Chapter 4: The Rattrap

Ans: The peddler was a lonely vagabond who made and sold rattraps. One day, while thinking about his rattraps, he was struck by the idea that the world itself was a giant rattrap. It offered riches, joys, shelter, and food as baits, just as a rattrap offers cheese and pork. As soon as someone let themselves be tempted, the trap closed on them.

Ans: His own life was sad and monotonous, and the world had never been kind to him. Therefore, it gave him "unwonted joy" to think ill of the world. It became a cherished pastime for him to think of people he knew who had let themselves be caught in the dangerous snare.

Ans: No, he did not. The crofter had been very hospitable and even showed him the thirty kronor he had saved. However, the next day, the peddler smashed the window pane, stole the money, and ran away, betraying the trust of the old man.

Ans: In the uncertain light of the furnace, the ironmaster mistook the peddler for an old regimental comrade, Captain Von Stahle. Seeing his miserable condition, the ironmaster felt sorry for him and invited him home to celebrate Christmas.

Ans: The peddler knew he was not the Captain and had the stolen thirty kronor in his pocket. Going to the manor house felt like voluntarily throwing himself into the lion's den. He feared being caught and wanted to sneak away as inconspicuously as possible.

Ans: Edla looked at him compassionately and noticed he was afraid. She spoke to him in such a friendly and assuring manner that he felt confidence in her. She promised that he would be allowed to leave just as freely as he came.

Ans: When Edla lifted his hat, he jumped up abruptly and seemed terrified. She noticed his fear and thought that either he had stolen something or he had escaped from jail. She felt he did not look like an educated man (a Captain).

Ans: Edla was happy because the gift (a small rattrap with the stolen thirty kronor and a letter) proved that her trust in him was not misplaced. He had not stolen anything from them but instead returned the stolen money, proving that he had raised himself above being a thief.

Ans: He signed himself as Captain Von Stahle because Edla had treated him like a Captain. Her kindness and respect gave him the strength to redeem himself and behave with dignity, raising himself above his petty thievery.

Ans: The metaphor highlights that humans are easily tempted by material benefits (baits). When they succumb to greed, they get trapped in a vicious cycle of guilt and fear, losing their peace of mind, just like a rat trapped in a cage.

Ans: The Ironmaster is impulsive and judgmental. He invites the peddler on a whim (mistaking him for a friend) but quickly orders him out when the truth is revealed. He lacks patience. Edla, on the other hand, is observant, compassionate, and kind. Even after knowing the truth, she insists on keeping her promise of Christmas cheer. Her persuasion reforms the peddler, whereas the father's aggression would have only hardened him.

Ans: The peddler's cynicism and dishonesty stem from his loneliness and the harsh treatment he receives from society. He is chased away, locked out, and treated with suspicion. This hostility makes him bitter, leading him to steal and take pleasure in the misfortunes of others.

Ans: The gift was a small rattrap containing the stolen 30 kronor notes. It symbolized the peddler's escape from the "world's rattrap." By returning the bait (money), he freed himself from guilt and lived up to the dignity Edla bestowed upon him.