Class 12):📘 Chapter 5: The Rattrap .

Class 12 English – AHSEC |important questions answer |

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🔵 1 MARK QUESTIONS (Very Short) – 20 Q&A

1. Who is the author of The Rattrap?

→ Selma Lagerlöf

2. What did the peddler sell?

→ Rattraps

3. How did the peddler view the world?

→ As a rattrap

4. Who gave the peddler food and shelter first?

→ The crofter

5. How much money did the crofter have?

→ Thirty kronor

6. Where was the crofter’s money kept?

→ In a pouch hung on a window frame

7. What did the peddler steal?

→ The crofter’s thirty kronor

8. Where did the peddler go after stealing?

→ Into a forest

9. Who helped him at the ironworks?

→ The ironmaster

10. What mistake did the ironmaster make?

→ Thought the peddler was an old army friend

11. Who brought the peddler home for Christmas?

→ Edla Willmansson

12. What was Edla’s nature like?

→ Kind and compassionate

13. Why was the peddler surprised at Edla’s behaviour?

→ She treated him with respect and dignity

14. What did the peddler leave as a gift?

→ A rattrap and the stolen money

15. What name did the peddler sign in the letter?

→ Captain von Stahle

16. Why did Edla feel bad on Christmas Eve?

→ She thought the peddler would steal silverware

17. What did the peddler compare life to?

→ A giant rattrap

18. What made the peddler regret his actions?

→ Edla’s kindness and trust

19. What did the story show about kindness?

→ It can transform even the worst people

20. What is the message of the story?

→ Compassion can lead to redemption

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🟢 2 MARK QUESTIONS – 20 Q&A

1. Why did the peddler think the world was a rattrap?

→ He believed the world offered material things as bait to trap people, just like a rat gets trapped for cheese.

2. How was the peddler treated by the crofter?

→ The crofter was kind and friendly. He gave the peddler food, shelter, and even showed him his money.

3. Why did the peddler steal the money?

→ Poverty and temptation led him to steal the thirty kronor kept by the crofter.

4. How did the forest become a real trap for the peddler?

→ After stealing, he got lost in the dense forest, feeling that he was now caught in the world’s rattrap.

5. How did the ironmaster mistake the peddler?

→ Due to the darkness and poor light, the ironmaster thought he was an old army friend.

6. Why did the peddler not reveal his real identity?

→ He feared he’d be handed over to the police if he told the truth.

7. How did Edla convince the peddler to go with her?

→ She spoke gently and assured him he’d be treated with respect and allowed to leave freely.

8. Why did the peddler feel uncomfortable at the ironmaster’s house?

→ He had never been treated with such dignity before and felt guilty for being a thief.

9. What did Edla do that changed the peddler’s heart?

→ She treated him kindly and trusted him, even after knowing his identity.

10. Why did the peddler return the stolen money?

→ He felt ashamed and wanted to repay the trust shown by Edla.

11. What was written in the letter left for Edla?

→ A thank-you note and the return of the stolen money signed “Captain von Stahle”.

12. What did the peddler say about the world in his letter?

→ He admitted he was trapped but escaped because of her kindness.

13. How did Edla react after reading the letter?

→ She was filled with happiness and felt proud of saving a soul.

14. How did the peddler behave on Christmas day?

→ He was quiet, thoughtful, and finally decided to leave behind the money and a note.

15. What shows the peddler’s transformation?

→ He returned the stolen money and addressed himself as Captain von Stahle.

16. Why is the peddler’s transformation important?

→ It shows that kindness can reform even the most broken or guilty person.

17. How does the author use irony in the story?

→ A thief ends up becoming a noble man, signed as a “Captain”, showing unexpected redemption.

18. What qualities of Edla make her the real hero?

→ Her compassion, non-judgmental attitude, and belief in goodness helped change the peddler.

19. What is the role of Christmas in the story?

→ It symbolizes forgiveness, love, and transformation — the peddler finds peace.

20. What does the rattrap symbolize?

→ It represents temptation, materialism, and how people get trapped by worldly desires.

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🟡 3 MARK QUESTIONS – 20 Q&A

1. How does the peddler’s idea of the world as a rattrap relate to his own life?

→ Being poor and hungry, he saw people being tempted by riches and falling into traps. After stealing money, he himself got trapped and realized he was caught too.

2. What kind of relationship did the crofter have with the peddler?

→ He treated the peddler with unexpected warmth, sharing food and stories, but his trust was broken by the theft.

3. What was the peddler’s reaction after getting lost in the forest?

→ He felt trapped and helpless, regretting his action and thinking the world had caught him.

4. How did Edla’s kindness affect the peddler?

→ Her gentle treatment and respect made him feel valued, leading him to return the stolen money and change his ways.

5. Why did the peddler feel ashamed at the ironmaster’s house?

→ He was treated like a guest, given good clothes and food, despite being a thief. This kindness made him feel guilty.

6. Why did the peddler call the world a ‘rattrap’?

→ He believed material things like riches and food were traps to catch people — just like cheese in a real trap.

7. Describe Edla’s character.

→ Edla is kind, calm, and wise. She sees beyond appearances and helps the peddler find his humanity.

8. What lesson does the story teach about appearances?

→ People can look rough or be criminals, but with love and kindness, they can change for the better.

9. What role did Christmas play in the peddler’s transformation?

→ It was a time of love and forgiveness. The kindness he received on Christmas helped him become a better man.

10. What moral values does Edla represent?

→ She stands for compassion, trust, and belief in goodness — the core values that lead to change.

11. How did the peddler repay Edla’s kindness?

→ He returned the stolen money, left a note of thanks, and addressed himself as a noble man — Captain von Stahle.

12. What does the letter left by the peddler show about his transformation?

→ It shows he recognized Edla’s goodness and wanted to prove he could be trustworthy too.

13. Why is Edla’s decision not to turn the peddler away important?

→ It gave the peddler a chance to change. Her trust saved his dignity and soul.

14. Why did the ironmaster feel embarrassed?

→ He had mistaken a stranger for his friend and treated a thief as a guest.

15. What shows that the peddler had a good heart?

→ Despite being a thief, he felt guilty, regretted stealing, and tried to do the right thing in the end.

16. How did the story end?

→ The peddler left a rattrap with the stolen money and a letter, proving he had changed.

17. What lesson does the story teach about humanity?

→ Everyone deserves a second chance. Kindness and respect can reform even the worst.

18. How does the peddler justify his theft?

→ He doesn’t — he admits he was caught in temptation and decides to make up for it.

19. Why is the peddler called “Ca

ptain” at the end?

→ It reflects his inner transformation and dignity restored through Edla’s kindness.

20. How does the story reflect the theme of redemption?

→ A sinner gets a chance to change and takes it — returning stolen money and regaining self-worth.

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🟣 4 MARK QUESTIONS – 20 Most Important (Detailed Answer)

(100–120 words)

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🔹 1. What is the main message of “The Rattrap”?

→ The story gives a message of human compassion and redemption. It shows that no one is beyond change. The peddler, a thief, is transformed through Edla’s kindness and trust. The story highlights how love, respect, and second chances can bring out the goodness even in a wrongdoer.

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🔹 2. Why did the peddler think the world was a rattrap?

→ He believed that the world tempted people with riches, food, shelter, and joy — just like a rattrap tempts rats with bait. Once a person gave in, they were trapped. His own life confirmed this idea, especially after he stole the crofter’s money and got lost in the woods.

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🔹 3. How did Edla's behaviour affect the peddler?

→ Edla treated the peddler with kindness and respect even after knowing he was not who he claimed to be. She believed in giving dignity to every person. Her gentle nature made the peddler realize his mistakes and inspired him to change, return the stolen money, and leave with pride.

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🔹 4. What shows that the peddler had a sensitive heart?

→ Though he was a thief, the peddler felt guilty after experiencing Edla’s trust and care. He reflected on his actions and left the stolen money behind. He also wrote a heartfelt note, thanking Edla and calling himself “Captain von Stahle,” proving he had goodness inside him.

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🔹 5. What role does the ironmaster play in the story?

→ The ironmaster acts as a contrast to Edla. He invites the peddler out of mistake and later becomes angry when he learns the truth. He lacks patience and empathy, unlike his daughter. His role shows that kindness must come from the heart, not from social status or ego.

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🔹 6. How did the crofter treat the peddler, and what was the outcome?

→ The crofter welcomed the peddler, fed him, gave him tobacco, and showed him his money. However, the peddler betrayed this trust and stole the thirty kronor. This act haunts him later, especially when he’s lost in the woods and feels trapped by his own greed.

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🔹 7. What changes do we see in the peddler by the end?

→ Initially, he is a poor, bitter thief who justifies stealing. But after Edla’s warmth, he becomes thoughtful, regretful, and finally honest. He leaves behind the stolen money and a note, showing he is no longer a rattrap — he has set himself free through truth and gratitude.

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🔹 8. Why is Christmas important in the story?

→ Christmas represents forgiveness, love, and transformation. The story takes place around Christmas and uses its spirit to transform the peddler’s soul. Edla’s kindness during the festive season reflects the true meaning of Christmas — helping others, especially those society ignores.

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🔹 9. What is the symbolic meaning of the rattrap in the story?

→ The rattrap symbolizes the traps of life — materialism, temptation, greed. The peddler believes the world is full of bait, and once a person gives in, they’re trapped. But by the end, it also represents freedom, as he escapes the trap by choosing honesty.

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🔹 10. Describe Edla Willmansson’s character in the story.

→ Edla is kind, empathetic, mature, and wise. She treats the peddler with dignity and believes in second chances. Her trust changes the peddler’s life. She is the heart of the story and the true reason behind the peddler’s transformation.

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🟣 4 MARK QUESTIONS (contd...) – 11 to 20

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🔹 11. What moral values does the story promote?

→ The story promotes compassion, forgiveness, trust, dignity, and hope for reform. It teaches that kindness can bring change even in the worst of people. It also highlights that appearances may be deceptive, and every person deserves a second chance.

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🔹 12. Why did Edla insist on letting the stranger stay for Christmas?

→ Edla believed that everyone deserved dignity and kindness, especially during Christmas. She thought the peddler had no place to go and wanted him to feel human again, at least for one day.

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🔹 13. Why did the peddler sign the letter as "Captain von Stahle"?

→ It was a mark of his transformation. He wanted to live up to the respect Edla gave him, even if only in name. It showed he saw himself differently — with honour and self-worth.

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🔹 14. How does the story reflect human loneliness and the need for belonging?

→ The peddler is lonely, unwanted, and bitter. When Edla treats him with love, he feels like a human being. The story shows that everyone craves respect, warmth, and a place in the world.

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🔹 15. Why did the peddler leave behind the stolen money?

→ He wanted to return Edla’s trust. Her behaviour made him feel guilty and awakened his conscience. He returned the money to prove he had changed and valued her kindness.

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🔹 16. How did Edla’s kindness transform the peddler’s life?

→ Edla treated him with patience, trust, and dignity. She made him feel valued and respected. Her goodness melted his bitterness and guilt, helping him realize he could change and be better.

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🔹 17. What contrast do we see between Edla and her father?

→ The ironmaster is judgmental and driven by status. Edla is kind-hearted, understanding, and treats everyone equally. While he is quick to expel, she offers love and reform.

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🔹 18. What lesson does the peddler learn by the end?

→ He learns that kindness can rescue a person from the deepest traps. He realizes his wrongdoings and escapes the metaphorical rattrap of greed and guilt through honesty and gratitude.

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🔹 19. What was Edla’s reaction after receiving the letter?

→ She was overjoyed and proud. The letter proved that her trust was not misplaced, and her kindness had made a real difference in someone’s life.

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🔹 20. How does the story end on a hopeful note?

→ The peddler leaves a gift and a signed letter. He returns the stolen money and embraces a new identity — Captain von Stahle. It ends with the message that change is possible, giving the story a hopeful and uplifting conclusion.

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🟢 5 MARK QUESTIONS – 20 Q&A (Long/Tika-type Answers)

(120–150+ words, final exam focused)

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🔹 1. Narrate the journey of the peddler from a thief to a reformed man.

→ The peddler starts as a poor, lonely man selling rattraps. Life’s harshness makes him bitter, and he steals thirty kronor from a kind crofter. After getting lost in the forest, he ends up at an iron mill where Edla treats him with dignity and trust. Her unconditional kindness changes his heart. He returns the stolen money, leaves a gift, and signs as “Captain von Stahle.” This transformation shows the power of compassion in changing a human being.

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🔹 2. How does the story justify the title “The Rattrap”?

→ The peddler believes the world is a giant rattrap that offers material bait to trap people. He himself falls into that trap after stealing. However, kindness helps him escape it. The rattrap becomes a symbol of temptation and eventual redemption. The title fits the theme, character arc, and message perfectly.

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🔹 3. Describe how the peddler was treated by Edla and how it changed him.

→ Edla treated the peddler with respect, regardless of his appearance or identity. She insisted he stay for Christmas, gave him good food and clothes, and trusted him. Her behaviour made him feel worthy and human again. It was this trust that transformed him from a thief to a dignified man who returned the stolen money.

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🔹 4. What role does Edla play in the moral transformation of the peddler?

→ Edla is the moral heart of the story. Her empathy, patience, and belief in the goodness of others made the peddler realize he could change. Unlike her father, she did not judge. She treated him with kindness, which ultimately triggered his transformation and desire to be a better person.

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🔹 5. Discuss how “The Rattrap” is a story of redemption.

→ Redemption is at the core of the story. The peddler, a petty thief, is given a second chance by Edla’s compassion. He realizes his wrongdoing and returns the stolen money. Through Edla’s kindness, he finds peace and dignity. The story shows that anyone can change if given love and respect.

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🔹 6. How does the author use symbols to strengthen the story’s message?

→ The rattrap symbolizes life’s temptations and traps. The forest represents being lost in sin. Christmas stands for forgiveness and new beginnings. Edla symbolizes compassion. These symbols make the story powerful and universal.

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🔹 7. What moral values are conveyed through the character of Edla?

→ Edla represents trust, dignity, empathy, and forgiveness. She believes in helping others without judgment. Her belief in the peddler’s goodness inspires him to reform. She proves that true kindness can change lives.

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🔹 8. How is the story “The Rattrap” relevant in today’s world?

→ In a world full of crime and judgment, the story shows that compassion is more powerful than punishment. It reminds us to treat even wrongdoers with dignity, because kindness can change them more effectively than hatred.

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🔹 9. Why did the peddler leave a rattrap and a letter behind?

→ The rattrap symbolized his changed mindset. The letter was a thank-you note to Edla, along with the stolen money. It was his way of making peace and proving that he was no longer a thief.

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🔹 10. What is the importance of dignity in the story?

→ The story shows that when people are treated with dignity, they are more likely to change. Edla gave the peddler respect and trust. This simple gesture helped him become an honest man.

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🔹 11. How does the setting contribute to the story’s tone?

→ The gloomy ironworks and the lonely forest reflect the peddler’s inner emptiness. The warmth of Edla’s home contrasts this darkness and brings light into his life, matching the theme of transformation.

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🔹 12. Compare the characters of the ironmaster and Edla.

→ The ironmaster is quick to judge and withdraws hospitality when he learns the truth. Edla, however, treats the peddler with humanity and belief. Her actions lead to real change, while the ironmaster’s do not.

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🔹 13. What does the peddler learn about life?

→ He learns that the world may be a rattrap, but kindness is the key to escape. He realizes that people fall into temptation, but goodness offers redemption.

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🔹 14. Discuss the role of trust in “The Rattrap.”

→ Trust is what changes the peddler’s life. Edla’s unconditional trust makes him feel human and responsible. It helps him rise above his mistakes and find dignity.

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🔹 15. Why does the story have a satisfying ending?

→ The peddler returns the money, signs as Captain von Stahle, and redeems himself. The reader feels closure, knowing that a man’s soul has been saved through compassion.

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🔹 16. What impact did the crofter’s betrayal have on the peddler?

→ It initially made him feel smart and lucky, but later, guilt overtook him. The stolen money became a burden and pushed him into self-reflection.

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🔹 17. How is Edla a symbol of transformation in the story?

→ Her belief in the peddler’s potential led to his change. She represents the light of hope, the force that pulls someone out of darkness.

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🔹 18. What does the peddler’s letter reveal about his inner change?

→ The letter shows his remorse, gratitude, and desire to be honest. Signing as “Captain von Stahle” was his way of reclaiming lost dignity.

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🔹 19. How does the story reflect human nature?

→ It shows that people are tempted, fall, but also have the capacity to change. With love and trust, even the worst can find their way back.

🔹 20. Why is “The Rattrap” considered a modern classic?

→ It blends a simple plot with deep meaning. It teaches timeless values — kindness, trust, and change — which remain relevant in every generation.

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🟣 4 MARK QUESTIONS – 11 to 20 (Q&A)

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