Question 1

Why did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was?

Accepted Answer

The peddler explained that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought him to be because he was a poor wanderer who made a living by selling rattraps. He admitted to his past mistakes but emphasized that he was not a thief. He defended himself by explaining his circumstances and the hardships he faced, which led him to his current way of life. — The peddler's defence was based on his honesty about his identity and circumstances. He clarified the misunderstanding by admitting his status as a peddler and distancing himself from the accusation of theft, showing his desire to be truthful despite his difficult life.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Edla entertained the peddler even after knowing the truth about him because she was kind-hearted and believed in treating everyone with respect and dignity. She saw beyond his social status and past, showing compassion and understanding. Her behaviour reflected her noble character and her belief in giving people a chance to redeem themselves. — Edla's actions demonstrate empathy and kindness. She did not judge the peddler based on his past or his social position but treated him with warmth and generosity, which ultimately influenced the peddler's transformation.

Question 3

How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?

Accepted Answer

The peddler interprets the acts of kindness and hospitality as a form of human goodness and generosity that contrasts with his own life of hardship and suspicion. He sees these acts as a form of 'captaincy' that elevates a person above the traps of the world. The kindness shown to him makes him reflect on his own life and leads him to consider changing his ways. — The peddler's interpretation highlights the impact of kindness on a person's outlook. The hospitality he receives makes him feel valued and respected, which is something he had not experienced before, prompting self-reflection and a desire for redemption.

Question 4

What are the instances in the story that show that the character of the ironmaster is different from that of his daughter in many ways?

Accepted Answer

The ironmaster is portrayed as more suspicious and less trusting, as seen when he doubts the peddler and suspects him of theft. In contrast, his daughter Edla is kind, trusting, and compassionate, as she welcomes the peddler warmly and treats him with respect despite knowing his background. These differences highlight the ironmaster's cautious nature and Edla's open-heartedness. — The story contrasts the ironmaster's skepticism with Edla's empathy to show different human responses to strangers. The ironmaster's suspicion is a protective instinct, while Edla's kindness reflects her noble character and belief in human goodness.

Question 5

The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others' behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.

Accepted Answer

Some unexpected reactions include: the ironmaster's suspicion of the peddler despite Edla's trust; Edla's kindness towards the peddler even after knowing he was a suspected thief; the peddler's decision to return the money he found, showing his change of heart; and the peddler signing the letter as 'Captain von Stahle', humorously elevating himself. These reactions reveal the complexity of human nature and the theme of redemption. — These surprises serve to challenge stereotypes and show that people can change. The kindness and trust shown by Edla and the peddler's response highlight the story's message about human goodness and transformation.

Question 6

What made the peddler finally change his ways?

Accepted Answer

The peddler was moved by the kindness and trust shown by Edla and her family. Their generosity and acceptance made him realize the possibility of a better life and inspired him to change. The experience of being treated with respect and dignity, despite his past, led him to decide to redeem himself and abandon his dishonest ways. — The peddler's transformation is triggered by human kindness, which acts as a catalyst for self-reflection and change. This shows the power of compassion in influencing human behaviour.

Question 7

How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?

Accepted Answer

The metaphor of the rattrap symbolizes the traps of materialism and greed that humans fall into. Just like a rat is caught in a rattrap by bait, humans are caught in the pursuit of material benefits, which can lead to moral and spiritual entrapment. The story uses this metaphor to highlight how people can become prisoners of their desires but also have the power to free themselves through self-awareness and change. — The rattrap metaphor effectively illustrates the theme of the story by comparing human weaknesses to a physical trap. It emphasizes the dangers of greed and the possibility of redemption.

Question 8

The peddler comes out as a person with a subtle sense of humour. How does this serve in lightening the seriousness of the theme of the story and also endear him to us?

Accepted Answer

The peddler's subtle humour, such as signing the letter as 'Captain von Stahle', adds a light-hearted touch to the story, making his character more relatable and human. This humour softens the serious themes of poverty, crime, and redemption, making the story more engaging and endearing. It shows that despite his hardships, the peddler retains a playful spirit, which helps readers connect with him emotionally. — Humour in the peddler's character balances the story's gravity and highlights his complexity. It makes the narrative enjoyable and emphasizes the theme that even flawed individuals have redeeming qualities.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Edla was happy to see the gift because it showed the peddler's gratitude and honesty. The gift, a small rattrap with money inside, indicated that he had not stolen anything but instead wanted to return what he found. This act of kindness and integrity pleased Edla and confirmed her belief in the goodness of people. — The gift symbolized the peddler's transformation and respect for Edla's kindness. It reassured her that her trust was not misplaced and highlighted the story's theme of redemption.

Question 10

Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

Accepted Answer

The peddler signed himself as Captain von Stahle as a humorous way to elevate his status and show his gratitude. It was a playful gesture to lighten the mood and to express that Edla had treated him like a captain, giving him a sense of dignity and respect he had not experienced before. — This signature reflects the peddler's subtle humour and his appreciation for Edla's kindness. It also symbolizes his desire to rise above his lowly status and the traps of life.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The reader's sympathy is with the peddler because he is portrayed as a lonely, poor wanderer struggling to survive. His hardships and the traps of life evoke empathy. The story reveals his vulnerability and potential for change, making the sympathy justified. His eventual decision to return the money further validates the reader's positive feelings towards him. — The narrative humanizes the peddler by showing his struggles and kindness, encouraging readers to look beyond his social status and past mistakes. This justifies the sympathy and aligns with the story's theme of redemption.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The story highlights human loneliness through the peddler's isolated life and his longing for connection. It shows that despite his rough exterior, he desires companionship and acceptance. The kindness shown by Edla and her family fulfills this need, emphasizing the universal human desire to bond and be understood. — By portraying the peddler's loneliness and his response to kindness, the story underscores the importance of human relationships and empathy in overcoming isolation.

Question 13

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?

Accepted Answer

This question is subjective and requires personal reflection. An example answer could be: Yes, I have heard of a story where a homeless person was helped by a stranger who gave him food and shelter. This act of kindness made the homeless person believe in human goodness again and motivated him to change his life for the better. — The question encourages students to relate the story's theme to real life, understanding the transformative power of kindness.

Question 14

The story is both entertaining and philosophical.

Accepted Answer

The story entertains with its engaging narrative and interesting characters, while also provoking thought about human nature, morality, and redemption. It uses the metaphor of the rattrap to explore philosophical ideas about life's traps and the possibility of change, making it both enjoyable and meaningful. — This question invites students to appreciate the dual nature of the story, combining storytelling with deeper reflections on life.

Question 15

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.

Accepted Answer

References to the man include 'peddler', 'stranger', 'man', and 'rat'. 'Peddler' indicates his occupation and low social status; 'stranger' reflects the unfamiliarity and suspicion from others; 'man' is a neutral term; 'rat' is metaphorical, relating to the rattrap and symbolizing entrapment. These labels show varying attitudes from suspicion to neutrality and metaphorical significance. — The different terms reflect how the characters perceive the peddler, ranging from distrust to seeing him as a symbol of human predicament.

The Rattrap About the author

The Rattrap About the author — Study Notes

About the author

Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context.

The story begins: The peddler and his worldview

Practice Questions — The Rattrap About the author

All 13 Chapters in Flamingo