:

Initially, the ironmaster wanted the peddler out after discovering his real identity. But Edla gently reminded him that they had invited the guest in the Christmas spirit. She didn’t want to break the promise of kindness. Though he mumbled in disagreement, he respected his daughter’s compassionate nature and allowed the peddler to stay for Christmas, giving him a chance to rest peacefully.

✅ 80 words:

When the ironmaster found out that the peddler was not his old regimental comrade, he felt cheated and wanted to send him away. However, his daughter Edla stepped in and reminded him that they had invited the man for Christmas and promised him warmth and hospitality. She wanted to treat him like a guest, regardless of his past. Moved by her words and unable to oppose her gentle nature, the ironmaster agreed, allowing the peddler to stay and experience real kindness.

16. What does the story say about the importance of dignity?

✅ 20 words:

The story shows that giving someone dignity and respect can help them become better and feel valued, even after mistakes.

✅ 40 words:

When Edla treats the peddler with respect, he feels human again. Her dignified treatment gives him the strength to change. It teaches that when people are given dignity, they start valuing themselves and want to act with honesty.

✅ 60 words:

The story beautifully shows how dignity can change someone’s life. Edla treats the peddler like a guest, not a thief. She doesn’t question him but trusts him. This respectful treatment helps him feel worthy. He begins to see himself differently and decides to return the stolen money. The story proves that treating people with dignity can lead to transformation.

✅ 80 words:

“The Rattrap” strongly highlights the power of dignity in changing lives. Throughout his journey, the peddler faced rejection, insults, and distrust. But when Edla treated him with care, respect, and dignity—despite knowing he was a thief—it awakened his conscience. He felt valued as a human being, not judged for his past. This made him return the stolen money and walk a new path. The story teaches that when we treat others with dignity, we give them the strength to become better.

17. How did the crofter earn his living?

✅ 20 words:

The crofter was old and earned his living by selling milk from his cow to the local creamery every day.

✅ 40 words:

The crofter lived alone and owned a cow. He sold the cow’s milk to the creamery and earned money. He told the peddler that he earned thirty kronor from the last month’s milk, which he proudly showed him.

✅ 60 words:

The crofter was an old man living in a cottage near the road. He had once worked on the land but now survived by selling milk. His cow gave milk every day, which he supplied to the creamery. From this, he had earned thirty kronor last month. He was proud of this and trusted the peddler enough to show him the money.

✅ 80 words:

The crofter, a lonely and elderly man, had no family and lived simply in his cottage. In his younger days, he had worked on a farm, but now his only source of income was his cow. Every day, the cow provided milk, which he sold to the local creamery. He proudly told the peddler that the creamery paid him thirty kronor the previous month. His pride in self-sufficiency and trust in the peddler ultimately led to his betrayal.

18. Why did the blacksmiths not speak to the peddler at the forge?

✅ 20 words:

They were used to such poor wanderers coming for warmth, so they ignored him and focused on their work.

✅ 40 words:

The blacksmiths didn’t see the peddler as someone special. Poor people often came to warm themselves at the forge. Since he looked dirty and ragged, they just nodded and let him stay silently by the fire without talking.

✅ 60 words:

The blacksmiths were busy working in the forge and had seen many poor vagabonds come in just to get warm. The peddler, with his rags and worn-out look, seemed like one of them. They didn’t think he was important and didn’t waste time talking to him. They nodded casually and continued their work, treating him with indifference, unlike Edla later.

✅ 80 words:

When the peddler entered the forge at Ramsjö Ironworks, the blacksmiths barely noticed him. It was common for poor wanderers to come into the warm forge on cold nights. The peddler’s ragged clothes and dirty appearance made him look like just another homeless man. So, they didn’t talk to him or pay much attention. Their indifference reflected how society often ignores the poor and doesn’t care about their presence unless they seem important or influential.

19. What lesson does the peddler learn by the end of the story?

✅ 20 words:

He learns that the world’s temptations are a trap and that kindness and trust can lead to real transformation.

✅ 40 words:

By the end, the peddler understands that greed only leads to trouble. Edla’s kindness makes him see the good in people. He returns the stolen money and wants to live honestly. He learns the value of trust and dignity.

✅ 60 words:

The peddler starts with a negative view of the world, calling it a rattrap. But after meeting Edla, he learns that not everyone is cruel. Her kindness helps him realize his own worth. He decides to return the money and leave a kind note. The story ends with him choosing honesty over theft, proving he learned to be better.

✅ 80 words:

Throughout the story, the peddler believed that the world was full of traps and people were selfish. But when Edla treated him with warmth, care, and dignity, despite knowing his truth, he was deeply touched. This experience helped him see that not everyone is cruel and that even someone like him could change. He learned that love and respect can help people escape their inner traps. His decision to return the stolen money showed he had truly learned an important life lesson.

20. How does the story blend realism with fairy tale elements?

✅ 20 words:

The story is realistic in setting but uses fairy-tale ideas like transformation, mistaken identity, and moral awakening.

✅ 40 words:

“The Rattrap” blends real places and poor people with fairy tale-like themes. The peddler’s change of heart, Edla’s kindness, and the ending note are magical and emotional. It feels like a modern moral tale rooted in everyday life.

✅ 60 words:

Though set in the real iron mines and roads of Sweden, “The Rattrap” feels like a fairy tale. A poor man’s transformation, the mistaken identity, and the generous girl who changes him all feel magical. The world is described as a “trap,” which adds to the fantasy feel. But the message about kindness and humanity keeps the story grounded and relatable.

✅ 80 words:

“The Rattrap” blends realism and fantasy beautifully. The story takes place in a real setting—the Swedish countryside and an iron mill—but carries fairy-tale elements like the peddler’s transformation, the unexpected kindness of strangers, and poetic justice. The idea of the world being a rattrap gives it a symbolic, fairy-tale feel. Edla is like a fairy godmother, changing the hero with love. The peddler’s moral awakening and change of heart turn the realistic story into a modern fable with a strong moral.