Question

character sketch of peddler in the chapter the rattrap?

Answer 1

The Rattrap” is an appropriate title as it is the story of a rattrap peddler. The author has used the metaphor of a Rattrap to highlight the human predicament. Just as a rat is fooled by bait and gets trapped, most human beings also fall into the trap of material benefits. The story revolves around the incident of a man getting trapped due to his greed. Hence, the title is an apt one.

Answer 2

The central character of the story is an unnamed man who lives as a tramp wandering the countryside and selling rattraps, which he makes out of wire in his spare time.

• The rattrap peddler was a tall man who had his own, imagination and meditation.
• He had some human weaknesses like thievery and begging to fulfill his basic needs. Devoid of any sheltering place, he spent his nights wherever he found shelter.
• He feels that the world is a big trap and it exists only for the purpose of setting baits to people. He thinks that food, money, clothing, shelter, etc are the baits and once people fall into it, everything comes to an end.
• Edla's sympathy, noble attitude, kind-heartedness, hospitality, and kindness had a significant imapct on the peddler. He repents over his misdeed and returns the money stolen by him.
• He also left a letter stating that her nobleness had given him a chance to cleanse himself.