Navigate NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 4 “The Rattrap” Q&A effortlessly. Gain insights into the story’s essence with well-crafted answers covering themes, character dynamics, and literary techniques. These solutions serve as a valuable tool for exam preparation, aiding in a comprehensive comprehension of the chapter. Immerse yourself in the world of “The Rattrap” and unravel its intricacies through these expertly curated solutions.
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter- 4 The Rattrap Questions and Answers
THINK AS YOU READ ➤➤➤ page no 34
1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
Answer: The peddler, a vendor of rattraps, had his mind occupied with thoughts of his wares. However, a sudden revelation dawned on him as he conceived the notion that the entire world could be likened to an immense rattrap.
2. Why was he amused by this idea?
Answer: Constantly facing life’s unkindness, the peddler harbored a cynical view of the world. The concept of the world being a colossal rattrap amused him, albeit in an unexpected way, sparking a peculiar sense of joy within him.
3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?
Answer: No, The peddler was pleasantly surprised by the level of kind hospitality he received from the crofter.
4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
Answer: In his solitary cottage, the crofter lived a lonely life. Consequently, he felt a surge of joy upon finding someone to converse with, leading him to be exceedingly talkative and amicable towards the peddler.
5. Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?
Answer: The crofter, being a gullible man, readily placed his trust in others. Consequently, he openly displayed thirty kronor to the peddler, without any inkling that the latter might be a thief.
6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?
Answer: Regrettably, the peddler did not honor the trust bestowed upon him by the crofter. Despite the crofter’s display of thirty kronor, the peddler chose to steal them instead.
THINK AS YOU READ ➤➤➤ page no 37
1. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
Answer: After pilfering the money, the peddler soon realized the peril of traversing the public highway with his ill-gotten gains. To avoid detection, he sought refuge in the woods, but the forest seemed endless as he walked on without reaching its end. Suddenly, he became aware that he had fallen into a trap, much like the very rattraps he had been selling. He had been lured by a bait and ensnared, a victim of his own deceitful actions.
2. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
Answer: Assuming the peddler to be a former captain and an old comrade who had left the regiment, the ironmaster spoke to him with warmth and kindness, believing him to be a familiar acquaintance. It was this mistaken belief that led the ironmaster to extend a Christmas invitation, seeking the peddler’s company during the festive season.
3. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
Answer: Aware of the ironmaster’s misconception that he was his former comrade from the regiment, the peddler faced a dilemma. Adding to his predicament, he carried stolen money—thirty kronor—with him. Going to the ironmaster’s residence felt like walking into a dangerous situation, akin to stepping into a lion’s den. Consequently, he politely turned down the invitation.
THINK AS YOU READ ➤➤➤ page no 41
1. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?
Answers: Edla Willmansson approached the peddler and introduced herself. She mentioned that she had heard about his intention to spend the night in the forge. With genuine concern, she asked for his permission to bring him to her home instead. Edla assured him that he would be welcome to leave whenever he pleased, just as freely as he arrived. She kindly requested him to stay with them on Christmas Eve, extending her hospitality and warmth.
2. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?
Answers: Edla couldn’t help but harbor suspicions about the peddler, considering the possibility that he might have either stolen something or escaped from jail. The uncertainty surrounding his true identity and actions left her feeling wary and cautious.
3. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?
Answers: The following morning, the stranger appeared entirely transformed – cleaned up and dressed neatly. The valet had taken care of him, providing a bath, a haircut, and a shave. As he was escorted to the dining room for breakfast, the ironmaster saw him clearly in the broad daylight. It was evident that he bore no resemblance to any old acquaintance. The ironmaster finally realized his grave error and, consumed by anger and regret, threatened to summon the Sheriff.
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?
Answers: The peddler, feeling the weight of the misunderstanding, quickly spoke up in his defense. He asserted that he never pretended to be anything other than a humble trader and that the confusion was not his fault. Pleading earnestly, he begged for the chance to stay in the forge for the night. He emphasized that he had not caused any harm, and if necessary, he would don his rags once more and leave without a fuss. As the truth became evident, it was clear that he was not the person the iron master had initially believed him to be.
5. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
Answers: Edla, understanding the harsh reality of the peddler’s life and feeling a sense of responsibility for inviting him to their home with the promise of Christmas warmth, did not deem it right to chase him away. Instead, she empathized with his situation and desired to offer him a day of respite and companionship. Despite discovering the truth about him, she chose to extend her kindness and hospitality, ensuring that the peddler could still find solace and cheer in their company.
THINK AS YOU READ ➤➤➤
1. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler ?
Answer: Edla’s delight was evident as she discovered the gift left behind by the peddler – a small rattrap containing three wrinkled ten Kroner notes. She felt a sense of contentment at this unexpected find. What touched her even more was that the peddler had praised her for transforming him. The incident left her with a warm feeling, knowing that her kindness had made a positive impact on someone’s life, and she couldn’t help but smile at the thought.
2. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain Von Stahle ?
Answer: The peddler chose the name “Captain Von Stahle” for himself, influenced by the ironmaster’s daughter, who had played a significant role in his transformation. Her addressing him as a captain boosted his self-esteem, giving him the power to overcome the entrapments of life. He believed that without this newfound identity, he would have remained stuck in the metaphorical rattrap of the world. Thus, he embraced the name “Captain Von Stahle” because, in truth, he had truly become the captain of his own destiny.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT ➤➤➤
1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?
Answer: The peddler perceived the three individuals’ acts of hospitality differently. While the crofter showed great generosity by sharing food and confidences, the peddler still considered him a simpleton. He felt clever after stealing from him, viewing the crofter as a foolish person for tempting vagabonds with his money hanging by the window frame.
However, the peddler greatly appreciated the kind and compassionate behavior of the ironmaster’s daughter. Her kindness persuaded him to accept the invitation he had initially refused. Despite the ironmaster’s insistence on the peddler leaving after his true identity was revealed, the girl’s intervention surprised him. He interpreted her actions as crazy but realized her genuine care for him, which stirred his conscience.
The peddler’s interpretation of her treating him like a real Captain prompted a complete change in himself.
2. What are the instances in the story that show that the character of the ironmaster is different from that of this daughter in many ways?
Answer: Throughout the story, multiple instances highlight the contrasting characters of the ironmaster and his daughter. Firstly, when they invite the peddler home, the ironmaster’s arrogance shows as he assumes the man to be his old acquaintance Nils Olof and takes pride in pointing out the Captain’s mistake. He believes the man had been refusing out of poverty, emphasizing his proud nature. On the other hand, the daughter shows compassion, understanding the man’s fear and assuring him that he can leave freely.
The second instance occurs when the man’s true identity is revealed. The ironmaster becomes angry, wanting him jailed for cheating, while the daughter remains compassionate, reminding her father of her promise to let him stay for Christmas eve.
Lastly, after the man has left and they discover he is a thief, the ironmaster cannot hide his worry about the stolen silver spoons, while the daughter appears more dejected than usual, showing her caring nature even in challenging situations.
3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
Answer: The crofter’s surprising hospitality caught the peddler off guard, as he had expected a sour reception. Playing cards, sharing food, and receiving tobacco were unexpected gestures. Equally unexpected was the iron master’s confusion when his supposed friend insisted on staying in the forge. His daughter’s reaction to the peddler’s fear during her persuasion also surprised him. While the peddler anticipated being asked to leave by the iron master, the daughter’s behavior on that occasion seemed crazy to him. Additionally, the peddler’s response to the young girl’s kindness was unforeseen. No one would have expected the thief to leave the house without taking anything and even leaving a decent present for the young lady, much to her pleasant surprise.
4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?
Answer: The young girl’s kindness and compassion had a profound impact on the peddler, leading him to change his ways. Unlike her father, the ironmaster, she had harbored doubts about his identity from the start. When it was revealed that he was just a poor peddler, the ironmaster wanted to throw him out, but the girl’s compassion prevailed. She convinced her father to let him stay and enjoy Christmas eve.
Throughout the day, she treated him as an honored guest, and during the evening, after partaking in Christmas fish and porridge, the peddler bid goodnight to everyone. It was then that the young girl surprised him by offering the suit he was wearing as a Christmas present and inviting him to visit them again next year if he wished to.
The peddler was filled with boundless amazement by her gestures. In his letter, he emphasized that it was due to these acts of kindness that he decided to change his behavior and become more honorable.
5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
Answer: The metaphor of the rattrap provides a compelling analogy for the human predicament. Just as the rattrap lures rats with cheese and pork, the world entices people with riches, joys, and material comforts. Like the trapped rats, individuals succumb to these worldly temptations, leading to their entrapment. Once ensnared, everything seems to collapse, and their freedom is lost. The story’s portrayal of the rattrap seller mirrors this concept, as he faces difficulties and fear after succumbing to temptation. The metaphor aptly captures the idea that falling for worldly baits can lead to dire consequences, much like the rats trapped in the rattrap.
6. The peddler comes out as a person with a great sense of humour. How does this serve in lightening the seriousness of the theme of the story and also endear him to us?
Answer: The peddler’s great sense of humor plays a significant role in lightening the seriousness of the story’s theme and endearing him to the readers. Right from the beginning, he finds humor in his dreary plodding, comparing the world to a rattrap. He takes amusement in realizing that the world he thought was denied to him is not worth having, as it is nothing but a rattrap. Even after stealing from the crofter and getting lost in the forest, he maintains his humor, seeing himself as a rat trapped in an impenetrable prison.
Another instance of his humor shines through when the ironmaster’s daughter startles him, and he jumps up abruptly, appearing frightened. When the ironmaster threatens to report him to the sheriff, the peddler reacts humorously by striking the table with his fist and presenting his views about the world being a rattrap. The ironmaster laughs, and the idea of involving the sheriff is dropped.
His letter to the ironmaster’s daughter further reveals his sense of humor when he humorously refers to himself as Captain Von Stahle, who, without her kindness, would have remained a rat caught in this world’s rattrap. Undoubtedly, his sense of humor contributes to endearing him to the readers throughout the story.
TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT ➤➤➤
Discuss the following in groups of four. Each group can deal with one topic and 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?
2. The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
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?
4. The story is both entertaining and philosophical.
Answer: Please try it yourself.
WORKING WITH WORDS ➤➤➤
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.
Such references to the rattrap seller are ‘guest’, ‘tramp’, ‘ragamuffin’ and ‘vagabond’.. Meaning according to the context
1. Vagabond: Some one with no home or job who travels from place to place. It is used by the narrator to indicate the actual condition of the rattrap seller.
2. Stranger: Someone that you do not know. The word is used in context of the crofter. The peddler was not known to the crofter. The story reveals that till the very end the crofter was not able to understand the rattrap seller.
3. Guest: Someone who has been invited. The crofter treated the peddler with respect as if he had invited him. So the word ‘guest’ is used in the context of the crofter and later on in the context of the ironmaster and his daughter who treated him really as their guest for a day.
4. Tramp: The word means someone without a home or a job who moves from one place to another and asks people for food, work or money. The word ‘tramp’ is used for the rattrap seller in context of the ironsmiths who had allowed him a stay for the night.
5. Ragamuffin: Tatterdemalion: The words mean a poor person dressed in old torn clothes. The word is used for the rattrap seller when the ironmaster sees him for the first time in the forge.
2. You came across the words, plod, trudge, stagger in the story. These words indicate movement accompanied by weariness. Write down five other words with a similar meaning.
Other words with the similar meaning are:
1. labour (labor) – Use: He laboured up the stairs with his heavy bag.
2. Toil – Use: He toiled up the stairs.
3 ease – Use: The tramp eased his way to the iron mill.
4. Sneak – Use: The man tried to sneak away without being seen.
5. persevere – Use: Though tired, he persevered with his effort to move on.
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.
THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE ➤➤➤
1. Notice the words in bold in the following sentence:
“The fire boy shoveled 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.
Other such words are: forge, furnace, ironsmith ironworks, smelter, pig iron and ironmaster.
2. “Mjolis” is a card game of Sweden.
Name a few indoor games played in your region “Chopar” could be an example.
3. “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: Please attempt it yourself.
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 group discussion on
• the portrayal of characters in fiction.
• human emotional needs and human behavior.
• 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.