The Rattrap

BY: Selma Ledgerlof

1. What is the central theme of The Rattrap?

A) The greed of humans

B) The power of kindness and compassion
C) The consequences of dishonesty
D) The futility of material wealth

Answer: B) The power of kindness and compassion

Explanation:
The central theme of The Rattrap revolves around the power of kindness and compassion. The protagonist, a poor
peddler, is trapped in a life of deceit and misery but is redeemed through the kindness shown to him by the
ironmaster’s daughter. Her compassion brings about a change in his outlook, suggesting the transformative effect
of human kindness.

2. What does the peddler think of the world around him?

A) It is full of joy and opportunities.

B) It is a cruel and selfish place.
C) It is an adventurous and exciting place.
D) It is a peaceful and harmonious place.

Answer: B) It is a cruel and selfish place.

Explanation:
The peddler, who is also the protagonist of the story, sees the world as a place filled with cruelty and selfishness.
He compares life to a trap, and his perception of the world is shaped by his experiences of poverty and being
mistreated. His cynical view reflects his despair and hopelessness.

3. Why does the peddler steal the money from the wallet?

A) He is tempted by the temptation of wealth.

B) He is in urgent need of money for survival.
C) He wants to prove a point to the ironmaster.
D) He is planning to escape from the ironmaster’s house.

Answer: B) He is in urgent need of money for survival.

Explanation:
The peddler steals the money from the wallet because he is in desperate need of money to survive. He had been
living a life of poverty and wandering, and when he finds the wallet, he sees it as a chance to fulfill his immediate
needs, even though it means committing theft.

4. What does the peddler’s encounter with the ironmaster reveal about his character?

A) He is an honest man who seeks redemption.

B) He is intelligent and clever in his dealings.
C) He is a lonely and misguided man who needs compassion.
D) He is quick to deceive and manipulate others.

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Answer: C) He is a lonely and misguided man who needs compassion.

Explanation:
The peddler’s encounter with the ironmaster shows his loneliness and misguided actions. He initially deceives the
ironmaster, but his eventual change of heart after being treated kindly by the ironmaster’s daughter reveals that
he is not inherently evil. His misdeeds stem from his loneliness and despair, and he becomes a better person
through the compassion shown to him.

5. What role does Edla play in the transformation of the peddler?

A) She punishes him for his crimes.

B) She shows him kindness and hospitality.
C) She scolds him for his misdeeds.
D) She ignores him, leading to his redemption.

Answer: B) She shows him kindness and hospitality.

Explanation:
Edla, the ironmaster’s daughter, plays a crucial role in the transformation of the peddler. She shows him warmth,
hospitality, and kindness, which ultimately help him change his perspective. Through her compassion, she offers
him a chance to redeem himself, and this kindness sparks the peddler’s change of heart.

6. What is the symbolic significance of the rattrap in the story?

A) It represents the materialistic world.

B) It symbolizes the peddler's life of deceit.
C) It is a metaphor for the dangers of greed.
D) It is a representation of human kindness.

Answer: B) It symbolizes the peddler's life of deceit.

Explanation:
The rattrap in the story symbolizes the peddler’s life of deceit and entrapment. Just as a rat is trapped in a rattrap,
the peddler finds himself trapped in a life of poverty and crime. The rattrap also serves as a metaphor for the way
people can become ensnared in the cycle of selfishness and greed, unable to escape unless they are shown
kindness, as the peddler is.

7. How does the story highlight the theme of redemption?

A) The peddler is punished for his wrongdoings.

B) The peddler is forgiven for his theft.
C) The peddler steals and never regrets his actions.
D) The peddler finds happiness by accumulating wealth.

Answer: B) The peddler is forgiven for his theft.

Explanation:
The story highlights the theme of redemption through the peddler’s transformation. He is forgiven for his theft by
Edla, who shows him kindness despite his wrongdoings. The act of forgiveness and compassion leads the peddler
to change, which shows the possibility of redemption even for those who have made mistakes in the past.

8. Why does the peddler refer to the world as a "rattrap"?

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A) Because he believes the world is a place of endless opportunities.
B) Because he thinks life traps people just as a rattrap traps rats.
C) Because he wants to avoid human interaction.
D) Because he believes the world is kind and generous.

Answer: B) Because he thinks life traps people just as a rattrap traps rats.

Explanation:
The peddler refers to the world as a "rattrap" because he believes life entraps people, much like a rattrap traps
rats. He sees life as a trap that people are lured into by the illusion of material wealth and comfort, only to be
caught in a cycle of greed and misery. This view reflects his pessimistic outlook on the world.

9. How does the ironmaster react when he first meets the peddler?

A) He welcomes him with great warmth and generosity.

B) He accuses him of stealing.
C) He mistakes him for an old acquaintance and invites him inside.
D) He calls for the police.

Answer: C) He mistakes him for an old acquaintance and invites him inside.

Explanation:
When the ironmaster first meets the peddler, he mistakes him for an old acquaintance, a former colleague from
his past. He invites him inside with a sense of familiarity and goodwill, without suspecting the peddler’s true
identity. This mistaken identity sets the stage for the unfolding events.

10. What is the significance of the peddler’s decision to return the stolen money to Edla?

A) It shows his sense of guilt and remorse.

B) It highlights his desire to take revenge on the ironmaster.
C) It signifies his wish to escape from the ironmaster’s house.
D) It demonstrates his greed and desire for more money.

Answer: A) It shows his sense of guilt and remorse.

Explanation:
The peddler’s decision to return the stolen money to Edla signifies his guilt and remorse for his actions. The
kindness Edla shows him leads to a change of heart, and he decides to make amends by returning the money,
showing that he recognizes the wrong he has done and wants to redeem himself.

11. What is the relationship between the peddler and the ironmaster like?

A) They are close friends from the past.

B) They have a strained and hostile relationship.
C) The ironmaster sees the peddler as a threat, while the peddler is indifferent.
D) The ironmaster mistakes the peddler for someone else and treats him kindly.

Answer: D) The ironmaster mistakes the peddler for someone else and treats him kindly.

Explanation:
The ironmaster initially mistakes the peddler for a former acquaintance, which leads him to treat the peddler with
kindness and hospitality. There is no pre-existing relationship between them; the kindness comes from the
mistaken identity, which later plays a crucial role in the peddler’s transformation.

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12. How does the story suggest that human nature can be changed?

A) By punishing people for their wrongdoings.

B) Through the influence of material wealth.
C) Through acts of kindness and compassion.
D) By isolating people from society.

Answer: C) Through acts of kindness and compassion.

Explanation:
The story suggests that human nature can be changed through acts of kindness and compassion, as seen in the
way Edla’s kindness transforms the peddler. Although the peddler initially views the world with cynicism and
greed, it is Edla’s compassion that helps him recognize his wrongs and ultimately change his ways.

13. What is the peddler's view on life before he meets Edla?

A) He believes in the goodness of humanity and the possibility of redemption.

B) He is content and satisfied with his life.
C) He views life as a series of traps that people fall into, like rats in a rattrap.
D) He thinks life is an endless adventure.

Answer: C) He views life as a series of traps that people fall into, like rats in a rattrap.

Explanation:
Before meeting Edla, the peddler views life as a series of traps that people fall into, like rats caught in a rattrap. He
sees the world as a harsh, selfish place, where people are driven by greed and are ultimately ensnared by their
desires. His negative outlook on life is reflected in his actions and decisions.

14. How does the peddler’s view of Edla change after their interaction?

A) He becomes more suspicious and distrustful of her.

B) He remains indifferent and unaffected by her kindness.
C) He becomes deeply moved by her kindness and feels guilty.
D) He grows fond of her and decides to marry her.

Answer: C) He becomes deeply moved by her kindness and feels guilty.

Explanation:
The peddler’s view of Edla changes after their interaction. Initially, he sees her as another person in the world who
might be cruel or indifferent to him, but after experiencing her genuine kindness, he feels guilty for his actions and
becomes deeply moved by her compassion. This change of heart is pivotal in his eventual redemption.

15. What is the significance of the peddler’s final gesture of returning the money?

A) It shows his desire to keep the money for himself.

B) It represents his final act of escape from his past life.
C) It marks his rejection of the material world and his acceptance of redemption.
D) It demonstrates his fear of being caught by the police.

Answer: C) It marks his rejection of the material world and his acceptance of redemption.

Explanation:
The peddler’s final gesture of returning the money represents his rejection of the material world and his
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acceptance of redemption. Through this act, he distances himself from the greed that had previously defined his
life and takes the first step toward becoming a better person, influenced by the kindness and compassion Edla
showed him.

16. What does the peddler do when he realizes that he has been caught in the rattrap he describes?

A) He tries to escape by running away.

B) He accepts his fate and gives up.
C) He seeks help from the ironmaster.
D) He decides to steal more to get out of trouble.

Answer: B) He accepts his fate and gives up.

Explanation:
When the peddler realizes that he has fallen into the trap he describes, he feels trapped, much like the rats in a
rattrap. Initially, he is helpless, and he resigns himself to his fate. This mirrors his earlier outlook on life, where he
feels like he's caught in a cycle of greed and misery.

17. What does Edla's gesture of inviting the peddler into her home reveal about her character?

A) She is gullible and easily fooled by strangers.

B) She is kind, empathetic, and believes in the goodness of people.
C) She is cold and indifferent towards others.
D) She is selfish and concerned only about herself.

Answer: B) She is kind, empathetic, and believes in the goodness of people.

Explanation:
Edla's gesture of inviting the peddler into her home shows that she is compassionate and believes in the inherent
goodness of people. Despite the peddler’s shabby appearance and suspicious behavior, Edla treats him with
kindness and hospitality, offering him a chance to redeem himself.

18. Why does the peddler feel guilty after receiving kindness from Edla?

A) Because he realizes that his life of deceit has led him nowhere.
B) Because he knows he has stolen from her.
C) Because he sees that Edla might be disappointed in him.
D) Because he feels unworthy of the kindness shown to him.

Answer: D) Because he feels unworthy of the kindness shown to him.

Explanation:
After receiving kindness from Edla, the peddler feels guilty because he realizes he is unworthy of such compassion.
He recognizes that he has been living a life of dishonesty and theft, and the kindness shown to him makes him
aware of his moral failings. This guilt leads him to return the stolen money.

19. What does the ironmaster expect when he invites the peddler into his house?

A) He expects the peddler to be a skilled craftsman.

B) He expects the peddler to work for him and help around the house.
C) He expects the peddler to be a long-lost friend.
D) He expects the peddler to steal from him.

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Answer: C) He expects the peddler to be a long-lost friend.

Explanation:
The ironmaster invites the peddler into his house because he mistakes him for an old acquaintance, a former
captain. He expects him to be a long-lost friend, which is why he treats him with respect and hospitality. This
mistaken identity plays a key role in how the events unfold in the story.

20. What does the peddler do when he sees the money in the wallet he steals?

A) He feels a strong sense of guilt and refuses to take it.

B) He decides to keep it and escape with it.
C) He returns it immediately after stealing it.
D) He gives it to Edla as a gesture of kindness.

Answer: B) He decides to keep it and escape with it.

Explanation:
The peddler, initially desperate and motivated by his poverty, decides to keep the money after stealing it. He sees
it as a way to escape his life of misery. His initial decision is driven by selfishness and a desire for material gain,
reflecting his earlier view of the world as a trap.

21. How does the peddler's perception of himself change throughout the story?

A) He grows more cynical and bitter.

B) He becomes more content with his life of poverty.
C) He starts seeing himself as a criminal and regrets his actions.
D) He becomes more greedy and seeks more opportunities to steal.

Answer: C) He starts seeing himself as a criminal and regrets his actions.

Explanation:
Throughout the story, the peddler’s perception of himself changes significantly. Initially, he is a cynical and selfish
man, but after being treated with kindness by Edla, he begins to feel guilty about his actions and sees himself as a
criminal. This regret leads to his eventual change of heart and the return of the stolen money.

22. What lesson does the peddler learn by the end of the story?

A) That wealth is the most important thing in life.

B) That kindness can change even the most hardened heart.
C) That it is better to stay isolated from society.
D) That crime always leads to success and happiness.

Answer: B) That kindness can change even the most hardened heart.

Explanation:
By the end of the story, the peddler learns that kindness and compassion can change even the most hardened
heart. Edla’s gentle treatment of him, despite his theft, leads to his transformation. He realizes that the world is
not as cruel as he had once thought, and his heart is softened by the kindness shown to him.

23. What is the symbolic meaning of the peddler’s final act of returning the stolen money?

A) It symbolizes his return to a life of crime.

B) It represents his rejection of materialism and his decision to change.
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C) It shows his inability to escape his past.
D) It indicates his fear of being caught by the police.

Answer: B) It represents his rejection of materialism and his decision to change.

Explanation:
The peddler’s final act of returning the stolen money symbolizes his rejection of materialism, which had previously
controlled his actions. By returning the money, he is choosing to leave behind his life of crime and embracing a
new chance for redemption. This act marks a shift in his character and perspective on life.

24. What does the rattrap, in the context of the story, symbolize?

A) The physical traps set by criminals.

B) The entrapment that comes with greed and selfish desires.
C) The inevitable failure of everyone in the world.
D) The success that comes from hard work and perseverance.

Answer: B) The entrapment that comes with greed and selfish desires.

Explanation:
The rattrap in the story symbolizes the entrapment that comes with greed and selfish desires. Just like rats are
lured into the trap by the scent of cheese, people are often lured into a life of greed and materialism, which
ultimately traps them. The peddler’s life is an example of this, and he experiences it firsthand until he is shown
kindness.

25. What is the peddler's attitude toward people who live more comfortably than him?

A) He admires their lifestyle and wishes to be like them.

B) He feels that they are lucky but doesn't envy them.
C) He resents them and believes they are hypocritical.
D) He sees them as trapped in the same way he is.

Answer: D) He sees them as trapped in the same way he is.

Explanation:
The peddler views people who live more comfortably as trapped by their own desires for material wealth, just like
he feels trapped by his circumstances. He believes that the pursuit of wealth and comfort is a trap that everyone
falls into, just as the rat falls into a rattrap.

26. Why does the peddler decide to leave the ironmaster's house after the misunderstanding?

A) He realizes that his presence is unwanted.

B) He feels guilty for taking advantage of their hospitality.
C) He is afraid of being caught for stealing.
D) He dislikes the ironmaster’s family.

Answer: A) He realizes that his presence is unwanted.

Explanation:
The peddler decides to leave the ironmaster's house after the misunderstanding because he realizes that his
presence is unwanted. The ironmaster's harsh reaction to him once he learns the truth makes him feel
uncomfortable, and he understands that he is no longer welcome.

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27. How does the story suggest the possibility of change for a person who seems beyond redemption?

A) By showing the importance of material wealth in changing people’s behavior.

B) By highlighting how punishment can force a person to reform.
C) Through the peddler’s redemption after being treated with kindness.
D) By demonstrating that people can change only through hard work.

Answer: C) Through the peddler’s redemption after being treated with kindness.

Explanation:
The story suggests that even a person who seems beyond redemption can change through kindness. The peddler
is transformed not by punishment or wealth but by the compassion shown to him by Edla. This highlights the
power of human kindness to change a person’s outlook and behavior.

28. What does the peddler do when he realizes that Edla has forgiven him for stealing the money?

A) He becomes angry and leaves the house.

B) He decides to repay the stolen money.
C) He thanks her but continues to live a life of crime.
D) He confesses his crimes to the police.

Answer: B) He decides to repay the stolen money.

Explanation:
When the peddler realizes that Edla has forgiven him for stealing the money, he decides to repay it as a gesture of
remorse and gratitude. This decision represents his shift in character, as he now feels the need to right his wrongs
and move away from his life of crime.

29. What does the peddler’s decision to leave the ironmaster’s house signify?

A) His desire to escape his past and continue a life of crime.

B) His recognition of the kindness he was shown and his wish to live honestly.
C) His fear of being caught by the authorities.
D) His reluctance to accept help from anyone.

Answer: B) His recognition of the kindness he was shown and his wish to live honestly.

Explanation:
The peddler’s decision to leave the ironmaster’s house signifies his recognition of the kindness Edla showed him
and his desire to live honestly. Although he initially plans to escape, the kindness he receives makes him reflect on
his life and the wrongs he has done, leading him to make a more honorable choice.

30. How does the ironmaster react when he discovers the peddler’s true identity?

A) He forgives him immediately and offers him a second chance.

B) He scolds the peddler for his deceit and asks him to leave.
C) He insists on calling the police to punish the peddler.
D) He is indifferent and does not care about the peddler's actions.

Answer: B) He scolds the peddler for his deceit and asks him to leave.

Explanation:
When the ironmaster discovers the peddler’s true identity, he scolds him for his deceit and asks him to leave. His

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reaction is one of anger and disappointment, as he feels deceived by the peddler’s impersonation. This response
contrasts with Edla’s forgiving and compassionate nature.

31. What role does the peddler's experience in the woods play in his personal transformation?

A) It reinforces his belief in the cruelty of the world.

B) It forces him to confront his own despair and the consequences of his actions.
C) It makes him more determined to continue stealing.
D) It gives him an opportunity to escape from society permanently.

Answer: B) It forces him to confront his own despair and the consequences of his actions.

Explanation:
The peddler’s experience in the woods, where he finds himself lost and cold, forces him to confront his own
despair and the consequences of his actions. It is here that he begins to understand the metaphor of the rattrap
and the trap he has set for himself by leading a life of deceit and greed.

32. What is the significance of Edla’s gift of a Christmas Eve treat to the peddler?

A) It shows her desire to manipulate him.

B) It reflects her genuine care and compassion, which helps change his heart.
C) It makes him feel guilty and ashamed of himself.
D) It shows that she believes he is a criminal and does not deserve kindness.

Answer: B) It reflects her genuine care and compassion, which helps change his heart.

Explanation:
Edla’s gift of a Christmas Eve treat to the peddler is significant because it reflects her genuine care and
compassion. She treats him with dignity and kindness, even though he has stolen from her, which plays a crucial
role in changing his heart and leading to his eventual redemption.

33. What does the peddler ultimately decide to do with the money he stole?

A) He keeps it and disappears without a trace.

B) He returns it to the ironmaster.
C) He gives it to Edla as a Christmas present.
D) He donates it to charity.

Answer: C) He gives it to Edla as a Christmas present.

Explanation:
The peddler ultimately decides to return the stolen money to Edla as a Christmas present. This gesture signifies his
repentance and his desire to make amends for his earlier crime. It also symbolizes the positive impact of Edla’s
kindness on his character.

34. What makes the peddler decide to return the stolen money to Edla?

A) He feels threatened by the police.

B) He realizes that Edla is a kind and honorable person, and he wants to redeem himself.
C) He wants to make sure Edla does not suspect him of theft.
D) He needs the money to survive and doesn't want to return it.

Answer: B) He realizes that Edla is a kind and honorable person, and he wants to redeem himself.
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Explanation:
The peddler decides to return the stolen money to Edla because he realizes that she has treated him with kindness
and respect, and he feels deeply guilty for his actions. This guilt leads him to redeem himself by returning the
money as a gesture of repentance.

35. What does the ironmaster’s reaction to the peddler’s true identity reveal about his character?

A) He is generous and forgiving.

B) He is quick to judge and lacks empathy.
C) He is indifferent to the peddler’s situation.
D) He is sympathetic but afraid of being deceived.

Answer: B) He is quick to judge and lacks empathy.

Explanation:
The ironmaster’s reaction to the peddler’s true identity reveals that he is quick to judge and lacks empathy. He
scolds the peddler for his deceit and doesn’t show much understanding or forgiveness. Unlike Edla, who shows
compassion, the ironmaster’s reaction is harsh and unforgiving.

36. What is the significance of the peddler's transformation in the story?

A) It shows that all people are inherently good.

B) It illustrates that kindness can lead to personal growth and change.
C) It suggests that punishment is the only way to reform people.
D) It emphasizes the power of wealth and material success to change behavior.

Answer: B) It illustrates that kindness can lead to personal growth and change.

Explanation:
The peddler’s transformation in the story shows that kindness has the power to lead to personal growth and
change. It is the compassion and empathy shown by Edla that changes the peddler’s outlook on life, leading him
to return the stolen money and make amends for his past actions.

37. How does the peddler describe the rattrap to himself?

A) As a tool for hunting rats.

B) As a metaphor for life, where people are lured by temptation and trapped by their desires.
C) As something that provides comfort and security.
D) As a way to catch criminals.

Answer: B) As a metaphor for life, where people are lured by temptation and trapped by their desires.

Explanation:
The peddler describes the rattrap as a metaphor for life. He believes that life itself is like a rattrap, where people
are lured by the allure of material wealth and comfort, only to be caught by their own greed and desires. This
perspective reflects his cynical view of the world before he undergoes his transformation.

38. What does Edla hope to achieve by treating the peddler with kindness?

A) She wants to convince him to work for her father.

B) She hopes to reform him and show him the goodness in the world.

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C) She wants to test if the peddler is truly a criminal.
D) She seeks to gain his trust so he will help her with chores.

Answer: B) She hopes to reform him and show him the goodness in the world.

Explanation:
Edla hopes to reform the peddler by treating him with kindness and compassion. She believes that he may change
his ways and see the goodness in the world, as she sees potential for redemption in him. Her treatment of him is
driven by the desire to show him kindness rather than judgment.

39. How does the story depict the concept of "traps"?

A) As inevitable and unavoidable for everyone.

B) As something that only affects criminals.
C) As a concept that applies to those who are greedy and selfish.
D) As a symbol of external dangers in the world.

Answer: C) As a concept that applies to those who are greedy and selfish.

Explanation:
In the story, the concept of "traps" is used to symbolize the dangers of greed and selfishness. The peddler himself
is caught in a trap, both literally and metaphorically, and he believes that others, too, fall into traps when they are
lured by materialism and self-interest. The rattrap itself is a metaphor for these traps that people unwittingly fall
into.

40. What does the rattrap symbolize in the context of the peddler's life?

A) A way of escaping from responsibilities.

B) The idea that life offers opportunities for personal gain.
C) The inevitability of being caught by greed and desires.
D) The importance of hard work and perseverance.

Answer: C) The inevitability of being caught by greed and desires.

Explanation:
In the context of the peddler's life, the rattrap symbolizes the inevitability of being caught by greed and desires.
The peddler believes that just as a rat is attracted to the bait in a rattrap and is caught, people are similarly lured
by their desires for wealth and comfort, ultimately leading to their entrapment.

41. What role does Edla’s Christmas gift play in the story?

A) It serves as a final test to see if the peddler has learned his lesson.
B) It is an attempt to bribe the peddler into good behavior.
C) It highlights the theme of kindness and redemption.
D) It represents the peddler's rejection of all material possessions.

Answer: C) It highlights the theme of kindness and redemption.

Explanation:
Edla’s Christmas gift to the peddler highlights the theme of kindness and redemption. She gives the gift out of
genuine care and compassion, even though the peddler had stolen from her. This gesture plays a key role in
transforming the peddler’s heart, leading to his decision to return the stolen money and change his life.

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42. How does the setting of the story contribute to the overall theme?

A) The setting emphasizes the isolation and harshness of the peddler's life.
B) The setting symbolizes the idea that life is always easy and carefree.
C) The setting shows the wealth and success of the ironmaster's family.
D) The setting contrasts with the kindness and warmth shown by the characters.

Answer: A) The setting emphasizes the isolation and harshness of the peddler's life.

Explanation:
The setting of the story, particularly the cold, lonely woods and the ironmaster’s isolated house, emphasizes the
harshness and isolation of the peddler’s life. His journey through the woods symbolizes his own emotional and
physical struggles. The contrast between the cold, bleak environment and the warmth of the ironmaster’s house
highlights the themes of kindness and transformation.

43. What is the main reason the peddler initially accepts the invitation to stay at the ironmaster’s house?

A) He wants to get revenge on the ironmaster.

B) He wants to rob the ironmaster’s family.
C) He believes that the ironmaster is an old acquaintance who can help him.
D) He is looking for shelter from the cold and harsh weather.

Answer: D) He is looking for shelter from the cold and harsh weather.

Explanation:
The peddler initially accepts the invitation to stay at the ironmaster’s house because he is seeking shelter from the
cold and harsh weather. He is tired and desperate for warmth and food, which leads him to accept the hospitality
of the ironmaster, even though it is based on a misunderstanding.

44. How does Edla feel when she realizes the peddler has left without saying goodbye?

A) She feels relieved that he is gone.

B) She is disappointed but understands why he left.
C) She is angry and upset that he left without any gratitude.
D) She feels betrayed and heartbroken.

Answer: B) She is disappointed but understands why he left.

Explanation:
When Edla realizes that the peddler has left without saying goodbye, she feels disappointed but understands his
reasons. She had hoped that he would stay and perhaps be reformed, but she realizes that his departure is a
consequence of his own feelings of guilt and unworthiness.

45. How does the peddler justify his theft to himself initially?

A) He believes he has a right to take what he needs to survive.

B) He feels entitled because of his harsh life.
C) He considers it harmless and thinks he will not be caught.
D) He does not justify it; he simply enjoys stealing.

Answer: A) He believes he has a right to take what he needs to survive.

Explanation:
Initially, the peddler justifies his theft by convincing himself that he has a right to take what he needs to survive.

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His life has been harsh and full of struggle, so he feels that stealing is a way of getting by in a world that has not
been kind to him.

46. Why does the ironmaster mistake the peddler for his old regimental comrade?

A) He recognizes the peddler's face from a past encounter.

B) He believes the peddler’s uniform resembles that of a former soldier.
C) The peddler wears the same clothes as his old friend.
D) The peddler speaks in a familiar accent.

Answer: B) He believes the peddler’s uniform resembles that of a former soldier.

Explanation:
The ironmaster mistakes the peddler for his old regimental comrade because the peddler is wearing an old
uniform that closely resembles that of the ironmaster’s former soldier friend. This mistaken identity leads to the
peddler being treated with respect and hospitality.

47. How does Edla react when she finds the peddler has stolen money?

A) She is angry but forgives him.

B) She decides to confront him immediately and call the police.
C) She is deeply hurt but believes in his goodness and hopes for his redemption.
D) She hides the truth from her father to protect the peddler.

Answer: C) She is deeply hurt but believes in his goodness and hopes for his redemption.

Explanation:
When Edla finds out that the peddler has stolen money, she is deeply hurt but chooses to believe in his inherent
goodness. Despite the theft, she still hopes that he can be redeemed and shows him understanding, which plays a
crucial role in the peddler’s eventual transformation.

48. Why does the peddler feel guilty for taking the money from the ironmaster?

A) He realizes that he could have been caught.

B) He feels that it was wrong to deceive someone who treated him kindly.
C) He worries that the ironmaster will come after him for the money.
D) He feels ashamed for taking more than he needed.

Answer: B) He feels that it was wrong to deceive someone who treated him kindly.

Explanation:
The peddler feels guilty for taking the money from the ironmaster because he realizes that it was wrong to deceive
someone who had treated him with kindness. This guilt is a turning point in the story, as it leads him to return the
stolen money later on, demonstrating his growth and remorse.

49. How does the peddler's view of life change by the end of the story?

A) He becomes more cynical and disillusioned.

B) He becomes content with his life as it is.
C) He starts to believe in the possibility of redemption and change.
D) He becomes fixated on acquiring wealth and material goods.

Answer: C) He starts to believe in the possibility of redemption and change.

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Explanation:
By the end of the story, the peddler's view of life changes as he begins to believe in the possibility of redemption
and change. The kindness shown to him by Edla makes him realize that people can change, and he decides to
make amends for his actions by returning the stolen money.

50. What does the peddler’s final act of returning the money symbolize?

A) It symbolizes his fear of being caught.

B) It symbolizes his regret and his desire to make things right.
C) It symbolizes his continued greed despite his earlier actions.
D) It symbolizes his determination to remain a criminal.

Answer: B) It symbolizes his regret and his desire to make things right.

Explanation:
The peddler’s final act of returning the money symbolizes his regret for his past actions and his desire to make
things right. It shows his transformation from a man driven by greed to someone who is willing to redeem himself
by returning what he has wrongfully taken.

51. How does the peddler react to Edla’s kindness towards him?

A) He is suspicious and believes it is a trap.

B) He takes advantage of her kindness and exploits her hospitality.
C) He is moved and begins to reflect on his life and actions.
D) He remains indifferent and continues with his selfish ways.

Answer: C) He is moved and begins to reflect on his life and actions.

Explanation:
The peddler is moved by Edla’s kindness and begins to reflect on his life and actions. Her compassion makes him
feel guilty for his earlier behavior and inspires him to return the stolen money, marking the start of his moral
transformation.

52. Why does the peddler refer to life as a rattrap?

A) He believes that life is full of pleasure and excitement, like a trap.

B) He feels that people are lured by material desires and end up trapped by them.
C) He sees life as a series of traps that people need to avoid.
D) He thinks that life is too predictable and boring.

Answer: B) He feels that people are lured by material desires and end up trapped by them.

Explanation:
The peddler refers to life as a rattrap because he believes that people are lured into a trap by their desires for
material wealth, comfort, and success. Just like the rat is attracted to the bait in a rattrap, people are attracted to
these temptations, only to be caught by their own greed.

53. How does the ironmaster’s view of the peddler differ from Edla’s view?

A) The ironmaster believes that the peddler is a thief, while Edla believes in his potential for redemption.
B) The ironmaster treats the peddler with kindness, while Edla is suspicious of him.

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C) The ironmaster wants to help the peddler, but Edla wants to punish him.
D) The ironmaster sees the peddler as a threat, while Edla sees him as a victim.

Answer: A) The ironmaster believes that the peddler is a thief, while Edla believes in his potential for
redemption.

Explanation:
The ironmaster and Edla have contrasting views of the peddler. The ironmaster sees the peddler as a thief and is
quick to judge him, while Edla believes in his potential for redemption. Edla’s kindness and belief in the peddler’s
goodness help lead to his eventual transformation.

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