4. "The Rattrap"

 4.  "The Rattrap" 

Think as you read (Page 34)

1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?

While the peddler was walking alone, he was thinking about his own wire rattraps. Suddenly, he had an idea that the whole world is a big rattrap. He thought that riches, food, and shelter are just "baits" (like cheese or pork) to trap people.

2. Why was he amused by this idea?

The peddler led a very sad and lonely life. The world was never kind to him. Therefore, it gave him "unwonted joy" (special happiness) to think ill of the world and imagine other people getting caught in the trap.

3. Did the peddler expect the hospitality he received from the crofter?

No, he did not. Usually, when he asked for shelter, he met with "sour faces." However, the crofter was a lonely old man who was happy to have someone to talk to. He welcomed the peddler with porridge, tobacco, and even played a game of cards called 'Mjolis'.

4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly?

The crofter lived alone in his cottage. He had no wife or children. Because of his extreme loneliness, he was very happy to find a guest. He shared his secrets and even showed his money to the peddler.

5. Why did he show the thirty kronor to the peddler?

The crofter was proud of his cow, which gave enough milk to earn him thirty kronor in a month. When he saw that the peddler looked doubtful or unbelieving, he took the money out of a leather pouch to show it to him.

6. Did the peddler respect the confidence (trust) of the crofter?

No, he did not. After leaving the cottage, the peddler came back, smashed the window pane, and stole the thirty kronor. He betrayed the old man's trust for money.

Think as you read (Page 37)

1. What made the peddler think he had fallen into a rattrap?

After stealing the money, the peddler was afraid to walk on the public road, so he went into the forest. He got lost and kept walking in circles. He realized the forest was like an "impenetrable prison." He felt that the thirty kronor had been a bait and he was now caught in the rattrap of the forest.

2. Why did the ironmaster invite him home?

The ironmaster saw the peddler in the dim light of the forge. Due to the darkness and the peddler's dirty face, he mistook him for his old friend, Captain Nils Olof (Von Stahle). He wanted to help his "comrade" celebrate Christmas.

3. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?

The peddler knew he wasn't the Captain. He also had the stolen money in his pocket. He felt that going to the ironmaster’s house would be like "throwing himself voluntarily into the lion’s den" (going into a trap).

Think as you read (Page 41)

1. What made the peddler accept Edla's invitation?

Edla was very kind, compassionate, and friendly. She noticed the peddler was afraid and assured him that he could leave whenever he wanted. Her "friendly manner" won his confidence, and he felt he could trust her.

2. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?

When Edla first saw him, she thought he looked scared. She suspected that he had either stolen something or escaped from jail. She felt he did not look like an educated Captain.

3. When did the ironmaster realize his mistake?

The next morning, after the peddler was bathed, shaved, and dressed in clean clothes, the ironmaster saw him in broad daylight. He realized immediately that this man was not his old regimental friend.

4. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler?

Edla wanted the "poor hungry wretch" to enjoy one day of peace in the whole year. She argued that they shouldn't turn away a guest they had invited themselves. She felt sorry for his miserable life.

Understanding the Text (Key Points)

1. How did the peddler change at the end?

The peddler changed because of Edla's unconditional kindness. She treated him like a real Captain even after knowing he was a thief. To show he was worthy of her trust, he returned the stolen money and signed his letter as "Captain Von Stahle."

2. Difference between Ironmaster and Edla:

• Ironmaster: He was impulsive and judged people by their appearance. He wanted to throw the peddler out the moment he realized his mistake.

• Edla: She was observant, kind, and looked at the soul. She followed the true spirit of Christmas and practiced "essential human goodness."

Student Tip: Diagram of the "Rattrap" Concept

• Baits: Food, money, clothing, joy.

• The Trap: The moment you touch the bait, the world "closes in on you."

How do these look? If they are helpful, we can continue with the next chapter!