CBSE Class 12th The Rattrap Most Important Questions with Solutions in English Medium Full Syllabus

Plot: The peddler, seeking refuge from the storm, knocks on the crofter’s door. Initially apprehensive, the crofter lets him in, touched by the peddler’s vulnerability. They share a simple meal and conversation, a rare human connection for both. The peddler reveals his cynical view of the world as a giant rattrap, where people are lured by false promises and ultimately trapped in misery.

The next day, the peddler visits the ironmaster’s manor, hoping to sell his wares. Despite Edla’s welcoming presence, the ironmaster treats him harshly. This reinforces the peddler’s belief in the world’s cruelty. However, Edla’s genuine kindness leaves a mark on him. Touched by her innocence and compassion, he experiences a flicker of hope.

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Class 12th The Rattrap Most Important Questions with Solutions- Later that night, the peddler encounters the crofter again. He learns that the crofter, trusting the peddler, had left his money pouch hanging outside as bait for a potential thief. The peddler, tempted by this easy gain, initially succumbs to his old ways. However, Edla’s image flashes in his mind, and he chooses honesty over personal gain. He returns the money to the crofter, a small act of redemption. Class 12 English The Rattrap Question Answers

Themes

• Loneliness and isolation: The story explores the profound impact of loneliness on the human psyche. The characters, particularly the peddler and the crofter, yearn for connection and understanding.
• Loss of faith in humanity: The peddler’s initial cynicism reflects the harsh realities of poverty and social exclusion. Edla’s kindness becomes a beacon of hope, challenging his jaded worldview.
• Transformation and redemption: The story suggests that even the most hardened hearts can be softened by genuine human connection. The peddler’s choice to return the money signifies a potential for positive change.

CBSE Class 12th The Rattrap Most Important Questions with Solutions- “The Rattrap” is a timeless story that resonates with readers of all ages. It reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and the transformative power of human connection, even in the face of hardship and despair.

Q:- From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?

CBSE Class 12th The Rattrap Most Important Questions with Solutions- In Selma Lagerlöf’s “The Rattrap,” the peddler’s cynical view of the world as a vast rattrap isn’t attributed to a single, concrete event. Instead, it seems to stem from a complex tapestry of his experiences:

• Years of hardship and poverty: His life as a traveling peddler has been marked by constant struggle for survival. Facing rejection, loneliness, and societal prejudice, he’s developed a bitter outlook on the world.
• Isolation and lack of human connection: The peddler’s solitary existence leaves him feeling emotionally neglected and disconnected from others. This absence of meaningful relationships reinforces his perception of a cold and uncaring world.
• Witnessing cruelty and injustice: Throughout his travels, the peddler encounters countless instances of human cruelty and exploitation. From witnessing the harsh treatment of the miners by the ironmaster to experiencing prejudice himself, he develops a cynical belief that people are fundamentally self-serving and trapped in a system that benefits the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable.
• Internal doubts and disillusionment: The peddler’s own struggles with morality and temptation contribute to his disillusionment. He’s aware of his capacity for dishonesty and deceit, further confirming his belief in the inherent flaws of human nature.

Therefore, the peddler’s idea of the world being a rattrap isn’t born from a single incident but rather from a confluence of years of hardship, societal isolation, and personal introspection. It’s a deeply-rooted cynicism built on layers of disappointment and a lack of faith in humanity’s capacity for genuine connection and compassion.

Q:- Why was he amused by this idea?

Class 12th The Rattrap Most Important Questions with Solutions- The peddler’s amusement at the idea of the world being a rattrap is layered and complex, stemming from a mixture of emotions:

Dark humor: He finds a grim humor in the world’s apparent cruelty. The “rattrap” analogy serves as a dark joke, highlighting the absurdity of his life and the inescapable nature of suffering. This ironic laughter could be seen as a coping mechanism, a way to distance himself from the pain of his reality.

Validation of his cynicism: The “rattrap” idea confirms his pre-existing beliefs about the world’s harshness and people’s self-serving nature. This validation, however bitter, provides a sense of certainty and control in his otherwise chaotic life. He takes a kind of perverse satisfaction in seeing his cynical assumptions borne out.

Superiority complex: By seeing himself as someone who understands the “trap” better than others, the peddler elevates himself from the rest of humanity. This creates a twisted sense of superiority, where his suffering makes him somehow wiser and more insightful than those who are still caught in the illusion of happiness.

Masochistic pleasure: There’s an element of masochism in the peddler’s amusement. He takes a morbid pleasure in dwelling on his own misery and reinforcing his negative world view. This self-inflicted pain may be a way of deflecting from the vulnerability of hope and the possibility of disappointment.

It’s important to remember that the peddler’s amusement is not healthy or sustainable. It reflects a deeply ingrained cynicism and self-destruction. However, understanding the complex reasons behind his laughter can offer valuable insights into his character and the psychological impact of his years of hardship and isolation.

Lagerlöf doesn’t paint the peddler’s amusement as simply dark humor or self-pity. It’s a multifaceted response to a deeply painful reality, and it’s this complexity that makes “The Rattrap” such a compelling exploration of human nature.

Q:- Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?

The peddler absolutely did not expect the kind of hospitality he received from the crofter. His cynical worldview, shaped by years of hardship and social exclusion, led him to expect suspicion and rejection at every turn.

• Past experiences: Throughout his travels, the peddler has likely faced countless instances of harshness and indifference. He’s become accustomed to being shunned and treated with prejudice due to his social status and profession. This has conditioned him to expect the worst from people.
• Cynical outlook: The peddler views the world as a “rattrap,” where people are lured by false promises and ultimately trapped in misery. He sees himself as a victim of this system, constantly struggling for survival in a world devoid of genuine kindness.
• Internalized self-worth: Years of societal rejection have led the peddler to internalize a negative self-image. He believes himself to be unworthy of kindness and compassion, expecting only suspicion and hostility from others.

Therefore, when the crofter welcomes him with warmth and generosity, it completely undermines the peddler’s pre-existing assumptions. This unexpected act of kindness throws him off balance and presents a challenge to his deeply ingrained cynicism.

The story’s beauty lies in this juxtaposition. The crofter’s simple act of hospitality becomes a catalyst for potential change in the peddler. Even within his deeply cynical heart, a flicker of hope is ignited, leaving the reader to ponder the transformative power of genuine human connection in the face of despair.

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

Loneliness: This is the most prominent reason. Living alone in his small cottage, the crofter likely craves company and social interaction. The arrival of the peddler, especially during the harsh winter, presents a rare opportunity for conversation and human connection. He eagerly seizes this opportunity to share stories, experiences, and his humble meal with the peddler.

Kindness and empathy: The crofter, despite his own difficult circumstances, possesses a natural kindness and empathy towards others. He recognizes the peddler’s vulnerability as a solitary traveler and feels a genuine desire to offer him warmth, comfort, and companionship.

Sense of duty: In some interpretations, the crofter’s hospitality is rooted in a sense of duty and tradition. He believes in offering refuge and assistance to those in need, regardless of their circumstances. This ingrained sense of social responsibility motivates him to open his home and share what little he has with the peddler.

Naivety and lack of cynicism: Unlike the peddler who has grown hardened by the world’s harshness, the crofter seems to retain a sense of innocence and trust in people. He hasn’t been jaded by societal prejudices and maintains a belief in the inherent goodness of others. This lack of cynicism allows him to approach the peddler with an open heart and unreserved friendliness.

Contrast with the ironmaster: This is more thematic than textual, but it’s worth mentioning. The crofter’s warmth and generosity stand in stark contrast to the cold and exploitative treatment the peddler receives from the ironmaster. This deliberate contrast highlights the power of individual kindness and its ability to counterbalance the harsh realities of the world.

Ultimately, the crofter’s talkativeness and friendliness stem from a complex combination of his own circumstances, personality, and values. He represents a beacon of hope and compassion in the peddler’s cynical world, demonstrating the unwavering power of human connection to spark potential change and challenge even the most deeply ingrained beliefs.

Q:- Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?

Pride and excitement: Earning thirty kronor from selling milk must have been a significant achievement for the crofter. He might be genuinely excited about his financial success and eager to share it with someone. Showing the money could be a way to express his pride in his accomplishment and his ability to provide for himself. Class 12th The Rattrap Most Important Questions Answers

Naivety and trust: As discussed previously, the crofter possesses a trusting and innocent nature. He might not readily suspect others of deceit or ill intentions. Therefore, when he mentions his earnings to the peddler, he might do so without thinking twice and feel compelled to show the money as proof, particularly if he perceives the peddler’s expression as doubtful or disbelieving.

Demonstration of honesty: The crofter could be showcasing his own moral values and his commitment to honesty. By revealing the money, he might be implicitly reassuring the peddler that he wouldn’t steal from him, especially considering the peddler’s profession and potential vulnerability.

Invitation for conversation: Showing the money could be a way to start a conversation about a shared topic. Talking about their finances and means of living might be a common experience for people living in isolated communities like theirs. It could be a simple attempt to find common ground and create a further connection with the peddler.

Testing the peddler’s character: While less likely, some interpretations suggest that the crofter might be subtly testing the peddler’s integrity. Seeing how the peddler reacts to the sight of money could offer a glimpse into his character and reveal whether he harbors any ill intentions.

Ultimately, the exact reason behind the crofter’s decision to show the thirty kronor remains open to interpretation. The story encourages us to consider the various possibilities and contemplate the underlying motives and personalities of the characters.

Q:- Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?

Q:- What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?

Q:- Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

Q:- Why did the peddler decline the  invitation

Q:-  How was the peddler treated at the crofter’s cottage?

Q:- Why did the peddler gift a rattrap as a Christmas present?

Q:- Why did Edla plead her father not to send the Vagabond away?

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

Q:- Who was the owner of Ramsjo iron mills? Why did he visit the mills at night?

Q:- How did the ironmaster react on seeing the stranger lying close to the furnace?

Q:- Explain the metaphor of the rattrap in context of the story by Selma Lagerlöf.

Class 12 The Rattrap Long Answer Questions 

Q:- Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap’ shows that basic human goodness can be brought out by understanding and love.

Q:-  Describe the peddler’s interaction with the ironmaster’s daughter. To what extent was he influenced by her? 

Q:- Describe the crofter’s interaction with the peddler. How did the latter get tempted?

Q:- The story, ‘The Rattrap’ is both entertaining and philosophical. Do you agree with this statement?

Q:- The Rattrap is a story where a good deed or an act of kindness changes a person’s view of the world. Discuss with reference to the theme.

Q:- The story ‘The Rattrap’ exemplifies the notion that the emotional needs of human beings have a direct bearing on their behavior. Elucidate.