Question

Question 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?

Class 12 - English - The Rattrap Page 43

Answer 1

There are various instances in the story that show that the character of the ironmaster is different from his daughter in many ways. The ironmaster, mistaking the peddler as an old acquaintance insists on inviting him to his house to spend Christmas evening. The ironmaster then decided to send his daughter hoping that she would have better powers of persuasion than him. With her compassionate and friendly behaviour she was able to win the confidence of the peddler who agreed to go to her home. But when the valet had bathed the peddler, cut his hair and shaved him and he was dressed in a good looking suit, the ironmaster realised that he was not his old regimental comrade. The ironmaster threatened to call the sheriff and asked him to get out of his house immediately. But his daughter said that he ought to stay with them today. She was more sympathetic to "the poor hungry wretch" than her father. She thought that he should enjoy a day of peace with them.
She asked him to keep his father's suit as a Christmas gift. Thus her behaviour changed the peddler who left with her money stolen by him.

Answer 2

Answer:

• The ironmaster was a strong, ambitious, and somewhat haughty individual. More out of pride than compassion or generosity, he extended an invitation to the peddler to come to his house. The ironmaster labeled the peddler dishonest and vowed to contact the Sheriff after realizing his error. He afterward became concerned about his own silverware after discovering that the peddler was a thief.
• On the other hand, Edla, the ironmaster's daughter, was a lovely and caring woman who showed the peddler a lot of sympathy and consideration right away. Despite the fact that she knew he wasn't a captain, she nonetheless treated the peddler with respect and dignity. Her kind disposition was ultimately what caused the peddler to change, bringing out the inherent goodness in him.
• We can therefore infer from the aforementioned incidents that Edla and Ironmaster both of them were fundamentally dissimilar in nature and ideals. In contrast to Edla, who was trustworthy, kind, compassionate, and a generous woman, Ironmaster was a man of might, ambition, and arrogance.

#SPJ2