RATTRAP, GRADE 12 ENGLISH (CBSE) EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS, SHORT QUESTIONS AND LONG QUESTION

 

THE RATTRAP BY SELMA LAGERLOF

GRADE 12, ENGLISH CORE (CBSE)

 

SHORT ANSWERS, EXTRACT BASED ANSWERS AND LONG ANSWER

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Extract Based Questions

1. "Suddenly the peddler was struck by an idea that the whole world about him - the whole world with its land and seas, its cities and villages - was nothing but a big rat trap. It had never existed for any other purpose than to set baits for people"

A. What was his idea about the whole world?

Ans: The whole world was nothing but a big rat trap

B. What do you mean by the word 'bait'?

Ans: 'Bait' means temptations to cheat someone. It is in the form of an attractive offer.

C. Who is a peddler?

Ans: A 'peddler' is the one who sells small things, walking door to door.

D. Who is the author of "The Rattrap"?

Ans: Selma Lagerlof, a Swedish writer.

 

2. "The blacksmith glanced only casually and indifferently at the intruder. He looked the way people of his type usually did, with a long beard, dirty ragged and with a bunch of rattrap dangling on his chest"

A. How did the blacksmith treat the peddler?

Ans: The blacksmith treated the peddler casually and indifferently.

B. Why did the blacksmith treat paddler casually and indifferently?

Ans: Because it was not the first experience to the blacksmith. Many people like peddler visited the forge at night. That was why he didn't pay any importance to the peddler.

 C. How did the peddler look like?

Ans: He seemed to be very poor with a long beard, dirty torn clothes and a bunch of rattraps dangling on his chest.

D. What do you mean by the word 'intruder'?

Ans: One who enters a house or room without permission

 3. "We were just saying that it was too bad we didn't have any company for Christmas. Now come along with me and help us make Christmas food disappear a little faster"

A. Who was the speaker? Why did he speak so?

Ans: The speaker was the owner of Ramsjo Ironworks. He mistook the peddler that he was Mr. Nils Olof, his old regimental comrade. So he welcomed the peddler.

B. What was the owner's regret?

Ans: The owner showed regret because there was none to give him company for the Christmas

 C. What is your opinion about the speaker?

Ans: The Speaker is kindhearted and friendly person

 D. What do you mean by 'help us make Christmas food disappear'?

Ans: Eat Christmas food as much as he wanted.

 SHORT ANSWERS

1. What do you mean by 'Crofter'?

Ans. Crofter is a farmer who leases the land from the landlord and does agriculture and foster his cattle.

 2.  Why was the crofter so friendly to the peddler?

Ans: The crofter had no wife and children, who lived alone in his gray cottage. In order to avoid his loneliness he welcomed the peddler. He was happy to get someone to talk in the night.

 3. What was the philosophy of the peddler?

Ans: The peddler thought that the whole world was a big rattrap. There were  lots of baits awaiting for the people to cheat them mercilessly.

 4. Why did the crofter show 30 kronor to the peddler?

Ans: The crofter thought that the peddler would not believe that he had 30 kronor. So he opened his leather pouch and took out the money, just to show him.

5. Why did the peddler go to the forest?

Ans: The peddler stole the crofter's money and scared of being caught by the police. He disliked to move along the main road. So he selected a forest road.

 6. Why did the rattrap seller refuse the invitation to the manor house?

Ans: The stolen money was in his pocket. He feared of being caught with the stolen money. He also thought that the money in his pocket was a kind of bait.

 7.  Why did the rattrap seller accept Edla Willmanson's invitation?

Ans: Edla Willmanson promised him that he would be back from her manor house without any problem. She invited him lovingly. The felt some confidence in her. So he went along with her.

 8. What did the ironmaster do when he realized his mistake?

Ans: Ironmaster was very angry and charged at the peddler. He also said that the peddler didn't reveal his identity. He threatened him that he would call the police. But the peddler defended himself by saying that it was not his fault. He didn't tell any lie.

 9. What message does the story rattrap convey?

Ans: There are many tempting things in the world as in the form of baits. These

 baits will entrap the people for ever. Try not to attract the baits.

 10. Edla Willmansson gave a little cry when she opened the gift packet of the peddler. Why?

Ans: When she opened the packet, she saw a small rattrap in which there were  three wrinkled ten kronor notes. She also found a letter in which the peddler

praised her as she was helpful to him. He requested her to return the money to the old crofter. He promised her that he would be a good citizen. He signed the letter as a captain.

 Long Answer

1. Differentiate the characters of Iron master and his daughter, Miss Edla Willmanssion.

 Ans. They are totally different characters from one another in many ways. The Ironmaster is very quick in action. when he sees the peddler, he thinks that it is his old regimental comrade. It is a hasty conclusion. He pays much respect to him and invite him to his house without thinking anything. He feels sorry for his pitiable state. He wants to help him to come out of his poor state of life. He has many plans to help him. He is kindhearted and most friendly to his beloveds. But when he understands the true identity of the peddler, he gets angry and shouts at him. He accuses the peddler that he does wrong. He plans to call the sheriff for enquiring the matter.

Edla Wllmanssion, on the other hand is more practical and a better judge than her father. When she meets the peddler she thinks that  he may be an escaped prisoner or a thief. But she keeps it in her mind. She also understands that he is not much educated or is a captain. But she doesn't discard him because she compels him to be with her in the Christmas. She is the embodiment of selfless love and caring. Even if  she understands that the peddler is not the captain as her father thinks,  she dislikes him to send him out. It is because of her unconditional love and kindness, the peddler is elevated to a captain and becomes a good man.