The Rattrap Long Answer Type Question | Assumption, Creativity & Critical Thinking Based | Class 12  Flamingo

This page offers The Rattrap long answer type question for Class 12  from the book Flamingo.  We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand The Rattrap long answer type question

The Rattrap Long Answer Type Question

1. The chapter “The Rattrap,” describes the peddler’s view of the world as a rattrap. How does this belief shape his actions and outlook on life? Answer in about 120-150 words. 

Answer: The peddler sees the world as a big rattrap. He thinks it is full of attractions like money and happiness that trap people. He feels trapped by his own poverty, just like others are trapped by life’s problems.

He steals the crofter’s money, seeing it as another trap. But when he meets Edla, her kindness changes him. She treats him with respect and care, showing him that not everyone is out to trap others. This makes him see the world differently. Her kindness helps him realise that there is good in people.

This leads to his change of heart, and he decides to return the stolen money. Edla’s kindness helps him find redemption and teaches him that empathy and compassion can change lives. He understands that not all people are bad and that there is hope for a better life.

2. Explain how the crofter’s behaviour towards the peddler reflects his own loneliness in the chapter “The Rattrap”? How does this impact the peddler?  Answer in about 120-150 words. 

Answer: The crofter is very lonely and has a desire for companionship. He warmly welcomes the peddler, gives him food, tobacco, and even shows him his savings. This openness and trust reflect his deep loneliness and desire for human connection. The crofter’s behaviour makes the peddler feel welcomed and trusted.

However, the peddler betrays this trust by stealing the crofter’s money. This act shows the peddler’s desperate situation and his moral struggle. The crofter’s actions lead the peddler to change for the better because of Edla’s kindness. Her compassion helps the peddler see the importance of trust and honesty.

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The crofter’s behaviour makes the peddler understand the impact of his actions and improve himself. It also shows the difference between the crofter’s loneliness and Edla’s real kindness. Different actions can change a person’s life. The peddler learns that true connection and trust are more valuable than stolen money. 

3. Discuss how Edla Willmansson’s kindness and compassion influence the peddler’s transformation in the chapter “The Rattrap”? Answer in about 120-150 words. 

Answer: Edla’s kindness and compassion have a deep impact on the peddler. She treats him with respect and understanding, offering him food, clean clothes, and a warm place to stay even though she knows he might be a thief.

This unconditional kindness touches the peddler deeply and makes him realise the goodness in people. Her empathy makes him think about his actions and feel guilty for his wrongdoings. As a result, he decides to return the stolen money and leave a note of gratitude.

This shows that Edla’s compassion has helped him see the value of honesty and seek redemption. Edla’s kind actions transform the peddler, showing him that he can change and be a better person. Her influence shows the power of kindness and how it can lead someone to make positive changes in their life.

4. Discuss the theme of redemption in “The Rattrap” and how it is portrayed through the actions of the peddler and Edla. Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: The theme of redemption is central to “The Rattrap” and is shown through the peddler’s journey. At first, the peddler is a thief who feels trapped by life. He steals to survive and sees the world as a big trap.

Meeting Edla changes his view. Her kindness and understanding show him that there is goodness in the world. She treats him with respect, which makes him think about his actions. The peddler decides to return the stolen money and leaves a note to thank Edla.

This shows he wants to make things right and start fresh. His journey from a thief to a redeemed man shows the power of kindness and second chances. It teaches that even those who seem lost can change for the better with a little compassion. Edla’s actions prove that empathy can lead to true transformation.

5. What does the story “The Rattrap” suggest about the importance of trust in human relationships? Provide examples from the text. Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: The story “The Rattrap” shows that trust is very important in human relationships but can be easily broken. The crofter trusts the peddler by sharing his home and showing his money. This trust is broken when the peddler steals the money, showing how betrayal can hurt and make people cautious.

On the other hand, Edla trusts the peddler even though she knows he might be a thief. She welcomes him into her home and treats him kindly. Her trust and kindness lead to the peddler’s change of heart. He returns the stolen money and leaves a note thanking her.

This shows how trust can help people change for the better. The story shows that while trust can be easily broken, it is very important for building meaningful connections and encouraging change. Trust, combined with kindness, can transform lives and create positive outcomes.

6. How does the setting of Christmas Eve in “The Rattrap”contribute to the story’s themes and the peddler’s transformation? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: The setting of Christmas Eve in “The Rattrap” shows themes of kindness, generosity, and redemption. Christmas is a time of giving and compassion, reflected in Edla’s treatment of the peddler. She welcomes him into their home and treats him kindly, showing the true spirit of Christmas.

This warm and generous environment is very different from the peddler’s usual harsh and lonely life. The festive setting makes a big impact on him, helping him feel valued and respected. This setting shows the story’s message that compassion and empathy can lead to positive change and redemption.

Edla’s kindness during Christmas makes the peddler rethink his actions and decide to change. He returns the stolen money and leaves a note of thanks. The Christmas Eve setting not only shows the importance of kindness but also serves as a turning point in the peddler’s life.

7. Explain how the theme of appearances can be deceptive in “The Rattrap” is illustrated through the characters of the peddler and the ironmaster. Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: The theme of appearances can be deceptive is shown through the mistaken identity of the peddler by the ironmaster. The ironmaster sees the peddler in poor light and thinks he is an old friend, Nils Olof.

This mistake is based only on appearance. The peddler, hoping for some benefit, does not correct him. When the truth is revealed, the ironmaster is angry and feels deceived. This situation shows how relying on appearances can lead to misunderstandings and wrong judgments.

The story suggests that true character and intentions cannot be judged by outward looks alone. Edla, on the other hand, sees beyond the peddler’s rough appearance. Her kindness and trust bring out the peddler’s better nature. This shows that looking deeper and not judging by appearances can reveal the true character of a person.

8. Discuss the significance of the peddler signing the note “Captain von Stahle” in his letter to Edla in the chapter “The Rattrap”? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: By signing the note “Captain von Stahle,” the peddler accepts the identity mistakenly given to him by the ironmaster. This shows he is ready for a second chance. It reflects his wish to start fresh and honour Edla’s kindness. The name “Captain von Stahle” stands for his changed self, someone who is respected and dignified. This act shows his gratitude and his redemption.

He wants to live up to the noble character of the name. By using this name, the peddler expresses his thanks and his desire to be a better person. It marks his change from a thief to someone worthy of trust and respect.

Signing the note with a new name shows his hope and promise to change, inspired by Edla’s compassion. This final gesture captures the theme of redemption and the power of kindness.

9. How does the peddler’s experience at the ironmaster’s house differ from his usual life, and what impact does it have on him as described in the chapter “The Rattrap”? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: The peddler’s experience at the ironmaster’s house is very different from his usual life. He receives warm hospitality, clean clothes, and good food. This is a big change from his typical life of hardship, cold, and loneliness. At the ironmaster’s house, he feels valued and respected for the first time.

Edla’s kindness and the comfortable environment make him think about his actions and life choices. This contrast leads to his transformation. He realises the importance of honesty.

He returns the stolen money and expresses his gratitude to Edla. This experience shows him that kindness and respect can change a person’s life. It helps him see a better path and motivates him to be a better person. The warmth and care he receives makes him believe in the goodness of people. 

10. Why is the crofter’s act of showing the peddler his money significant in the story “The Rattrap”? What does it reveal about human nature? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: The crofter’s act of showing his money to the peddler is significant because it shows themes of trust and betrayal. The crofter’s openness and trust in sharing his earnings reveal his loneliness and desire for companionship. This act also sets up the conflict, as the peddler betrays this trust by stealing the money.

It shows that humans have the capacity for trust and generosity but can also be vulnerable to deceit. The crofter’s act of trust and the peddler’s betrayal reveal the complexity of human nature.

While people can be kind and trusting, they can also face disappointment and hurt. Edla’s kindness shows that despite betrayal, acts of kindness can lead to positive change. It emphasises that trust can lead to both connection and pain, but kindness can bring about redemption and transformation.

11. In the chapter “The Rattrap”, what might have happened if the peddler had refused Edla’s invitation and stayed in the forge? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: If the peddler had refused Edla’s invitation and stayed in the forge, he would have missed the chance to experience genuine kindness and hospitality. He might have continued his life of deception and theft, feeling justified in his actions. The ironmaster might have forced him to leave, reinforcing his belief that the world is a cruel place.

Without Edla’s compassion, he would not have had the chance to reflect on his life and seek redemption. This missed opportunity would mean he would likely continue seeing the world as a rattrap, never breaking free from his cycle of negativity and wrongdoing.

He would remain stuck in his old ways, without the hope and motivation to change. The warmth and care he received at the ironmaster’s house were important for his transformation, and without it, he would not have found the path to a better life.

12. How might the story “The Rattrap” have changed if the crofter had not shown the peddler his money? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: If the crofter had not shown the peddler his money, the peddler might not have been tempted to steal it. This would have changed the story a lot. The peddler would not have felt the need to run and hide in the forest.

Without this flight, he would not have ended up at the Ramsjo Ironworks. The meeting with Edla and the ironmaster, which was important for his transformation, would not have happened. Without Edla’s kindness, the peddler might have continued his life of theft and deception.

The story’s messages about trust, betrayal, and redemption would not have been as clear. The peddler’s chance to change and seek redemption would have been lost, and the story’s impact would be very different. The theme of how kindness can lead to transformation might not have been as strongly portrayed.

13. In the chapter “The Rattrap”, Why do you think the peddler chose to return the money and leave a note for Edla instead of just leaving quietly? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: The peddler chose to return the money and leave a note for Edla because her kindness deeply affected him. He felt a strong sense of gratitude and guilt. Returning the money was his way of making things right and showing that he had changed.

Edla’s kindness made him realise the importance of honesty and the possibility of starting over. Leaving quietly without returning the money would have meant continuing his life of dishonesty. By leaving the note and money, he acknowledged Edla’s impact on him and took a step towards a more honest life.

This act showed his desire to live up to the trust she placed in him and marked the beginning of his transformation. It was his way of thanking Edla and showing that he wanted to change for the better. This decision showed how kindness can inspire positive change in others.

14. What assumptions can be made about Edla’s upbringing and values based on her actions towards the peddler as shown in the chapter “The Rattrap”? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: Edla’s upbringing likely focused on empathy, kindness, and giving second chances. Her actions towards the peddler show she was raised in a home that valued compassion and understanding. She treated the peddler with respect and dignity, even knowing about his past.

This shows she was taught to look past appearances and see the good in everyone. Her insistence on letting the peddler stay for Christmas, despite her father’s doubts, shows her strong belief in the power of kindness to change lives. Edla’s actions reflect deep values of generosity and belief in human improvement.

Her ability to show such care and understanding suggests a nurturing upbringing focused on seeing the best in people and helping them change for the better. Edla’s actions show that she values kindness and believes in the good that can come from it.

15. In the chapter “The Rattrap”, how might the peddler’s view of the world have changed if he had encountered more people like Edla in his life? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: If the peddler had met more people like Edla, his view of the world might have been very different. Instead of seeing the world as full of temptations and traps, he might have seen it as a place with kindness and compassion. Positive encounters could have made him believe that people are generally good and willing to help. This might have led him to have a more positive outlook on life.

He might have made better choices and looked for honest ways to survive. Continuous experiences of kindness could have stopped his cycle of deception and theft. It could have led to a more fulfilling and honest life.

Meeting more kind people could have shown him that the world is not just a trap, but also a place of hope and goodness. This change in view could have given him the courage to trust others and build better relationships.

16. How does Edla Willmansson’s treatment of the peddler in the chapter “The Rattrap” reflect the value of kindness, and what impact does it have on him? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: Edla Willmansson’s treatment of the peddler shows deep empathy. She looks beyond his ragged appearance. She treats him as an honoured guest, even though she knows he might be a thief. This comes from her belief in human goodness. Her empathy makes the peddler feel valued and respected for the first time in his life.

This kindness makes a change in him. He decides to return the stolen money and leaves a note of thanks. It shows how understanding and compassion can inspire others to change. Her actions show the power of empathy in transforming lives and fostering positive outcomes.

By treating him with such respect, Edla helps the peddler see that he can be more than a thief. This experience encourages him to change his ways and start a new, honest life. It shows that even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on someone’s life.

17. Why is trust an essential theme in “The Rattrap,” and how do the characters’ actions reflect its importance? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: Trust is a key theme in “The Rattrap,” shown through the interactions between the characters. The crofter trusts the peddler by sharing his home and showing his money. This trust is broken when the peddler steals the money, showing the pain of betrayal and how easily trust can be broken.

On the other hand, Edla trusts the peddler despite knowing his past. Her trust and kindness make the peddler feel valued and respected. This encourages him to redeem himself by returning the stolen money and leaving a note of thanks. This shows the transformative power of trust.

The story contrasts trust and betrayal to show that while trust can be easily broken, it can also lead to positive change and redemption. The characters’ actions shows that trust is important for building meaningful relationships and fostering personal growth. 

18. How does the story “The Rattrap” illustrate the impact of compassion on personal transformation? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: “The Rattrap” shows how compassion can lead to personal transformation. Edla treats the peddler with respect and kindness, which is very different from the harsh and judgmental world he knows. Her empathy and understanding make the peddler feel valued.

This kindness prompts him to think about his actions and seek redemption. He decides to return the stolen money and leave a note of thanks because of the compassion he experienced. This change in him shows the story’s message that compassion can change hearts and minds. It encourages individuals to leave behind negative behaviours and embrace positive change.

Edla’s actions show that even a small act of kindness can have a big impact on someone’s life, leading to true transformation. The story teaches that empathy and compassion can inspire people to be better and make positive choices.

19. Analyse the significance of the peddler’s final act of returning the money and leaving a note in the chapter “The Rattrap.” What does it reveal about human nature and becoming a better person? Answer in about 120-150 words.

Answer: The peddler’s final act of returning the money and leaving a note is very important. It shows that deep within every person, there is a potential for goodness and redemption.

The peddler’s actions show that no matter how lost or corrupt someone may seem, they can be inspired to change through acts of kindness and understanding. This final act is a testament to the human capacity for self-reflection and moral awakening. It shows that redemption is possible when individuals are given the chance to see the impact of their actions and are treated with dignity and respect.

The peddler’s transformation from a thief to a grateful and honest man shows the profound impact of compassion on human nature. It reveals that people can change for the better when they are shown empathy and given a second chance.

This act shows the story’s message that kindness and understanding can lead to true personal transformation.