Question

How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter , the ironmaster and his daughter?

Answer 1

The peddler was a man who went around selling small rattraps of wire. He was leading a sad and monotonous life of a vagabond. He knocked at the door of the cottage of the crofter who turned out to be an old man without wife and children. He showed his kindness and hospitality towards him which the peddler had not expected. But the rattrap peddler stole his thirty kronors. Thus he betrayed the confidence reposed in him by the crofter.he ironmaster, thinking him as an old acquaintance Captain Von Stahle, showed kindness to him and invited him to spend the Christmas evening with him. But the peddler thought that if the ironmaster thought that he was an old acquaintance, he might give him a couple of kronor. That is why he did not reveal his true identity. Edla Willmansson, the daughter of the ironmaster requested him to go to her home in a very compassionate and friendly manner. He accepted to go to their home. But while he was riding to the manor house, he had "evil forebodings". He was feeling guilty for stealing the crofter's money. The ironmaster, after knowing that he was not the captain, asked him to go out of the house immediately. But due to the insistence of Edla he was allowed to spend the Christmas evening in their house. The peddler wondered why she did it. But he interpreted it as her nobleness, kindness and generosity.

Answer 2

Hi friend,

Your answer:

The different ways in which the peddler interpreted the kindness of the three people are:-


The peddler realized that for the crofter it was his craving for company that led him to offer his hospitality.
The ironmaster’s hospitality apparently is limited to his acquaintances.
He was touched by Edla’s kindness and it made him want to act differently.


Hope it helps!