The Rattrap

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Question
CBSEENEN12019407

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

Solution

One day the peddler went round selling his rattraps. All of a sudden he was left to his own meditations. He thought that the whole world about him was nothing but a rattrap. Its lands, seas, cities, villages existed only to set baits for people. It offered riches, joys, shelter, food, heat and clothing to the people as the rattrap offered cheese and pork for the rats. As soon as anyone got tempted to touch the bait, it closed him in and thus everything came to an end for him.

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Imp.

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Question
CBSEENEN12019408

Why was he amused by the idea?

Solution

The peddler was amused by the idea that the whole world around him was nothing but a big rattrap. The riches, happiness, food, clothing and shelter etc. were like baits to trap the people in. He thought of his life dull and sad life. But he was satisfied that he was not the one who was caught in the vicious circle of poverty. There were many more like him who were still circling around the bait. This idea amused him a lot.

Question
CBSEENEN12019410

Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?

Solution

No, the peddler had never expected the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter. He expected sour faces when he knocked the door and requested for the night shelter. But the crofter was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness. He immediately put the porridge pot on the fire and gave the peddler supper. Then he gave him a big slice of tobacco for the stranger's pipe to smoke. Finally, he entertained the stranger by playing the game of cards “Majolis” until bed time.

Question
CBSEENEN12019412

Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?

Solution

The crofter allowed the peddler to stay for the night in his cottage. He welcomed the peddler with a smiling face. He was an old man without wife or child. Therefore, he became happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness. He served him supper and gave him tobacco. He played ‘Majolis’ the game of cards to entertain himself also. He got more friendly with the peddler by showing him the money kept in the pouch.