THE RATTRAP

PYQs
Short Qs 2 marks
1. How does the setting of the remote forest location in "The
Rattrap" contribute to the overall tone and mood of the story?
[CBSE SQP 2023]
Ans. The setting of remote forest locations in the story 'The
Rattrap' provides a whimsically relevant backdrop for the
theme of the story, i.e., loneliness and worldly wild traps. The
harsh winter and barren landscapes add to the melancholy
tone and hopelessness in the story of the peddler and
highlights the emotion of isolation and desolation.
Short Qs 2 marks
2. Why was the peddler hesitant to accompany the
ironmaster to the manor house? [CBSE 2023]
Ans. The peddler was hesitant to accompany the
ironmaster to the manor house because the peddler
knew that the ironmaster had mistaken him for his old
regimental comrade. Also, the peddler had the stolen
thirty kronor from the crofter on him. So, he was
afraid to go to the ironmaster's house.
Short Qs 2 marks
3. If the Christmas spirit is about selflessness, forgiveness and
becoming 'better' versions of ourselves amongst other things, Edla
Williamson is the epitome of this spirit. Justify with two points of
evidence from "The Rattrap". [CBSE SQP 2022]
Ans. Edla Williamson is surely an epitome of selflessness,
forgiveness and becoming a better version of ourselves. In the
chapter, 'The Rattrap', even after knowing that the peddler had
lied about his identity, she forgives him and serves him with all
respect. She also invites him for the Christmas next year which
shows her trait of becoming a better version of her own self.
Short Qs 2 marks
4. A mistaken identity led to a discovery of a new one for the
rattrap peddler. How did this impact him? [CBSE SQP Term 2
2022]
Ans. The mistaken identity provided the peddler with the chance
to clear his conscience and act or behave in a manner befitting that
of a real 'Captain. It gave him the eye-opening experience of seeing
the goodness of people and brought out his latent goodness,
thereby resulting in his apology as well as returning of the stolen
coins. This opportunity to change his life became a turning point
for the peddler.
Short Qs 2 marks

5. Explain the metaphor of "The Rattrap" as

explained by the peddler. [CBSE Term 2 2022]
Ans. Metaphorically, the peddler's view of the world
as a big 'rattrap' wherein the riches, the joys and the
materialistic pleasures, all act as a 'bait' for humans
to get attracted to it. Once they are attracted to get it,
they run after it and get trapped in that 'rattrap' for
life.
Short Qs 2 marks
6. What Christmas gift did the peddler give Edla? Write its
significance? [CBSE Term 2 2022]
Ans. The Christmas present by the peddler to Edla consisted of a
small rattrap, three ten kronor wrinkled notes and a letter of
gratitude which was a testimonial of the vagabond's
transformation into a noble soul. It is special because the love
and compassion shown by Edla to the peddler made him change
his behaviour and made Edla's day as well. Christmas proved to
be a day filled with elation for both of them. The peddler had
elevated Himself 'to' the rank of captain with Edla's altruistic
nature.
Short Qs 2 marks
7. The ironmaster accuses the peddler of not being quite
honest. What does the peddler say to justify the situation?
[CBSE Term 2 2022]
Ans. In his defence, the peddler expressed that he had never
pretended to be the ironmaster's friend. Nor did he make any
further effort to try to deceive him. Also, he admitted that it
was not his fault but rather he was compelled to come to the
house. He reiterated that he had declined the ironmaster's
invitation repeatedly. He then expressed that he was ready to
put on his rags and go away.
Short Qs 2 marks
8. How did the Crofter entertain the peddler? [CBSE
2020]
Ans. The crofter fed the peddler porridge and gave
tobacco to smoke and even played a game of cards
with him. He also allowed him to stay at his home in
the night. He was so carried away in entertaining the
peddler that he even showed his earnings and where
he kept them.
Short Qs 2 marks
9. What was the content of the letter written by the
peddler to Edla? [CBSE SQP 2019]
Ans. Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler
because he had not let her down. She realised that she
had succeeded in bringing about a transformation in
the peddler. The letter expressed gratitude towards
Edla for elevating him to the status of captain, a
pleasant Christmas surprise and a chance to free
himself from the rattrap of the world.
Short Qs 2 marks
10. What did the ironmaster think when he
discovered that the peddler whom he gave shelter to
was a thief who stole from the old crofter? [CBSE
2019]
Ans. The first thought that occurred to the
ironmaster was that the peddler would steal from
him too. He accused his daughter of letting that man
into the house and was worried about the silver
spoons that he had would get stolen.
Short Qs 2 marks
11. Why did Edla decide to entertain the peddler against the wishes of her
father? [CBSE 2019]
OR
Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth
about him? [CBSE 2015]
OR
Why did Edla plead with her father not to send the vagabond away?
[CBSE 2014]
Ans. Edla had always thought the peddler to be a poor, homeless tramp
and didn't feel cheated when his true identity was revealed. Instead, she
felt very bad for him and pleaded on his behalf as she and her father had
promised him Christmas cheer.
Short Qs 2 marks

12. What hospitality did the peddler receive from

the crofter? [CBSE 2016, 15, 14]
Ans. The peddler was warmly received by the
crofter. The old crofter was lonely, so he was
happy to have some company. He gave him
porridge to eat and tobacco to smoke, and shared
his secrets with him.
Short Qs 2 marks

13. What do we learn about the crofter's nature from

the story, "The Rattrap"? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. The crofter was a very kind man. He took pity
on the peddler and not only gave him shelter but
also gave him food to eat and tobacco to smoke. He
also entertained him as if he was a guest and trusted
him although he was a stranger.
Short Qs 2 marks
14. Why did the Crofter show the thirty
kronors to the peddler? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. The crofter showed his thirty kronors to
the peddler because he wanted to share the joy
of earning his money with someone.
Moreover, being a kind & generous person, he
didn't expect that the peddler would deceive
him.
Short Qs 2 marks
15. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler
and invite him home? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. The ironmaster saw the peddler in rags, sitting close
to the furnace. He mistook him for an old acquaintance
and expressed his joy on meeting him after a long time.
The ironmaster wanted to spend the Christmas Eve with
his old friend. Moreover, seeing the man in dishevelled
condition, the ironmaster felt pity for him. Therefore, he
spoke to the peddler kindly and invited him to his home.
Short Qs 2 marks
16. Why was the peddler amused at the idea of the world being
a rattrap? [CBSE 2016]
OR
Why did the peddler derive pleasure from his idea of the world
as a rattrap? [CBSE 2014]
Ans. The world had never been kind to the poor peddler.
Therefore, he derived pleasure from thinking ill of the world
and imagining it as being a big rattrap. He got amused to
think. of the people he knew who got caught in the rattrap and
of others who were circling around the bait.
Short Qs 2 marks
17. How could the peddler enter the forge without
being noticed by the blacksmith? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. The blacksmith and his workers did not notice
the peddler entering the forge because it was dark
and they were busy doing their work. Besides, there
was a lot of noise in the forge due to the iron bar
being hammered on the anvil and the heavy storms
outside.
Short Qs 2 marks
18. At the crofter's home, why did the peddler feel very
happy? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. At the crofter's home, the peddler felt very happy
because it was for the first time someone had welcomed him
into one's house. The lonely crofter fed the peddler warm
porridge, shared tobacco with him, played cards and treated
him very nicely. The crofter shared his secrets with the
peddler and even showed him where he kept his money. The
crofter also gave him a comfortable bed to sleep in.
Short Qs 2 marks
19. What brought about a change in the life of the
peddler? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Edla's kind and caring behaviour finally
changed the peddler. She had treated him with
love and respect befitting a captain, even after
realising that he was a poor peddler. The trust
that Edla showed in him made him live a life with
dignity and respect.
Short Qs 2 marks
20. What conclusion did the ironmaster reach
when he heard that the crofter had been robbed
by the peddler? [CBSE 2014]
Ans. When the ironmaster heard that the crofter
had been robbed by the peddler, he said to his
daughter that the peddler must have stolen their
silver spoons and other valuables and left the
manor house.
Short Qs 2 marks
21. What were the contents of the package left by the
peddler as a Christmas gift for Edla Williamson? [CBSE
2014]
Ans. As Christmas gift, the peddler left a package for
Edla Williamson. It contained a rattrap, three wrinkled
ten-kronor notes and a letter. In the letter, the peddler
expressed his regret for robbing the crofter and his
gratitude towards Ms. Williamson for treating him like
a captain.
Short Qs 2 marks
22. In what sense was the world a big rattrap according to the
peddler? [CBSE 2014]
Ans. The peddler made rattraps and sold them to earn a living,
besides begging and stealing. His life was sad and monotonous; no
one treated him kindly. He often felt gloomy because of his
loneliness and at such times it gave him unwanted joy to think that
the world was a giant rattrap, which lured and entrapped others in it
by offering temptations, just as a rattrap would offer treats as bait.
As he enjoyed thinking ill of the world, it pleased him that he was
free from the rattrap; the temptations of the world could not
ensnare him in the trap.
Short Qs 2 marks
23. Why did the peddler knock on the cottage by the
roadside? How was he treated by the owner of the
cottage [CBSE 2014]
Ans. The peddler knocked on the cottage by the
roadside to ask for shelter for the night. The crofter,
who was a lonely man, treated him with kindness.
He not only offered the peddler shelter in his
cottage; he also gave him food, played cards with
him and shared tobacco.
Long Qs 5 marks
1. Edla is a contrast to her father, the ironmaster. Explain. [CBSE 2023]
Ans. Edla was indeed a contrast to her father, the ironmaster. While the
ironmaster had low convincing power and could not manage to get his
invitation accepted by the peddler, Edla was able to convince him through her
soft and welcoming nature. The ironmaster's kindness and concern was only
limited to his friends as when he thought the peddler was his old comrade, he
pitied him and invited him to live at his home. But on the other hand, Edla was
generally kind-hearted as she still asked the peddler to spend Christmas with
them even after knowing that he was not her father's friend but a thief. The
ironmaster's perception of the guest changed upon knowing that he wasn't his
friend but Edla remained the same as she was. Her behaviour towards the
peddler didn't change a bit.
Long Qs 5 marks
2. How does the story, "The Rattrap" highlight the importance of community over isolation?
Support your rationale with textual evidence. [CBSE SQP 2022]
Ans. The story 'The Rattrap' shows that how a thief with little moral compass who robbed an
old crofter can change for good if given the chance to mingle with society and can be
included as part of a community. Love and understanding can transform a person and bring
out his essential human goodness. The peddler had been treated very cruelly by the world
and due to this 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
too but Edla's compassion and understanding brought about a transformation in his nature.
He was easily able to overcome petty temptations because of the love he received. 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 Williamson that
was able to bring out his basic human goodness. It beautifully showcases how being included
in society. Being a part of a community acts as redemption arc for a flawed character like the
peddler.
Long Qs 5 marks
3. In the lesson "The Rattrap", the narrator takes an empathetic approach towards the rattrap
seller. Considering the above statement, discuss the narrator's portrayal of the peddler.
[CBSE Term 2 2022]
Ans. The author Selma Lagerlöf' portrayed the peddler as someone that everyone can relate
to. The term "empathetic" refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
It is seen in the narrator's voice through which we hear the whole story. Through the
narrator's lens, we are able to understand how the peddler was, and how he was moulded.
Parallel to this, while presenting the rattrap seller as someone who steals, we also saw the
change in the man after being shown or treated with kindness and compassion by the
ironmaster's daughter. The peddler may seem like someone who's barely surviving, but at the
same time, his line of thought about life, and the whole world as a rattrap also shows his inner
being. He was living his life as a beggar and thief but he changed after being receiving respect,
compassion, love and care from the ironmaster's daughter as well as the old man whom he
robbed. Through these two encounters, the peddler was able to change and mend his ways.
Long Qs 5 marks
4. In Edla's dealing with the peddler, she was compassionate and generous.
Discuss with reference to the story "The Rattrap" [CBSE Term 2 2022]
Ans. The peddler was encountered and mistaken to be an old friend by an
ironmaster. Though reluctant to comply with the man's invitation to come to his
home, he accepted to come along. The truth about his identity came out. when
he was bathed and shaved. But despite the ironmaster's anger and desire to kick
the peddler out of his house, his daughter Edla acted quite the opposite. Edla,
against her father's wish, requested the peddler to stay as a guest for it was
Christmas Eve and the spirit of Christmas cheer must be applied. He was also
treated kindly and even given gifts during his stay. The kindness shown by the
young Edla encouraged the peddler to mend his ways and returned what he had
stolen from the old man. Edla's compassion and generous heart resulted in a
changed man.
Long Qs 5 marks
5. Elaborate on the theme of loneliness that runs through "The Rattrap" by
Selma Lagerlöf. [CBSE 2019]
Ans. Almost all the characters in the story 'The Rattrap' suffered from
loneliness. The first and most significant of these was the protagonist, the
peddler. He lived below the poverty line and made a living selling rattraps. He
did not have any friends or family either living with him or helping him. The
world treated him so badly that his central philosophy in life was that the whole
world was like a rattrap. The next character who was lonely was the old crofter.
He was so lonely that he was happy to allow random strangers into his home and
hearth and discuss details of where he kept his money. Finally, though the
ironmaster and his daughter lived together, the daughter looked forward to a
third person in their home on Christmas Eve to make their home feel 'homelike
and Christmassy'.
Long Qs 5 marks
6. How does the story, "The Rattrap" show the redemptive power of love and compassion?
[CBSE 2019]
Ans. The peddler, who has never been treated with kindness and compassion, he first comes
across it when the lonely crofter welcomes him into his house. Next, it is the ironmaster and his
daughter Edla, who are seen showing compassion towards the weary peddler. Although, the
ironmaster expresses concern towards him only until he realises that he has mistaken the
peddler for an old friend, Edla's attitude is different from her father's attitude. Edla empathises
with the tired and dishevelled looking peddler. She invites him to celebrate Christmas with
them and enjoy the Christmas feast. she is more persuasive than her father; she seems firm yet
polite in her approach when she insists that he should stay with them for as long as he wants.
The peddler used to be someone with a grudge against the world. However, compassion and
understanding shown by Edla transforms this selfish thief into a man with conscience. He not
only returns the crofter's money, but also leaves a letter and a gift, a rattrap, for Edla. In the
letter he thanks Edla for treating him like a true gentleman, with great honour and respect and
assures her that he shall change his old ways. This shows that kindness pays, rudeness never.
Long Qs 5 marks
7. Give instances from the chapter, "The Rattrap" to show that most of its characters are
victims of loneliness. [CBSE 2019]
Ans. There are a number of instances in the story, 'The Rattrap', to show that most of its
characters are victims of loneliness. First of all, the tramp appears to lead a sad, monotonous
existence, left to his own musings. He is always greeted by sour faces and cold words wherever
he goes. Next, the old crofter lives all alone in a cottage by the roadside. He is only too happy
to get someone to talk to and get over his sense of loneliness. That's the reason why he is so
generous and hospitable as a host. Then the ironmaster and his daughter Edla also have no
company for Christmas. The ironmaster decides to take the tramp home, mistaking him to be
his old comrade. He, with his daughter, is happy to play the perfect host to his former
colleague. Thus, all of them are victims of loneliness and have a strong desire for bonding and
comradeship. The crofter is happy to be friends with the peddler, although only for a night.
Similarly, the ironmaster and his daughter have an opportunity to practise their Christian
virtues of kindness, sympathy and hospitality.
Long Qs 5 marks
8. "The Rattrap" focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
Comment. [CBSE 2019]
Ans. "The Rattrap," explores the theme of human loneliness and the innate
requirement for connection and companionship. The story centres around a
homeless and destitute peddler who initially views the world as a rattrap, believing
that people are essentially traps set to ensnare him. However, his encounters with
various individuals, including a kind old crofter and a family, gradually reveal the
warmth and kindness that exist in the human heart. Through these interactions, the
protagonist's perception shifts, emphasising the human longing for connection and
escape from loneliness. Lagerlöf's tale serves a poignant reminder of the
significance of human relationships, highlighting that even in life's most
challenging circumstances, bonds of compassion and camaraderie can transcend
the isolation of the rattrap, offering hope and solace to the lonely soul.
Long Qs 5 marks
9. The peddler believed that the whole world is a rattrap. How did he himself get caught in the
same? [CBSE 2017]
Ans. The rattrap peddler came up with a theory that the whole world is a rattrap and that all the
luxuries are merely baits. it gave him great pleasure to think of the world this way. One night he
takes shelter in the house of an old and lonely crofter who is very generous. He gives the
peddler a meal, talks to him and even shows him the thirty kronor he earned because of his
cow. Tempted by the money, the peddler steals the money from the crofter and heads. towards
a forest. The dense forest was like a maze and he soon gets lost, realising that the money was
bait and now he himself was trapped in a rattrap. The peddler soon finds refuge at an iron mill,
where he is mistaken by the ironmaster for an old friend. Even though he refused to come to
the ironmaster's house, for fear of being caught, he was ultimately persuaded by Edla, the
ironmaster's daughter. The peddler once again regretted being caught in a trap and wishes he
hadn't stolen the money. By not trying to clear his identity, in hope of some more money, he
was further trapped. When his identity was uncovered the next day, he was still allowed to stay
because of Edla's intervention. Her kindness and faith in him ultimately allowed him to free
himself from the trap in which he had been caught.
Long Qs 5 marks
10. The peddler thinks that the whole world is a rattrap. This view of life is
true only of himself and of no one else in the story. Comment. [CBSE 2017]
Ans. This view of life was true for the peddler because when he was offered
food and shelter at the crofter's house, which is like 'bait' for a rat, he took it
and stole the crofter's money. He tried to run away from being caught and
but lost in the forest as it was big and confusing. Thus he considered the
world as a big rattrap in which he had fallen and the crofter's money was the
bait. Even the kindness of the ironmaster and his daughter did not make him
optimistic about the world. The other characters in the story, the crofter, the
ironmaster and his daughter, are having human bonds of love, and so for
them the world is not a rattrap. However, the peddler was lonely and thus
felt that the world was a rattrap.
Long Qs 5 marks
11. To be grateful is a great virtue of a gentleman. How did the peddler show
his gratitude to Edla? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Edla knew that her father was mistaken when he invited the peddler
home thinking he was his long lost friend. Later it was revealed that he was a
complete stranger and not her father's acquaintance. Despite this Edla
begged her father not to send him away on Christmas eve. She invited him
home and gave him food, shelter and clothes. Her kindness, compassion and
sympathy brings out the goodness in the peddler. He leaves a packet for her
as a Christmas gift which contains a rattrap and three ten kronor notes
stolen from the crofter. It also contains a letter in which he signs himself as
captain and requests her to return the stolen money to the crofter. This way
the peddler showed his gratitude to Edla and Edla's care and concern
changes the peddler into a dignified gentleman.
Long Qs 5 marks
12. The peddler declined the invitation of the ironmaster but accepted the one from Edla. Why?
[CBSE 2015]
OR
Edla proved to be much more persuasive than her father while dealing with the peddler. Comment.
[CBSE 2015]
Ans. The ironmaster, mistaking the peddler as an old acquaintance, invites him to his house for the
Christmas celebration. He seems to be a sympathetic person in the beginning, trying to persuade the
peddler as much as possible. However, the peddler refuses to accept the invitation because he was
afraid to go to the manor house as he had stolen money from the crofter. Although the ironmaster
leaves, he allows his daughter, Edla to bring the peddler home. Edla seems more persuasive than her
father, being firm yet polite in her approach. She comes with a fur coat for the peddler and assures
him that he is free to leave whenever he desires after the Christmas celebration is over. Edla is not
conventionally beautiful. But she, with her polite confidence, friendly and compassionate attitude is
able to win the peddler's trust and persuade him to accompany her to her house for the Christmas
celebration.
Long Qs 5 marks
13. Why did the crofter repose confidence in the peddler? How did the
peddler betray that and with what consequences? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. The crofter reposed confidence in the peddler because he was lonely
and wanted someone with whom he could share his feelings. He trusted the
peddler to the extent of showing him where he had kept his money. The
peddler betrayed this trust by robbing the money and running away.
However, when the peddler went through the forest instead of the road to
avoid being caught, he got lost and returned to the same place again and
again. Ultimately the peddler realised that he was like a rat caught in a
rattrap. The bait he had fallen for was the crofter's money and he could not
escape with it. Thus the consequences of falling for the bait were that he was
trapped in the forest with no way out.
Long Qs 5 marks
14. Why did the ironmaster invite the peddler to his home? Why did the latter decline it?
[CBSE 2015]
Ans. When the ironmaster of the iron mill came for his routine visit, the peddler, who was
lying close to furnace, caught his attention mistaking the peddler for Nils Olof. A close
acquaintance belonging to the same regiment, the ironmaster, invited him to spend Christmas
Eve with him and his daughter. Although the peddler did not disclose his real identity to the
ironmaster, he politely declined his invitation. The ironmaster's invitation made the peddler
think he was going to fall into a trap. After stealing from the crofter, the peddler thought that
it would be safer to go through the jungle to avoid getting caught. However, it was a cold and
stormy night; the peddler soon lost his way In the jungle. Tired and dejected, the peddler had
sneaked into the iron mill for shelter. The crofter's money was still with the peddler. He
thought that to go to the manor house with the money would be like throwing himself into the
lion's den. It occurred to him that the world was a rattrap, offering him the temptation of
shelter just as the rattrap would offer cheese and pork as bait.