The Rattrap — 20 MCQs | CBSE Class 12 English Core (Code 301)

Chapter Overview

A wandering Swedish peddler views the whole world as a giant rattrap baited with riches and joys. He steals from a kind crofter, gets lost in the woods, and is mistaken by an ironmaster for an old comrade. The ironmaster's daughter Edla sees through the disguise but treats him with dignity — a kindness that redeems him.

Key Themes

The world-as-rattrap metaphor
Hospitality and its abuse
Redemption through kindness — the power of being treated as a 'gentleman'
Apparent identity vs essential character

Key Concepts

Peddler

Wandering seller of small wire rattraps

Crofter

Lonely old man with a cow; shows the peddler 30 kronor; is robbed

Ironmaster

Mistakes peddler for Captain von Stahle in firelight

Edla Willmansson

Daughter who treats him with dignity; sees the truth, keeps the gift

Final gift

A rattrap with the 30 kronor inside; signed 'Captain von Stahle'

Sample MCQs

Q1. What unique philosophy does the peddler hold about the world?

A. The world is fundamentally a beautiful and harmonious place

B. The whole world is a rattrap baited with riches, joys and pleasures

C. The world is a stage and humans are merely actors

D. The world is an infinite library of stories

The peddler imagines the whole world as a rattrap — its joys are baits; once tempted, one is trapped.

Q2. How does Edla treat the peddler?

A. With suspicion — locks all doors at night

B. With kindness and concern, like a real Christmas guest

C. She avoids him completely

D. She demands the police remove him

Edla treats him with dignity and concern — bath, new clothes, true Christmas hospitality. This kindness redeems him.

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