The Rattrap Questions Answers for Class 12 2024

The Rattrap Questions Answers for Class 12 2024 are essential for CBSE Class 10 students, providing important NCERT-based Q&A from the ‘Flamingo’ English textbook for Class XII (Core Course) to comprehend the story effectively.

Summary of The Rattrap

“The Rattrap” is a short story by Selma Lagerlöf that revolves around a vagabond who survives by peddling rattraps and begging. Seeking warmth and shelter, he arrives at an old ironmaster’s house and is mistaken for an old acquaintance. The ironmaster’s daughter, Edla, treats him kindly and offers him hospitality on Christmas Eve. Despite his initial reluctance, the vagabond enjoys the comfort and genuine kindness extended to him.

Later, discovering his true identity, Edla confronts the vagabond, who admits to his deceitful actions. However, he also reveals how Edla’s genuine kindness has touched him. Moved by her compassion, he decides to change his ways. He leaves a letter for Edla expressing gratitude for her kindness, returning the money he had stolen, and promising to reform.

The story portrays the transformative power of kindness and empathy, illustrating that even those labeled as “rattraps” by society can change when treated with genuine compassion and trust.

Translation

“द रैट्रैप” सेल्मा लेगरलोफ की एक लघु कहानी है जो एक आवारा व्यक्ति के इर्द-गिर्द घूमती है जो चूहेदानी बेचने और भीख मांगकर अपना गुजारा करता है। गर्मजोशी और आश्रय की तलाश में, वह एक पुराने आयरनमास्टर के घर पहुंचता है और गलती से उसे कोई पुराना परिचित समझ लिया जाता है। आयरनमास्टर की बेटी, एडला, उसके साथ दयालु व्यवहार करती है और क्रिसमस की पूर्व संध्या पर उसे आतिथ्य प्रदान करती है। अपनी प्रारंभिक अनिच्छा के बावजूद, आवारा व्यक्ति को मिले आराम और सच्ची दयालुता का आनंद उठाता है।

बाद में, अपनी असली पहचान का पता चलने पर, एडला उस आवारा व्यक्ति का सामना करता है, जो अपने धोखेबाज कार्यों को स्वीकार करता है। हालाँकि, उन्होंने यह भी खुलासा किया कि एडला की वास्तविक दयालुता ने उन्हें कैसे प्रभावित किया है। उसकी करुणा से प्रेरित होकर, उसने अपने तरीके बदलने का फैसला किया। वह एडला के लिए एक पत्र छोड़ता है जिसमें उसकी दयालुता के लिए आभार व्यक्त किया जाता है, उसके द्वारा चुराए गए पैसे लौटाए जाते हैं और सुधार का वादा किया जाता है।

कहानी दयालुता और सहानुभूति की परिवर्तनकारी शक्ति को चित्रित करती है, यह दर्शाती है कि वास्तविक करुणा और विश्वास के साथ व्यवहार किए जाने पर समाज द्वारा “चूहे” के रूप में लेबल किए गए लोग भी बदल सकते हैं।

People also ask

Q3 The Rattrap Questions Answers for Class 12 MCQ Extract Based 1

Read the following extract and choose the correct option.

A. “Since you have been so nice to me all day long, as if I was a captain, I want to be nice to you, in return, as if I was a real captain — for I do not want you to be embarrassed at this Christmas season by a thief; but you can give back the money to the old man on the roadside, who has the money pouch hanging on the window frame as a bait for poor wanderers. 

The rattrap is a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in this world’s rattrap if he had not been raised to captain, because in that way he got power to clear himself. 

“Written with friendship 

and high regard, 

Captain von Stahle.”

 i Which of the following CANNOT be attributed to the peddler, according to the above extract? 

a) indebtedness 

b) reform 

c) self-pity 

d) self-awareness 

Ans: c) self-pity 

ii Why did the peddler gift a rattrap as a Christmas present? 

a) It was all the peddler had that he could give away, and represented his turn to honesty. 

b) It symbolized his successful escape from entrapment as he returned the stolen money. 

c) It served as a reminder for Edla to be wary of the dangerous temptations of the world. 

d) It was a practical and convenient present that the lady of the house could effectively use. 

Ans: a) It was all the peddler had that he could give away, and represented his turn to honesty. 

iii The word ‘frame’ has been used to indicate a rigid structure that surrounds something such as a picture, door, or windowpane. There are other meanings of ‘frame’ too. 

Choose the option that DOES NOT list the meaning of ‘frame’. 

a) Option (1)

b) Optica (2)

c) Optior. (3)

d) Option (4)

Ans: d) Option (4)

iv This communication includes 

1) a promise 

2) regret 

3) an apology 

4) shame 

a) only 4 

b) only 1 

c) 1 & 3 

d) 2 & 4 

Ans: c) 1 & 3

Q3 The Rattrap Questions Answers for Class 12 MCQ Extract Based 2

Read the following extract and choose the correct option.

B. …it was a big and confusing forest which he had gotten into. He tried, to be sure, to walk in a definite direction, but the paths twisted back and forth so strangely! He walked and walked without coming to the end of the wood, and finally he realised that he had only been walking around in the same part of the forest. All at once he recalled his thoughts about the world and the rattrap. Now his own turn had come. He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught. The whole forest, with its trunks and branches, its thickets and fallen logs, closed in upon him like an impenetrable prison from which he could never escape. 

i How would you characterise the mood of the above extract? 

a) mysterious, restful 

b) ominous, despairing 

c) thoughtful, whimsical 

d) philosophical, anguished 

Ans: b) ominous, despairing 

ii By what bait had the peddler been fooled? 

a) He had chosen to take the ‘safe’ forest route. 

b) He had decided to avoid the public highway. 

c) He had stolen money from the trusting crofter. 

d) He didn’t realize the power of his rattrap analogy. 

Ans: c) He had stolen money from the trusting crofter. 

iii The consequence of ‘his own turn’ having come was that the peddler had ___________ 

a) got irreversibly lost in the thick, warped forest. 

b) been fooled and imprisoned in a hopeless prison. 

c) been walking around the same part of the forest. 

d) walked the whole forest without finding the end. 

Ans: a) got irreversibly lost in the thick, warped forest. 

iv The above extract richly employs literary devices. Look at the table below. Choose the option that correctly matches the instances/ examples in Column A with the literary devices in Column B: 

a) 1 – (i) ; 2 – (ii) ; 3 – (iii) ; 4 – (iv) 

b) 1 – (iv) ; 2 – (i) ; 3 – (ii) ; 4 – (iii) 

c) 1 – (iii) ; 2 – (iv) ; 3 – (i) ; 4 – (ii) 

d) 1 – (ii) ; 2 – (iii) ; 3 – (iv) ; 4 – (i)

Ans: b) 1 – (iv) ; 2 – (i) ; 3 – (ii) ; 4 – (iii) 

Q5. The Rattrap Questions Answers for Class 12 with Stand-alone MCQs 

i Imagine that the peddler from ‘The Rattrap’ turned his life around, and decided to write of his experience. Which of the following is likely to be the peddler’s book, from the popular books shown below? 

a) Option (i) 

b) Option (ii) 

c) Option (iii) 

d) Option (iv) 

Ans: b) Option (ii) 

ii “Left to his own meditations”, one day the peddler fell into “a line of thought, which really seemed to him entertaining”. What does the peddler’s conception of the world as a rattrap, signify about him? 

a) The peddler had a lot of time on his hands, with nothing much to do. 

b) The peddler was a reflective man whose wisdom did not depend on his status. 

c) The peddler was a lonely vagrant trying to make sense of his fortunes. 

d) The peddler was a rattrap seller, and his work deeply inspired him. 

Ans: c) The peddler was a lonely vagrant trying to make sense of his fortunes. 

iii “Yes, that was a fine fellow you let into the house,” said her father. What light does the given line throw on the ironmaster as a father? 

a) The ironmaster was disapproving of Edla’s decision to let the peddler stay. 

b) The ironmaster blamed his daughter for harbouring a criminal at home. 

c) The ironmaster was being playful with Edla, and supported her decisions. 

d) The ironmaster loved Edla but thought her to be too naïve and idealistic. 

Ans: a) The ironmaster was disapproving of Edla’s decision to let the peddler stay. 

iv Though the reader does not meet Captain von Stahle in person, they encounter the captain symbolically. How? 

a) The ironmaster misidentifies the peddler as his old friend, the Captain and invites him home. 

b) The reader realizes the peddler is actually Captain von Stahle when he signs off the letter. c) Edla attends to the peddler as respectfully, caringly and kindly, as she would have the Captain. 

d) The peddler accepts the error of his ways, and displays the qualities expected of a Captain. 

Ans: d) The peddler accepts the error of his ways, and displays the qualities expected of a Captain. 

Q10 The Rattrap Questions Answers for Class 12 in 30-40 words 

i If the world is “nothing but a big rattrap” as the tramp stated in the story ‘The Rattrap’, who might the rattrap peddler be? Discuss. 

Ans: The rattrap peddler in “The Rattrap” symbolizes life’s temptations and deceit. Similar to how the peddler lures rodents with traps, society entices individuals with false promises and materialism. He represents the cycle of manipulation and disillusionment in human existence.

ii Despite his philosophical insights, the vagabond fails to resist temptations. What would you attribute this to? Explain with reference to any instance from the text. 

Ans: The vagabond’s susceptibility to temptation stems from his desperate circumstances and innate human desires. Despite his realization of life’s traps, when offered kindness and comfort at the ironmaster’s house, he surrenders, illustrating the allure of temporary respite from hardship.

iii Do you think the story reinforces a stereotype that women are more trusting, forgiving and less practical than men? Comment with reference to Edla’s actions in the story. 

Ans: The story doesn’t inherently reinforce gender stereotypes. Edla’s actions, displaying trust and compassion towards the vagabond, depict her as empathetic and open-minded. However, attributing these traits solely based on gender would oversimplify her character, ignoring individuality and diverse motivations.

iv What might be the significance of setting the story’s events during Christmas? Justify your opinion. 

Ans: The Christmas setting in “The Rattrap” symbolizes the spirit of goodwill, kindness, and generosity. It emphasizes themes of redemption and the potential for positive change, reflecting the possibility of transformation and unexpected kindness even in difficult circumstances.

Q12 The Rattrap Questions Answers for Class 12 in 120-150 words

i How would you compare the peddler’s actions in relation to the crofter and Edla? Would you say kindness does not always beget kindness, and that the conditions for receiving kindness are important for it to truly transform people? Elaborate. Provide relevant textual details to support the analysis. 

Ans: The peddler’s interactions with the crofter and Edla highlight different responses to kindness. Initially, the peddler steals from the crofter, showing ingratitude despite the latter’s hospitality. However, Edla’s genuine kindness and compassion towards the peddler, treating him as an equal, eventually lead to his transformation.

The story suggests that kindness doesn’t always immediately beget kindness. The conditions under which kindness is offered matter significantly. Edla’s unconditional and sincere kindness contrasts sharply with the crofter’s suspicion and condescension, impacting the peddler’s response. This highlights the transformative power of genuine, unconditional kindness—whereas conditional or skeptical gestures may not evoke the same change.

Ultimately, the story implies that the authenticity and sincerity of kindness, along with the absence of ulterior motives, create the conditions for true transformation, as evidenced by the peddler’s change of heart towards the end of the narrative.

ii Imagine that you overheard the following snippet of an interaction between the valet and the housekeeper at the ironmaster’s mansion at the end of the story. 

Speaker 1 – Trust is a difficult choice, which may or may not be rewarded. 

Speaker 2 – Yes, indeed. Ms. Willmansson really believed in that fellow, didn’t she? And he didn’t disappoint. She was so happy reading his letter, oh her tears of joys filled my heart with so much admiration for her. Such a kind, wonderful young lady. 

Speaker 1 – Absolutely. But I wonder, what if that vagabond had run away with the silver spoons? Would you speak so glowingly of Ms. Willmansson then? Our master’s daughter was a bit too gullible. Wouldn’t you say? 

Speaker 2 – But she did what was right. That must count for something. It’s Christmas, and she helped that poor man. It didn’t matter what he did. Surely the choice of right and wrong does not depend on the outcome. 

Speaker 1 – Wouldn’t it? I should jolly well think so. 

How would you respond to the questions raised in this conversation about the story? Write your response in the form of an entry in your daily journal. 

Ans: The conversation between the valet and the housekeeper at the ironmaster’s mansion brings forth intriguing questions about trust, kindness, and moral choices in the context of the story “The Rattrap.” It prompts reflection on the nature of trust and the perception of kindness, particularly in the case of Edla Willmansson’s actions towards the vagabond.

The debate about whether Edla’s trust and kindness were warranted, regardless of the outcome, strikes a chord. Edla’s unwavering trust could indeed have been seen as gullible, especially if the vagabond had stolen from her. Yet, her act of kindness, driven by genuine compassion and generosity, transcends the outcome. It emphasizes that the moral value of an action lies in its intent and the inherent goodness of the gesture itself, rather than solely on the consequences. Edla’s choice to do what she believed was right, irrespective of potential outcomes, embodies the true spirit of kindness and empathy, especially during the Christmas season. It highlights the importance of acting with integrity and compassion, regardless of the uncertainties that surround us.

The Rattrap Extra Short Questions Answers for Class 12

What is the short answer of the rattrap?

Ans: The short answer to the question about the meaning of “The Rattrap” is that the story symbolizes the transformative power of kindness and compassion, showcasing how genuine goodwill can inspire positive change in individuals.

What is the theme of the rattrap?

Ans: The main theme of “The Rattrap” revolves around the transformative potential of kindness and empathy, illustrating how genuine compassion can inspire positive change even in those deemed as societal outcasts.

What is the irony in the rattrap?

Ans: The irony in “The Rattrap” lies in the reversal of expectations: a vagabond, perceived as a rattrap peddler, is transformed through genuine kindness, challenging societal assumptions about individuals’ capacity for change and redemption.

What is the main point of the rattrap?

Ans: The central idea of “The Rattrap” emphasizes the transformative power of genuine kindness and compassion, illustrating how such qualities have the potential to elicit positive change in even the most marginalized individuals.

Who is the hero in the story rattrap?

Ans: In “The Rattrap,” the hero could be seen as Edla Willmansson, the ironmaster’s daughter, whose genuine kindness and compassion towards the vagabond ultimately inspire positive change in him, highlighting the transformative power of empathy.

Who is Captain von Stahle?

Ans: In “The Rattrap,” Captain von Stahle is a reference made by the vagabond, suggesting an alias or false identity he used while staying at a manor. There’s no direct character named Captain von Stahle in the story; it’s part of the vagabond’s deceptive narrative.

What does Nils Olof mean?

Ans: “Nils Olof” is a Swedish name consisting of two parts: “Nils” is a common Swedish given name, and “Olof” is another Swedish name. Together, they form a full name commonly used in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries.

Who was Nils Olof?

Ans: In the story “The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf, “Nils Olof” is a false identity assumed by the vagabond, reflecting his deceptive nature as he tries to gain shelter and warmth by pretending to be someone he is not.

Who addressed whom as Nils Olof?

Ans: In “The Rattrap,” the vagabond addressed himself as “Nils Olof” while staying at the ironmaster’s mansion, using this false name as part of his deceptive narrative to gain hospitality and warmth from the household.

Are Captain von Stahle and Nils Olof same?

Ans: No, Captain von Stahle and Nils Olof are not the same person in “The Rattrap.” Both are identities assumed by the vagabond at different instances in the story as part of his deceptive tactics to gain shelter and sympathy from various people.

Is rattrap one word?

Ans: Yes, “rattrap” is typically written as one word in English, referring to a device used to catch rats or mice.

Who wrote the rattrap?

Ans: “The Rattrap” was written by Selma Lagerlöf, a renowned Swedish author and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate known for her captivating storytelling.

What is the name of rattrap man?

Ans: In “The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf, the main character, who is a wandering and deceptive peddler selling rattraps, remains unnamed throughout the story.

Who is blacksmith in rattrap?

Ans: In “The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf, there is no specific character identified as a blacksmith in the story. The narrative primarily revolves around the vagabond peddler and his interactions with various individuals.

Who was the Red rattrap seller?

Ans: In “The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf, the main character is a wandering peddler who sells rattraps. He is referred to as the “red rattrap seller” because he carries red rattraps among his wares. However, he remains unnamed throughout the story.

Who gave shelter for night?

Ans: In “The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf, the ironmaster’s daughter, Edla Willmansson, offers shelter and hospitality to the wandering peddler, providing him with warmth and a place to stay for the night.

What is the other name of rattrap seller?

Ans: In “The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf, the wandering peddler who sells rattraps is referred to by various identities he assumes during the story, such as “Nils Olof” and “Captain von Stahle,” but he does not have a specific alternate name beyond these false identities.

What is the peddler name rattrap?

Ans: In “The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf, the peddler who sells rattraps does not have a specific name related to the rattraps. He remains unnamed or uses false identities like “Nils Olof” or “Captain von Stahle” during the narrative.

Who was the poor peddler?

Ans: In “The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf, the poor peddler is a wandering and destitute individual who survives by selling rattraps and begging for sustenance. Throughout the story, he remains unnamed or uses false identities to gain shelter and warmth.

Who is Stjernstrom in rattrap?

Ans: In “The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf, there is no character named Stjernstrom in the story. The narrative primarily focuses on the interactions between the vagabond peddler and other individuals he encounters during his journey.

Why did EDLA invite the peddler?

Ans: Edla invited the peddler in “The Rattrap” out of kindness and compassion. She mistook him for an old acquaintance and, seeing him cold and tired on Christmas Eve, she offered him shelter and hospitality as an act of goodwill and generosity.