Question

Question 4: The story is both entertaining and philosophical.

Class 12 - English - The Rattrap Page 43

Answer 1

Answer:

"The Rattrap" is a very interesting and entertaining story about the rattrap peddler. He went round selling small rattraps of wire, which he himself made. He got the material for it by begging in the stores or at big farms. But the story is not only entertaining , but it gives us a philosophical idea also. The idea is that the whole world with its land seas, its cities and villages is nothing but a big rattrap.

The whole world sets baits for people. The world offers riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing, exactly as the rattrap offered cheese and pork. As soon as anyone let himself be tempted to touch the bait, the world closed in on him. And then there is no escape.

Thus this story conveys a very noble and philosophical idea that the worldly things which fascinate us are just like the bait of the rattrap, which entraps us. The way Edla Willmanson treats the peddler we can draw a lesson that the essential goodness in a human being can be awakened through understanding and love.

Answer 2

Answer:

The Rattrap by Salma Lagerlof is a story that is both entertaining as well as philosophical in nature.

Explanation:

• The peddler is the main character of the story, portrayed as a person with a great sense of humor.
• He lives like a vagabond who sells self-made rattraps made of wire.
• As his business was not profitable, he became involved in petty thievery to keep himself alive.
• He believes that the world is nothing but a big rattrap offering riches, joys, shelter, and food, like the bait of a rattrap.
• One often gets attracted by these baits and welcomes their own pitfalls.
• This is a great philosophy that the peddler shares with humanity.
• His life teaches us to be cautious of the rattraps life offers.
• The comic instances that entertain the readers commence when the ironmaster arrives on the scene.
• He mistakes the peddler to be his old regimental comrade.
• The peddler knowingly befools the ironmaster and accompanies him to the manor.
• Later, when the ironmaster realizes the truth, he threatens to call the sheriff.
• And finally, while leaving, he gifts a rattrap to Edla, the daughter of the ironmaster, as a Christmas present that evokes laughter in the readers.
• The story induces both fun and philosophy which gives a good reading experience.