Why did the pedlar think that the world was a rattrap?
Expert-Verified 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 did the peddler think of the world as a rattrap?
He felt that the shelter, food, clothes, riches and joys that the world provided were all baits set to entrap man just as a rattrap offered cheese or meat to entrap rats. As soon as one was trapped, everything came to an end.
The world hadn't treated the peddler kindly. Thus, when he thought of the world as a big rattrap and all the riches and joys in it as a means to their end i.e. a way for people to suffer, this pessimistic thought made him feel happy.
The peddler's philosophy was that the whole world is a rattrap with several baits in it. As one is tempted to bait and touches it, the door is closed and everything comes to an end like in a rattrap. The thought amused him because he has so far been selling rattrap; but not fallen in this world's rattrap.
The metaphor of the rattrap signifies that the world exists only to trap people by setting baits for them. Whenever someone is tempted by the luxuries, he ends up being caught in a dangerous trap.
Q.3.From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?cha.4.class12
Is the world really a rattrap essay?
Moreover, he also views the world as a big rat trap. He believes that much similar to the cheese we put for mice, the world offers us materialistic things to lure us. So, when we fall for these things, it traps us and takes everything away from us. In this story, a young generous woman takes in the rattrap seller.
The theme of the story is that most human beings are prone to fall into the trap of material benefit. However every human being has an essential goodness that can be awakened through understanding and love. A human being has the tendency to redeem himself from dishonest ways.
The experience of the peddler at the manor of the Willmanssons made the peddler change his ways. Earlier he had never known a true sympathiser or well-wisher. He had no friend to steer him on the right path.
In the summary of The Rattrap, we can understand that when one is given the respect they deserve, they live up to it, too. It is love, compassion, understanding and respect that makes life worth living, and not materialistic things such as riches, fame and objects.
The peddler sold rattraps for a livelihood. He lived the life of a vagabond. He simply plodded along the road and was lost in his own meditations. His life was very sad and monotonous.
How did the peddler prove to be an ungrateful guest?
Answer: The peddler did not respect the trust that the crofter had reposed in him by showing him his money. The peddler smashed the window panes, procured the pouch, stole the notes and hung the leather pouch back in its place.
Just as a rat is fooled by bait and gets trapped, most human beings also fall into the trap of material benefits. The story revolves around the incident of a man getting trapped due to his greed. Hence, the title is apt one.
Did the peddler regret having taken the thirty kronor why do you think so?
Answer: The peddler despite selling rattraps often had to resort to begging and petty thievery to keep body and soul together,which implies he was extremely poor. Hence, he gave into his greed and decided to steal the thirty kronor which he later regretted.
The peddler knew that the ironmaster had mistaken him for his old regimental comrade. Secondly, he had stolen money—thirty kronor—on him. Going to the ironmaster's residence would be like entering the lion's den. So, he declined the invitation.
She understood the reality of the peddler's life and wanted him to enjoy a day of peace with them. Hence, she still entertained the peddler even after knowing the truth about him.
When her father was determined to expel the peddler from his house, it was Edla who did not let him go. It shows her sympathetic nature. It is her gentle, kind and respectful behaviour towards the peddler, which changed him and made him embrace goodness.
The peddler signed himself as Captain von Stable because Edla had treated him like a captain. He also mentioned that had he not declared himself as a captain, he would have been part of the rattrap.
What lightens the seriousness of the loss of rattrap?
He makes the ironmaster laugh with his metaphor of the rattrap. His letter with the Christmas present to Edla is a fine example of his capacity to make others laugh at him. Thus, he lightens the seriousness of the theme of the story and also endears himself to us.
Why did peddler come back to old house again after 1 hour?
The rattrap peddler was tempted by the thirty kronors he had seen in the leather pouch of the old crofter. He returned half an hour later, smashed a window pane, stuck in his hand and got hold of the pouch. He took out the money and thrust it into his own pocket. Thus, he robbed the old crofter.
No, the peddler did not respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter. At the very first opportunity that he got, he smashed the window pane, took out the money and hung the leather pouch back in its place.
To defend himself, the peddler argued that he had never said that he was a captain or the old comrade of the ironmaster. In fact, he had repeatedly declined the invitation to spend the Christmas at the manor.
The peddler realised that he must not walk on the public highway with the stolen money in his pocket. He went into the woods. He kept walking without coming to the end of the wood. Then he realised that he had fallen in the rattrap.
Hint: A peddler is the protagonist of the Rattrap tale. He has a gloomy outlook on life. The peddler wasn't always like the way, and he was once a kind person. He now needs to rely on selling rat traps, begging, and even stealing to make ends meet due to tragedy.
She looked at him compassionately and clarified to him that he would be allowed to leave whenever he desires. She requested him to stay with them over Christmas Eve. Seeing her speak in such a friendly manner, made him trust her. Thus, he accepted her invitation.
