THE RATTRAP

THE RAT TRAP

CBSE PAST PAPER QUESTIONS

• Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle? (All India
2012)
Answer:
Edla Willmansson had been rather nice to the peddler and had treated
him with the honour that was due to a Captain. The peddler, through
this mistaken identity, got an opportunity to raise himself and get
above the petty temptations of the world. So he signed himself as
Captain von Stahle.
• Why did the peddler think that the world was a rattrap? (All India
2014)
Answer:
The peddler considered the whole world as a big rattrap, its sole
purpose being to set baits for people. The joys and riches of this world
are nothing but tempting baits and anyone who is tempted by them
was captured by the rattrap which completely closed in on him.
• Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler? (All India
2010)
Answer:
Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler as he had respected
her faith in him. Edla had retained him in her house even after
knowing his real identity and he, in turn, had shown her that the guest
she had honoured was as honourable as the Captain. The latent
goodness of his heart had been awakened and he had been able to
overcome the bait of the rattrap.
• Why was the peddler surprised when he knocked on the door of
the cottage? (All India 2011)
• Answer:
• At the crofter’s cottage the peddler was welcomed warmly and
received generous hospitality. The crofter was an old and lonely
man and the prospect of getting the peddler’s company overjoyed
him. So he poured all his warmth and friendly courtesy on the
peddler.
• Why did the peddler decline the invitation of the ironmaster?
(Delhi 2012)
Answer:
The peddler declined the ironmaster’s invitation because he had
the stolen thirty kronors on him. He feared that he would be
caught there for stealing the crofter’s money. For the peddler
going to the manor house of the ironmaster would be like throwing
himself voluntarily into the lion’s den.
• How did the ironmaster react on seeing the stranger lying close to
the furnace? (All India 2012)
Answer:
When the iron master saw the stranger lying close to the furnace
he walked up to him and looked him over carefully. Mistaking him
for an old acquaintance, a comrade from his regiment, he got very
excited and invited him to come to his cottage.
• Why didn’t the stranger tell the ironmaster that he was not
Nils Olof? (All India)
Answer:
When the ironmaster mistakes the stranger for Captain
Nils Olof, an old regimental comrade, the stranger decides
not to correct him as hopes to get a couple of kronors from
the ironmaster. This prevented the stranger from revealing
the truth abt his identity.
• How did the peddler derive pleasure from the idea of the world as
a rattrap? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
The world had never been kind to the peddler, so it gave him
unwonted joy to think ill of it by considering it as a rattrap. It
became his cherished pastime to think of people he knew who had
let themselves be caught in the dangerous snare and of others who
were still circling around the bait in the rattrap.
• Why did Edla plead with her father not to send the vagabond
away? (All India 2014)
Answer:
Edla pleaded with her father not to send the vagabond away as it
was Christmas eve and she wanted to keep the spirit of Christmas
alive. She wanted to provide the vagabond with a day of comfort
and solace. She justified that they had invited him against his will
and since he was lonely, she wanted to do something special for
him on Christmas eve.
 In what sense was the world a big rattrap
according to the peddler?
• In the peddler's perspective, the world operates like a colossal rattrap, a vast
network spanning lands, seas, cities, and villages. He sees life as a series of
enticements, much like the bait in a trap, with promises of wealth, pleasure,
and security dangling enticingly. Just as a mouse is drawn to cheese in a
trap, people are lured by these promises. However, the catch is that once
someone falls for these temptations, it's like triggering the trap - they find
themselves ensnared, with their hopes and dreams shattered. It's a repetitive
cycle where individuals chase after these illusions, only to find
disappointment awaiting them. Thus, the peddler's analogy suggests a
cautionary tale, reminding us to tread carefully amidst life's allurements to
avoid falling into its traps.
 Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap’ shows that basic human goodness can be
brought out by understanding and love. (Delhi 2016)
•
Answer:
The theme of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is that most human beings are prone to fall into
the trap of material gains. However, love and understanding can transform a person
and bring out his essential human goodness. The peddler had been treated very
cruelly by the world. So even though the old crofter was kind and hospitable to him,
he betrayed his trust and stole thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by the
ironmaster’s invitation also. But Edla Willmansson’s compassion and understanding
brought about a transformation in his nature. Her human qualities helped in raising
him to be a gentleman. He was easily able to overcome petty temptations. The peddler
who always considered the whole world to be a rattrap finally felt released from this
rattrap due to the sympathetic, kind, loving and generous treatment of Edla
Willmansson that was able to bring out his basic human goodness.
The story ‘The Rattrap’ focuses on human loneliness
and the need to bond with others. Explain. (Delhi 2014
• ‘The Rattrap" revolves around the theme of loneliness and the longing for companionship, which is
deeply felt by all the characters. The peddler, who is accustomed to being neglected and mistreated
by society, experiences a rare sense of warmth and acceptance when he encounters the crofter. The
crofter, in his own solitude, finds solace in the peddler's company, eagerly engaging in conversation
and offering hospitality. Similarly, the ironmaster and his daughter, Edla, yearn for companionship,
particularly during the festive season of Christmas. Mistaking the peddler for someone else, they
extend an invitation for him to join their celebration, highlighting the universal need for human
connection.
• This longing for companionship is evident throughout the story, emphasizing the importance of
forging bonds with others amidst life's challenges and hardships. It underscores the fundamental
human desire for belonging and camaraderie, transcending social barriers and individual
circumstances. In essence, "The Rattrap" serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of
human connections in alleviating loneliness and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
 Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap’ shows that basic human goodness can be brought out by
understanding and love. (Comptt. All India 2011)
•
Answer:
The theme of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is that most human beings are prone to fall into
the trap of material gains. However, love and understanding can transform a person
and bring out his essential human goodness. The peddler had been treated very
cruelly by the world. So even though the old crofter was kind and hospitable to him,
he betrayed his trust and stole thirty kronors from him. He was not impressed by the
iron-master’s invitation also. But Edla Willmansson’s compassion and understanding
brought about a transformation in his nature. Her human qualities helped in raising
him to be a gentleman. He was easily able to overcome petty temptations. The
peddler who always considered the whole world to be a rattrap finally felt released
from this rattrap due to the sympathetic, kind, loving and generous treatment of
Edla Willmansson that was able to bring out his basic human goodness.
There is a saying, ‘Kindness pays, rudeness never’. In the story, ‘The Rattrap’ Edla’s attitude towards
men and matters is different from her father's attitude. How are the values of concern and compassion
brought out in the story, ‘The Rattrap’? (All India 2013)

• In "The Rattrap," Edla Willmansson's embodiment of compassion and understanding

stands in stark contrast to her father's demeanor, illustrating the transformative power of
kindness. Edla's empathetic nature not only elevates the peddler's sense of self-worth but
also serves as a catalyst for his moral redemption. Previously ensnared in his cynical view of
the world as a rattrap, the peddler finds liberation through Edla's sympathetic and
generous treatment. Despite being aware of his true identity, Edla continues to extend
dignity and respect to the peddler, prompting him to embrace the virtues of integrity and
honor.
• Through Edla's compassionate actions and the peddler's subsequent transformation, the
story underscores the enduring value of empathy and redemption. Edla's unwavering
kindness serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring optimism and faith in the inherent goodness
of humanity. Thus, "The Rattrap" not only highlights the importance of compassion in
fostering personal growth but also celebrates the enduring resilience of human values
amidst life's trials and tribulations.