This page offers The Rattrap Short answer type question for Class 12  from the book Flamingo.   We’ve put together a bunch of Short 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 Short answer type question

The Rattrap Short Answer Type Question

1. Why does the peddler from the chapter “The Rattrap” view the world as a rattrap, and how does this belief affect his actions?

Answer: The peddler sees the world as a rattrap because he thinks it tricks people with riches and joys, trapping them in misery. This belief makes him feel okay about stealing and cheating because he feels stuck by life’s difficulties.

2. In the chapter “The Rattrap”, how does the crofter’s behaviour towards the peddler reflect his loneliness?

Answer: The crofter welcomes the peddler warmly, shares food, tobacco, and also his earnings. This openness and generosity show his deep loneliness and want for companionship. He trusts the peddler enough to show him his money, which shows his desperate need for human connection.

3. What is the significance of the peddler in the chapter “The Rattrap” stealing the crofter’s money and then getting lost in the forest?

Answer: When the peddler steals the crofter’s money and gets lost in the forest, it shows his belief that the world is a rattrap. It also shows his bad choices and the problems that come from his actions.

4. How does the ironmaster’s mistaken identity of the peddler drive the plot of the chapter “The Rattrap” forward?

Answer: The ironmaster’s mistake brings the peddler to his home. At the ironmaster’s house, he experiences kindness and hospitality from Edla. This kindness helps him change and become a better person. It shows the impact of compassion on his life.

5. Why does Edla Willmansson believe in giving the peddler a chance despite knowing his true identity in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: Edla believes in kindness and sees good in everyone. She thinks everyone deserves a second chance. It shows her strong moral values. Her caring nature makes her want to help the peddler change and become better.

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6. In the chapter “The Rattrap”, what does the peddler’s decision to leave the stolen money and a note for Edla indicate about his character development?

Answer: The peddler’s decision to return the money and thank Edla shows he has changed. He is no longer a thief but a grateful and honest man. This change happened because of the kindness Edla showed him. It reveals that he now wants to do the right thing.

7. How does the story “The Rattrap” emphasise the theme of redemption through the peddler’s journey?

Answer: The peddler starts by stealing and feeling trapped in life. Then he experiences kindness from Edla. This makes him think about his actions. He decides to change and do good. The story shows that compassion can transform lives and give people a second chance to be better.

8. What can be understood about the ironmaster’s character from his reaction to discovering the peddler’s true identity in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: The ironmaster gets angry and threatens to call the sheriff. This shows he judges people quickly and cares a lot about appearances. However, he eventually listens to Edla and changes his mind. This shows he values her opinion and her caring nature.

9. How does the setting of Christmas contribute to the story’s message in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: The Christmas setting in the chapter “The Rattrap”, shows themes of kindness, giving, and becoming better. It provides a backdrop for the peddler’s change and the ironmaster’s and Edla’s acts of compassion. The festive time makes the acts of kindness even more meaningful.

10. What might have been the peddler’s thoughts and feelings as he left the ironmaster’s house after Christmas in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: The peddler likely felt grateful and guilty. He realised how Edla’s kindness changed his life. This made him want to fix his mistakes. He decided to start fresh and be more honest. He probably also felt hopeful for a better future.

11. Why is the crofter’s act of showing the peddler his money significant in the story “The Rattrap”?

Answer: The crofter showing his money shows his trust and openness. The peddler betrays this trust by stealing the money. This shows the themes of trust and betrayal in human relationships. It shows how easily trust can be broken by dishonesty.

12. How does Edla’s intervention alter the course of the peddler’s life in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: Edla’s intervention with her kindness and care, gives the peddler a chance to feel human compassion. This act becomes a turning point in his life. It leads him to change and become a better person.

13. What lessons about human nature can be drawn from the peddler’s final act of returning the money in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: The peddler’s final act shows that even those who seem bad can change when shown kindness and understanding. It shows that there is goodness in every person. His decision to return the money proves that people can choose to do the right thing. This teaches us the power of compassion and second chances.

14. How do the peddler’s experiences at the ironmaster’s house differ from his usual life in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: At the ironmaster’s house, the peddler experiences warmth, good food, clean clothes, and real care. This is very different from his usual life of loneliness, cold, and surviving by cheating. The kindness he receives is a big change from his harsh and lonely life.

15. What does the story “The Rattrap” suggest about the power of empathy and kindness in changing a person’s life?

 Answer: The story “The Rattrap” suggests that empathy and kindness, as shown by Edla, can greatly change a person’s life. It can make them think about their actions and grow morally. It shows that being kind can help someone become a better person.

16. In the chapter “The Rattrap”, why do you think the peddler feels the world is like a rattrap?

Answer: The peddler sees the world as full of attractions that trap people in misery, showing his own struggles and moral lapses. He believes everyone is caught by life’s difficulties, much like he feels trapped by his poverty.

17. Why might the crofter have been so open and trusting towards the peddler in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: The crofter was likely very lonely and wanted someone to talk to. He felt happy to share his life and small wealth with the peddler. He trusted the peddler because he hoped it would create a sense of friendship. His loneliness made him open and trust the peddler.

18. Why do you think the peddler chose to leave the stolen money and a note for Edla in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: The peddler likely felt a deep sense of guilt and gratitude. Edla’s kindness made him realise the importance of honesty. He wanted to show that he was sorry for stealing. By returning the money and leaving a note, he tried to thank Edla and prove he could change.

19. How might the peddler’s life have been different if he hadn’t stolen the crofter’s money in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: If the peddler hadn’t stolen the money, he might not have felt the guilt and fear that led him to the ironworks. Without this experience, he might have missed the chance to change through Edla’s kindness. He may have continued his life of stealing and never learned to be honest.

20. Why might the peddler have felt safe enough to sleep peacefully at the ironmaster’s house in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: The peddler felt genuinely accepted and trusted, which was very different from his usual life. Edla’s assurances of his safety likely gave him a rare sense of security and peace. This made him feel safe enough to sleep peacefully.

21. In the chapter “The Rattrap”, what does the crofter’s immediate trust in the peddler imply about his experiences and expectations of others?

Answer: The crofter’s immediate trust implies that he may not have had many negative experiences with others, or he was so lonely that he chose to overlook potential risks in favour of human connection.

22. Why is it important to show kindness and empathy to others, as Edla did with the peddler in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: Showing kindness and empathy can transform lives. Edla’s compassion helped the peddler realise his mistakes and change for the better. It shows that treating people with respect and understanding can bring out the good in them.

23. How does the story “The Rattrap” illustrate the impact of trust and betrayal on relationships?

Answer: The crofter’s trust in the peddler was betrayed when the peddler stole his money, showing how betrayal can damage relationships. It teaches us that trust is fragile and betrayal can have lasting negative effects on individuals and their willingness to trust again.

24. What lesson does the peddler’s transformation teach about the potential for personal change? Chapter “The Rattrap”, 

Answer: The peddler’s transformation shows that people can change for the better when given compassion and a second chance. It teaches us that no one is beyond redemption. The supportive and understanding environment can lead to positive personal growth.

25. Why might the story “The Rattrap” suggest that appearances can be deceptive?

Answer: The ironmaster mistook the peddler for an old friend based on his appearance, which was misleading. This suggests that judging people based on looks can lead to misunderstandings and that it’s important to get to know someone’s true character.

26. How does the story “The Rattrap” highlight the importance of moral choices in shaping one’s destiny?

Answer: The peddler’s decision to return the stolen money and leave a note of gratitude after experiencing kindness shows how moral choices can change one’s path. It shows that making the right choices, even after mistakes, can lead to redemption and a better future.

27. In the chapter “The Rattrap”, what does the peddler’s decision to return the money reveal about human nature?

Answer: The peddler’s decision to return the money suggests that deep down, people want to do the right thing. It shows that given a chance and shown compassion, individuals can overcome their flaws and seek redemption.

28. Why do you think the ironmaster was so quick to judge the peddler based on his appearance in the chapter “The Rattrap”?

Answer: The ironmaster’s quick judgement shows how people often judge based on looks and status. It suggests he cared more about appearances. This shows the need to look beyond how someone looks to understand their true character.

29. How does the story “The Rattrap” challenge our understanding of trust and its implications in relationships?

Answer: The story “The Rattrap” shows that trust can be easily broken, as seen with the crofter and the peddler. It challenges us to think about how we place trust in others and the importance of trust in forming strong, healthy relationships.

30. In the chapter “The Rattrap”, what role does loneliness play in the actions of both the crofter and the peddler?

Answer: Loneliness drives the crofter to welcome the peddler warmly, seeking companionship. For the peddler, his lonely and harsh life leads him to justify his thefts. The story shows  how loneliness can influence people’s actions and decisions.