MP Board 12th English Flemingo The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlof

MP Board 12th English Flemingo The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlof

📖 The Rattrap

Author: Selma Lagerlöf (Nobel Prize-winning Swedish writer) Genre: Short story with a philosophical theme Setting: Countryside of Sweden during Christmas time

👥 Main Characters

• The Rattrap Peddler: A poor, homeless man who sells wire rattraps and survives by begging or stealing
• The Ironmaster: Owner of the Ramsjö Ironworks, initially mistakes the peddler for an old friend
• Edla Willmansson: Daughter of the ironmaster, kind and compassionate
• The Crofter: A lonely old man who offers the peddler food and shelter and is later robbed

📚 Summary (Brief)

The story revolves around a peddler who sells handmade rattraps. He views the world as a giant rattrap — full of temptations like wealth and pleasure that trap people. Homeless and hopeless, he steals money from a kind crofter and later finds himself lost in the forest.

He reaches an ironmill and is given shelter by the ironmaster and his daughter, Edla. While the ironmaster is stern, Edla treats the peddler with dignity and kindness, even after knowing the truth about his identity.

Her compassion transforms the man. He returns the stolen money and leaves behind a note with a gift: a rattrap and a letter, thanking Edla for helping him escape the trap he had fallen into — symbolically freeing him from the trap of sin and guilt.

🌟 Themes

• Redemption and transformation through kindness
• The world as a metaphorical rattrap
• Human dignity and compassion
• Appearance vs. reality

📝 Moral / Message

Everyone has the capacity to change. A small act of kindness and trust can lead even a wrongdoer toward redemption. The story urges us to treat others with empathy because a loving heart can liberate someone stuck in life’s traps.

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Questions and Answers The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlof

1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
   o The peddler got the idea of the world being a rattrap from his own thoughts while he was wandering the roads. He compared the world to a rattrap that offers baits like riches and joy to trap people, just like cheese is used to catch rats.
   o विक्रेता को दुनिया के एक चूहादानी होने का विचार अपने ही विचारों से आया जब वह सड़कों पर भटक रहा था। उसने दुनिया की तुलना एक चूहादानी से की जो संपत्ति और खुशी जैसे चारे का उपयोग करके लोगों को फंसाती है, जैसे चूहों को पकड़ने के लिए पनीर का उपयोग किया जाता है।
2. Why was he amused by this idea?
   o He found this idea funny because the world had not treated him well. Thinking of the world as a trap that tricks people made him feel better.
   o उसे यह विचार मजेदार लगा क्योंकि दुनिया ने उसके साथ अच्छा व्यवहार नहीं किया था। दुनिया को एक जाल के रूप में सोचने से जो लोगों को मूर्ख बनाती है, उसे अच्छा महसूस हुआ।
3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?
   o No, he didn’t expect such kindness. He was usually met with unfriendly faces and was surprised by the crofter’s friendliness.
   o नहीं, उसने ऐसी मेहमाननवाजी की उम्मीद नहीं की थी। उसे आमतौर पर असFriendly चेहरे मिलते थे और वह कृषक की मित्रता से हैरान था।
4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
   o The crofter was lonely and was happy to have someone to talk to. He enjoyed the company of the peddler.
   o कृषक अकेला था और किसी से बात करने के लिए खुश था। उसने विक्रेता की संगति का आनंद लिया।
5. Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?
   o The crofter showed the thirty kroner to prove that his cow was very good and gave a lot of milk, which earned him money.
   o कृषक ने तीस क्रोनर दिखाए ताकि यह साबित हो सके कि उसकी गाय बहुत अच्छी थी और बहुत सारा दूध देती थी, जिससे उसे पैसे मिलते थे।
6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?
   o No, the peddler did not respect the crofter’s trust. He stole the thirty kroner from the crofter after he left.
   o नहीं, विक्रेता ने कृषक के विश्वास का सम्मान नहीं किया। उसने कृषक के जाने के बाद तीस क्रोनर चुरा लिए।
   Questions and Answers:
7. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
   o The peddler thought he had fallen into a rattrap because he got lost in the forest after stealing the crofter’s money. The forest seemed like a trap he couldn’t escape from, making him feel caught, just like he believed the world was a trap.
   o विक्रेता को लगा कि वह वास्तव में चूहादानी में फंस गया था क्योंकि उसने किसान का पैसा चुराने के बाद जंगल में खो गया था। जंगल उसे एक जाल की तरह लगा जिससे वह बच नहीं सकता था, जिससे उसे फंसा हुआ महसूस हुआ, जैसे कि उसे लगता था कि दुनिया एक जाल है।
8. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
   o The ironmaster spoke kindly to the peddler and invited him home because he mistook him for an old regimental comrade named Nils Olof. He thought the peddler was an old friend who had fallen on hard times.
   o लोहे के मालिक ने विक्रेता से दयालुता से बात की और उसे घर आने का न्योता दिया क्योंकि उसने उसे एक पुराने रेजिमेंटल साथी निल्स ओलॉफ समझ लिया। उसे लगा कि विक्रेता एक पुराना दोस्त है जो मुश्किल समय में फंस गया था।
9. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
   o The peddler declined the invitation because he feared being caught for stealing the crofter’s money. He thought going to the ironmaster’s house would be like walking into a trap.
   o विक्रेता ने निमंत्रण को अस्वीकार कर दिया क्योंकि उसे किसान का पैसा चुराने के कारण पकड़े जाने का डर था। उसे लगा कि लोहे के मालिक के घर जाना एक जाल में चलने जैसा होगा।
   Questions and Answers:
10. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?
    o The peddler accepted Edla Willmansson’s invitation because she spoke kindly and made him feel confident and safe. She assured him that he would be free to leave whenever he wanted.
    o विक्रेता ने एडला विलमन्सन का निमंत्रण इसलिए स्वीकार कर लिया क्योंकि उसने दयालुता से बात की और उसे आत्मविश्वास और सुरक्षा महसूस करवाई। उसने उसे आश्वासन दिया कि वह जब चाहे तब जा सकता है।
11. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?
    o Edla had doubts that the peddler might have stolen something or escaped from jail. She noticed that he looked afraid.
    o एडला को संदेह था कि विक्रेता ने कुछ चुराया होगा या वह जेल से भागा हुआ हो सकता है। उसने देखा कि वह डरा हुआ लग रहा था।
12. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?
    o The ironmaster realised his mistake when he saw the peddler in daylight, clean and well-dressed. He understood that the peddler was not his old regimental comrade.
    o लोहे के मालिक ने अपनी गलती का एहसास तब किया जब उसने दिन की रोशनी में विक्रेता को साफ-सुथरा और अच्छे कपड़ों में देखा। उसने समझ लिया कि विक्रेता उसका पुराना रेजिमेंटल साथी नहीं था।
13. What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was?
    o The peddler said that he never pretended to be anyone else and had begged to stay in the forge. He explained that the world is like a big rattrap and everyone can get caught in it.
    o विक्रेता ने कहा कि उसने कभी भी किसी और होने का ढोंग नहीं किया और उसने धौंकनी में रहने की भीख मांगी थी। उसने समझाया कि दुनिया एक बड़ी चूहादानी की तरह है और हर कोई इसमें फंस सकता है।
14. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
    o Edla still entertained the peddler because she felt sorry for him and wanted him to have a peaceful and happy Christmas. She believed in treating him with kindness and compassion.
    o एडला ने अभी भी विक्रेता का स्वागत किया क्योंकि उसे उसके लिए बुरा लगा और वह चाहती थी कि उसे एक शांति और खुशहाल क्रिसमस मिले। उसने दयालुता और सहानुभूति के साथ उसे बर्ताव करने में विश्वास किया।
    Questions and Answers:
15. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
    o Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler because it showed that he had appreciated her kindness and trust. The gift, a small rattrap with the thirty kronor inside, along with a letter, indicated that the peddler had a change of heart and wanted to repay her good treatment with honesty.
    o एडला पेडलर द्वारा छोड़े गए उपहार को देखकर खुश थी क्योंकि इससे पता चला कि उसने उसकी दया और विश्वास की सराहना की थी। उपहार, जिसमें तीस क्रोनर के साथ एक छोटा चूहादानी और एक पत्र था, ने संकेत दिया कि पेडलर का दिल बदल गया था और वह ईमानदारी से उसके अच्छे व्यवहार का बदला चुकाना चाहता था।
16. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
    o The peddler signed himself as Captain von Stahle to acknowledge and respect the identity that the ironmaster and his daughter had mistakenly attributed to him. By signing the letter as Captain von Stahle, he wanted to express his gratitude for their hospitality and make amends for his past actions.
    o पेडलर ने खुद को कैप्टन वॉन स्टाहले के रूप में हस्ताक्षर किया ताकि वह पहचान का सम्मान और स्वीकार कर सके जिसे लोहे के मालिक और उसकी बेटी ने गलती से उसे सौंपा था। कैप्टन वॉन स्टाहले के रूप में पत्र पर हस्ताक्षर करके, वह उनके आतिथ्य के लिए अपना आभार व्यक्त करना चाहता था और अपने पिछले कार्यों के लिए क्षमा चाहता था।

Understanding the Text

1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?
   o The peddler initially thinks that the kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster, and his daughter are like traps in the world’s rattrap. He believes these acts are tricks to trap people. But later, he realizes that their kindness has helped him change and become a better person.
   o विक्रेता शुरू में सोचता है कि कृषक, लोहे के मालिक और उसकी बेटी द्वारा दिखाए गए दया और आतिथ्य दुनिया की चूहादानी की तरह हैं। वह मानता है कि ये कार्य लोगों को फंसाने के लिए चालें हैं। लेकिन बाद में, वह महसूस करता है कि उनकी दया ने उसे बदलने और एक बेहतर व्यक्ति बनने में मदद की है।
2. 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?
   o The ironmaster quickly judges and insists on bringing the peddler home, thinking he is an old friend. When he realizes his mistake, he wants to throw the peddler out. On the other hand, his daughter Edla is kind and understanding. She convinces her father to let the peddler stay for Christmas, showing empathy even after knowing the truth.
   o लोहे का मालिक जल्दी से निर्णय लेता है और विक्रेता को घर लाने पर जोर देता है, यह सोचकर कि वह एक पुराना दोस्त है। जब उसे अपनी गलती का एहसास होता है, तो वह विक्रेता को बाहर निकालना चाहता है। दूसरी ओर, उसकी बेटी एडला दयालु और समझदार है। वह अपने पिता को क्रिसमस के लिए विक्रेता को रहने देने के लिए मनाती है, सच्चाई जानने के बाद भी सहानुभूति दिखाती है।
3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
   o The crofter showing his money to the peddler unexpectedly.
   o The peddler stealing the crofter’s money despite receiving kindness.
   o The ironmaster being kind to the peddler and then getting angry when he realizes the mistake.
   o Edla allowing the peddler to stay even after knowing he is a thief.
   o The peddler leaving the stolen money behind and thanking Edla in a letter.
   o कृषक का अप्रत्याशित रूप से विक्रेता को अपना पैसा दिखाना।
   o दया प्राप्त करने के बावजूद विक्रेता का किसान का पैसा चुराना।
   o लोहे के मालिक का विक्रेता के प्रति दयालु होना और फिर गलती का एहसास होने पर गुस्सा होना।
   o एडला का सच्चाई जानने के बाद भी विक्रेता को रहने देना।
   o विक्रेता का चुराया हुआ पैसा छोड़कर एडला को पत्र में धन्यवाद देना।
4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?
   o The peddler changed his ways because of Edla’s genuine kindness and hospitality. Her compassion made him realize his mistakes and inspired him to return the stolen money and leave a thank you note.
   o विक्रेता ने एडला की सच्ची दया और आतिथ्य के कारण अपने तरीके बदल दिए। उसकी करुणा ने उसे अपनी गलतियों का एहसास कराया और चुराया हुआ पैसा लौटाने और धन्यवाद पत्र छोड़ने के लिए प्रेरित किया।
5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
   o The metaphor of the rattrap shows that the world is full of temptations and traps that can lead people into trouble. It highlights the struggles and moral dilemmas people face in life. It also suggests that kindness and understanding can help people overcome these traps.
   o चूहादानी का रूपक यह दिखाता है कि दुनिया प्रलोभनों और जालों से भरी है जो लोगों को मुसीबत में डाल सकते हैं। यह जीवन में लोगों के संघर्षों और नैतिक दुविधाओं को उजागर करता है। यह भी बताता है कि दया और समझदारी से लोग इन जालों को पार कर सकते हैं।
6. 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?
   o The peddler’s sense of humour, like calling the world a rattrap and signing the letter as “Captain von Stahle,” adds a light touch to the serious themes of the story. It makes the story less heavy and helps us like him, showing that he has redeemable qualities despite his flaws.
   o विक्रेता की हास्यप्रवृत्ति, जैसे दुनिया को चूहादानी कहना और पत्र पर “कैप्टन वॉन स्टाहले” के रूप में हस्ताक्षर करना, कहानी की गंभीरता को हल्का कर देता है। यह कहानी को कम गंभीर बनाता है और हमें उसे पसंद करने में मदद करता है, यह दिखाते हुए कि उसकी खामियों के बावजूद उसमें सुधार की गुण हैं।

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from the chapter “The Rattrap”

1. Who is the author of the story “The Rattrap”?
   o a) Anton Chekhov
   o b) Selma Lagerlöf
   o c) Guy de Maupassant
   o d) O. Henry
   o Answer: b) Selma Lagerlöf
2. What was the main occupation of the peddler in the story?
   o a) Farmer
   o b) Blacksmith
   o c) Rattrap seller
   o d) Shopkeeper
   o Answer: c) Rattrap seller
3. What did the peddler think of the world?
   o a) A beautiful place
   o b) A dangerous place
   o c) A big rattrap
   o d) A happy place
   o Answer: c) A big rattrap
4. How much money did the crofter show to the peddler?
   o a) Twenty kronor
   o b) Thirty kronor
   o c) Forty kronor
   o d) Fifty kronor
   o Answer: b) Thirty kronor
5. Why did the peddler decide to steal the crofter’s money?
   o a) He needed food
   o b) He wanted to buy new clothes
   o c) He was tempted by the money
   o d) He wanted to travel
   o Answer: c) He was tempted by the money
6. How did the peddler feel after stealing the money?
   o a) Happy
   o b) Guilty
   o c) Pleased with his smartness
   o d) Sad
   o Answer: c) Pleased with his smartness
7. Who mistook the peddler for an old regimental comrade?
   o a) The crofter
   o b) The blacksmith
   o c) The ironmaster
   o d) The valet
   o Answer: c) The ironmaster
8. What was the name of the ironmaster’s daughter?
   o a) Anna
   o b) Elsa
   o c) Edla
   o d) Maria
   o Answer: c) Edla
9. Why did Edla persuade her father to let the peddler stay for Christmas?
   o a) She wanted to help the peddler
   o b) She needed a servant
   o c) She liked the peddler
   o d) She was afraid of him
   o Answer: a) She wanted to help the peddler
10. What did the peddler leave behind as a Christmas gift for Edla?
    o a) A rattrap with thirty kronor
    o b) A thank you note
    o c) A piece of jewelry
    o d) A book
    o Answer: a) A rattrap with thirty kronor

Additional Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from the chapter “The Rattrap”

1. What did the peddler leave behind at the crofter’s house?
   o a) A rattrap
   o b) The thirty kronor he stole
   o c) A thank you note
   o d) Nothing
   o Answer: d) Nothing
2. How did the peddler escape after stealing the crofter’s money?
   o a) By running away on the highway
   o b) By hiding in a barn
   o c) By walking into the forest
   o d) By taking a carriage
   o Answer: c) By walking into the forest
3. What did the peddler hear that helped him find his way out of the forest?
   o a) Birdsong
   o b) Carriage wheels
   o c) Hammer strokes from an iron mill
   o d) Church bells
   o Answer: c) Hammer strokes from an iron mill
4. Where did the peddler end up after following the sound of the hammer strokes?
   o a) At a farmhouse
   o b) At the church
   o c) At the Ramsjo Ironworks
   o d) At the village square
   o Answer: c) At the Ramsjo Ironworks
5. How did the ironmaster first react when he saw the peddler at the ironworks?
   o a) With anger
   o b) With kindness
   o c) With suspicion
   o d) With indifference
   o Answer: b) With kindness
6. What did the ironmaster initially mistake the peddler for?
   o a) A thief
   o b) A beggar
   o c) An old regimental comrade
   o d) A worker
   o Answer: c) An old regimental comrade
7. What was Edla Willmansson’s initial reaction to the peddler?
   o a) She was suspicious
   o b) She was fearful
   o c) She was compassionate
   o d) She was indifferent
   o Answer: c) She was compassionate
8. What did Edla convince her father to do?
   o a) Call the sheriff
   o b) Let the peddler stay for Christmas
   o c) Send the peddler away immediately
   o d) Give the peddler a job
   o Answer: b) Let the peddler stay for Christmas
9. What did the peddler do after realizing the kindness shown to him by Edla?
   o a) He stole more things
   o b) He ran away
   o c) He left the stolen money behind as a gift
   o d) He confessed to the ironmaster
   o Answer: c) He left the stolen money behind as a gift
10. What lesson did the peddler learn by the end of the story?
    o a) Kindness has no value
    o b) The world is a rattrap
    o c) Genuine kindness can change a person
    o d) It is easy to steal
    o Answer: c) Genuine kindness can change a person