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.
