Class 12 English Flamingo The Rattrap( Long answers)

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Flamingo

The Rattrap

(Selma Lagerlof)

Long Answer type Questions

Q1. What is the theme of the story ‘The Rattrap’ ? How has this theme been developed?

Ans: The central theme of the narrative revolves around the susceptibility of individuals to be ensnared by the allure of material gains. However, the story suggests that inherent goodness can be stirred through understanding and love, paving the way for personal redemption from dishonest paths. The metaphor of the rattrap is employed to develop this theme.

In likening the world to a colossal rattrap, the peddler highlights how material temptations such as wealth, joy, shelter, food, and clothing act as baits, leading individuals into the metaphorical rattrap. This mirrors the way cheese and pork entice a rat into a physical rattrap. Once entangled, the world closes in on the person, resulting in the loss of everything.

The peddler, enticed by the thirty kronors from the old crofter, succumbs to the temptation and steals the money. Fearing capture, he navigates through the woods. It is the compassionate, sympathetic, and loving treatment provided by Edla Willmansson that enables him to break free from the metaphorical rattrap of the world. Her kindness serves as a catalyst for the peddler's redemption, emphasizing the transformative power of understanding and love.

Q2. Discuss peddler’s encounter with the old crofter. How does the peddler conduct himself? What light does this episode throw on human nature?

Ans: On a somber evening, the peddler arrived at a small gray cottage along the roadside. Seeking shelter for the night, he knocked on the door. The owner, an elderly man devoid of a spouse or children, graciously welcomed him. The old man, finding solace in the company, shared hot porridge for supper and provided tobacco for the peddler's pipe. The two engaged in a card game until bedtime.

During their interaction, the host recounted his prosperous days working on land at Ramsjo Ironworks, highlighting how his current sustenance relied on the milk from his cow, which he sold at the creamery daily. Displaying the thirty kronor notes he received as payment that month, he hung the leather pouch on a nail in the window frame. The following morning, as the crofter tended to his cow, the peddler departed briefly. Upon his return half an hour later, he broke the window pane, retrieved the money from the leather pouch, and discreetly hung it back on the nail.

This episode underscores the human inclination for companionship and social bonding in moments of loneliness. Additionally, it emphasizes that even the most philosophically inclined individuals can succumb to temptation, as demonstrated by the peddler, who, despite labeling the world a rattrap, yielded to the lure of thirty kronor.

Q3. Bring out the contrast in the ironmaster’s attitude and behaviour towards the stranger before and after he realises his mistake.

Ans: The ironmaster is deeply moved to witness his old regimental comrade in a pitiable state and regrets his decision to resign from the regiment. Determined to rectify this, he insists that his old comrade accompany him home. Perceiving the stranger's reluctance as possibly stemming from embarrassment due to his shabby attire, the ironmaster assures him that his home is not too grand for him to be welcomed. He extends an invitation for the stranger to join him and his daughter for Christmas, persisting even after the stranger declines three times. In a final attempt, the ironmaster sends his daughter, clad in a large fur coat, to convince the stranger.

However, his disposition takes a sharp turn when he sees the well-groomed stranger just before breakfast on Christmas Eve and realizes his mistake. Expressing displeasure with a furrowed brow, he demands an explanation from the man. Despite the peddler's defense that he never claimed to be someone else, the ironmaster deems him dishonest and threatens to involve the sheriff. Softening a bit after considering the metaphor of the world as a rattrap, he instructs the peddler to leave immediately.

Q4. Write the character sketch of  Edla on reading the story ‘The Raitrap’ ?

Ans: Miss Edla Willmansson, the eldest daughter of the Ramsjo Ironworks owner, may not possess conventional beauty, but her demeanor is characterized by modesty and shyness. She dutifully obeys her father's requests, occasionally visiting the forge. Demonstrating a remarkable power of observation and swift judgment, she deduces from the stranger's apprehensive expressions that he could be a thief or a fugitive. Employing her persuasive skills, she successfully convinces the stranger to accompany her home, leveraging her compassionate gaze, friendly manner, and polite discourse.

Observing that nothing about the man suggests a past as an educated individual, she upholds the Christmas spirit and intervenes on the stranger's behalf. Pleading passionately and arguing that they should not turn away someone they personally invited for Christmas cheer, she seeks her father's understanding.

Her disappointment upon discovering the peddler's true nature reflects her sensitivity. The captain's gift brings her joy, and it is her noble actions that contribute to the redemption of a thief. In essence, Miss Edla Willmansson emerges as an intelligent, affectionate, and kind young woman.