The Rattrap Important Short and Long Question class 12 Chapter-4 Book-Flamingo

Q-1. Given his temperament, Edla’s father would have failed in reforming the peddler. How did Edla succeed?

Ans: 

Edla succeeded in reforming the peddler because she treated him with kindness and respect. Unlike her father, who was forceful and suspicious, she spoke to the peddler gently and made him feel valued. Her warmth and trust touched the peddler’s heart, making him change his ways.

Q-2. How did the peddler feel after robbing the crofter? What course did he adopt and how did he react to the new situation? What does his reaction reveal?

Ans: 

After robbing the crofter, the peddler felt guilty but decided to escape through the forest. However, he got lost in the woods, realizing that he was trapped in a rattrap, just like he had described the world. This reaction shows that he understood how greed can trap a person, just as it had trapped him.

Q-3. How are the values of concern and compassion brought out in the story, ‘The Rattrap’?

Ans: 

The story shows that kindness and compassion can transform a person. While the ironmaster was rude and suspicious, Edla treated the peddler with understanding and respect. Her warmth and generosity made the peddler realize his mistake, proving that love and care can bring out the goodness in people.

Q-4. Why did the crofter repose confidence in the peddler? How did the peddler betray that, and with what consequences?

Ans: 

The crofter trusted the peddler because he was lonely and wanted someone to talk to. He even showed the peddler his savings, believing him to be harmless. However, the peddler betrayed this trust by stealing the crofter’s money and running away. This decision led him to feel guilty and eventually reform himself.

Q-5. How is the rattrap peddler affected by meeting the crofter and Edla?

Ans: 

The crofter's generosity initially made the peddler feel trusted, but his greed led him to betray that trust. Later, meeting Edla changed him completely. Her kindness and faith in him made him realize his mistakes and choose a better path.

Q-6. How does ‘The Rattrap’ show that basic human goodness can be brought out by understanding and love?

Ans: 

The story shows that even a thief can change if treated with kindness. The peddler, who was once dishonest, transformed into a good person because of Edla’s compassion. Her trust and warmth made him realize his potential for goodness, proving that love and understanding can reform anyone.

Q-7. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?

Ans: 

The crofter was talkative and friendly with the peddler because he was lonely. He lived alone without any family, and he longed for companionship. When the peddler arrived at his cottage, the crofter saw an opportunity to talk to someone and share his life. He was so eager to have company that he even shared personal details, such as showing the peddler his money, without suspecting any wrongdoing. His trusting and friendly nature, however, led to his betrayal.

Q-8. Did the stranger agree to go to the ironmaster’s house? Why or why not?

Ans: 

Initially, the peddler refused to go to the ironmaster’s house because he feared getting caught for stealing the crofter’s money. However, when Edla persuaded him kindly, he agreed to go, as her warmth made him feel safe.

Q-9. What made the peddler finally change his ways?

Ans: 

The peddler changed his ways because of Edla’s kindness and trust. She treated him with respect, even when she knew he was a thief. Her compassion moved him, making him realize that he did not have to live as a dishonest person.

Q-10. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?

Ans: 

Edla was happy to see the gift because it showed that the peddler had truly changed. He left behind the stolen money with a letter, proving that her kindness had helped him become a better person. This made her feel proud and satisfied.