Chapter 4 the rattrap seller

 

Chapter 4        The Rattrap

Introduction:

Part 1: The Philosophy of the Rattrap (चूहेदानी का दर्शन)

English Text:

"Once upon a time there was a man who went around selling small rattraps of wire. He made them himself at odd moments, from the material he got by begging in the stores or at the big farms. But even so, the business was not especially profitable, so he had to resort to both begging and petty thievery to keep body and soul together. Even so, his clothes were in rags, his cheeks were sunken, and hunger gleamed in his eyes. ...

But one day this man had fallen into a line of thought... suddenly he was struck by the idea that the whole world about him... was nothing but a big rattrap. It had never existed for any other purpose than to set baits for people. It offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing, exactly as the rattrap offered cheese and pork, and as soon as anyone let himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed in on him, and then everything came to an end."

Hard Words (Word Meanings):

Resort to (रिसॉर्ट टू): सहारा लेना (To adopt a course of action).

Petty thievery (पेटी थीवरी): छोटी-मोटी चोरी (Small thefts).

Keep body and soul together: ज़िंदा रहना / पेट भरना (To survive)

Sunken (संकन्): धंसे हुए (Hollow/Depressed).

Gleamed (ग्लीम्ड): चमकना / दिखाई देना (Shone).

Baits (बेट्स): चारा / लालच (Lure/Trap food).

Hindi Translation:

एक समय की बात है, एक आदमी था जो तार की छोटी चूहेदानियां (Rattraps) बेचता था। वह उन्हें खुद बनाता था, उस सामान से जो वह दुकानों या बड़े खेतों से भीख मांगकर लाता था। लेकिन फिर भी, उसका धंधा बहुत फायदेमंद नहीं था, इसलिए उसे ज़िंदा रहने के लिए भीख मांगने और छोटी-मोटी चोरियाँ करने का सहारा लेना पड़ता था। उसके कपड़े फटे-पुराने (Rags) थे, गाल धंसे हुए थे और उसकी आँखों में भूख चमकती थी।

एक दिन उसे एक विचार आया। उसने सोचा कि यह पूरी दुनिया—इसकी ज़मीन, शहर और गाँव—कुछ नहीं बल्कि एक बड़ी चूहेदानी है। इसका मकसद सिर्फ लोगों के लिए "चारा" (Bait) डालना है। जैसे चूहेदानी पनीर और मांस का टुकड़ा पेश करती है, वैसे ही दुनिया धन, खुशी, घर और खाना पेश करती है। जैसे ही कोई लालच में आकर इस चारे को छूता है, पिंजरा बंद हो जाता है और सब कुछ खत्म हो जाता है।

Part 2: The Old Crofter and the 30 Kronor (बूढ़ा किसान और 30 क्रोनर)

English Text:

"One dark evening as he was trudging along the road he caught sight of a little gray cottage by the roadside... The owner, who was an old man without wife or child, was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness. Immediately he put the porridge pot on the fire and gave him supper; then he carved off such a big slice from his tobacco roll... Finally he got out an old pack of cards and played 'mjolis' with his guest until bedtime.

The old man was just as generous with his confidences as with his porridge and tobacco. The guest was informed at once that in his days of prosperity his host had been a crofter at Ramsjö Ironworks... Now... it was his cow which supported him. ... She could give milk for the creamery every day, and last month he had received all of thirty kronor in payment. The stranger must have seemed incredulous, for the old man... took down a leather pouch... and picked out three wrinkled ten-kronor bills."

Hard Words (Word Meanings):

 * Trudging (ट्रजिंग): थककर धीरे-धीरे चलना (Walking slowly with heavy steps).

 * Crofter (क्रॉफ्टर्): छोटा किसान (A person who works on a small rented farm).

 * Prosperity (प्रोस्पेरिटी): समृद्धि / अच्छे दिन (Wealth/Success).

 * Creamery (क्रीमरी): डेयरी (Factory where dairy products are produced).

 * Incredulous (इंक्रेडुलस): जिसे विश्वास न हो (Disbelieving).

 * Kronor (क्रोनर): स्वीडन की मुद्रा (Swedish Currency).

Hindi Translation:

एक अंधेरी शाम, जब वह सड़क पर चल रहा था, उसे एक छोटी ग्रे झोपड़ी (Cottage) दिखी। झोपड़ी का मालिक एक बूढ़ा आदमी था, जिसकी कोई पत्नी या बच्चे नहीं थे। वह अकेलेपन में किसी से बात करने के लिए खुश हो गया। उसने तुरंत आग पर दलिया (Porridge) पकाया और उसे खिलाया, और तंबाकू का एक बड़ा टुकड़ा भी दिया। फिर उन्होंने ताश (Mjolis) खेला।

बूढ़ा आदमी बहुत दिलदार था। उसने बताया कि जब वह अमीर था, तो वह राम्सजो आयरनवर्क्स (Ramsjö Ironworks) में एक किसान (Crofter) था। अब उसकी गाय उसका सहारा है। उसने बताया कि पिछले महीने उसे दूध बेचने से 30 क्रोनर (30 Kronor) मिले थे। जब अजनबी (Rattrap seller) को विश्वास नहीं हुआ, तो बूढ़े ने एक चमड़े की थैली (Pouch) से तीन मुड़े हुए 10-10 के नोट निकालकर दिखाए।

Part 3: The Theft and the Forest Trap (चोरी और जंगल का जाल)

English Text:

"The next day both men got up in good season. ... They left the cottage at the same time. ... But half an hour later the rattrap peddler stood again before the door. He did not try to get in, however. He only went up to the window, smashed a pane, stuck in his hand, and got hold of the pouch with the thirty kronor. He took the money and thrust it into his own pocket. Then he hung the leather pouch very carefully back in its place and went away.

As he walked along with the money in his pocket he felt quite pleased with his smartness. He realised, of course, that at first he dared not continue on the public highway, but must turn off the road, into the woods. ... Later in the day it became worse, for it was a big and confusing forest... He walked and walked without coming to the end of the wood... 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."

Hard Words (Word Meanings):

 * Peddler (पेडलर): फेरीवाला / बेचने वाला (Seller).

 * Pane (पेन): खिड़की का शीशा (Window glass).

 * Thrust (थ्रस्ट): ठूँसना / डालना (Pushed violently).

 * Smartness (स्मार्टनेस): चालाकी (Cleverness).

 * Woods (वुड्स): जंगल (Forest).

Hindi Translation:

अगले दिन दोनों जल्दी उठ गए और अपने-अपने रास्ते चले गए। लेकिन आधे घंटे बाद, चूहेदानी वाला वापस आया। उसने दरवाजा नहीं खोला, बल्कि खिड़की का शीशा (Pane) तोड़कर हाथ अंदर डाला और वह थैली निकाल ली। उसने 30 क्रोनर चुराए, अपनी जेब में डाले और थैली वापस टांग दी।

चोरी के बाद वह सड़क पर चलने से डर रहा था, इसलिए उसने जंगल (Woods) का रास्ता लिया। शुरू में तो ठीक था, लेकिन बाद में वह एक बड़े और उलझाने वाले जंगल में फंस गया। वह चलता रहा लेकिन जंगल खत्म नहीं हुआ।

अचानक उसे अपना "चूहेदानी वाला विचार" याद आया। उसने सोचा, "अब मेरी बारी आ गई है।" वह भी लालच (30 क्रोनर) के चक्कर में फंस गया था और अब यह जंगल उसके लिए एक पिंजरा बन गया था।

Part 4: The Ironworks and the Mistake (लोहे का कारखाना और गलतफहमी)

English Text:

"Finally he saw no way out, and he sank down on the ground, tired to death... But just as he laid his head on the ground, he heard a sound—a hard regular thumping. ... 'Those are the hammer strokes from an iron mill', he thought. ... He summoned all his strength, got up, and staggered in the direction of the sound.

... The master smith and his helper sat in the dark forge... It was probably on account of all this noise that the blacksmith did not notice that a man had opened the gate... The ironmaster... walked close up to him... tore off his slouch hat to get a better view of his face. 'But of course it is you, Nils Olof!' he said. 'How you do look!'

The man with the rattraps had never before seen the ironmaster... But it occurred to him that if the fine gentleman thought he was an old acquaintance, he might perhaps throw him a couple of kronor. Therefore he did not want to undeceive him all at once."

Hard Words (Word Meanings):

 * Thumping (थम्पिंग): भारी आवाज़ / धमक (Heavy beating sound).

 * Staggered (स्टैगर्ड): लड़खड़ाते हुए चलना (Walked unsteadily).

 * Forge (फोर्ज): भट्टी / लोहारखाना (Workshop for metal).

 * Slouch hat (स्लाउच हैट): मुड़ी हुई टोपी (Hat with a flexible brim).

 * Acquaintance (अक्वेंटेंस): जान-पहचान वाला (Known person).

 * Undeceive (अनडिसीव): भ्रम दूर करना / सच बताना (To correct a mistake).

Hindi Translation:

थक-हारकर वह जमीन पर गिर गया, उसे लगा उसका अंत आ गया है। तभी उसे हथौड़े की "ठक-ठक" आवाज़ सुनाई दी। उसे समझ आ गया कि पास में कोई "आयरन मिल" (Iron Mill) है। वह लड़खड़ाते हुए उस दिशा में गया।

वहाँ राम्सजो आयरनवर्क्स की भट्टी (Forge) में मजदूर काम कर रहे थे। मालिक (Ironmaster) निरीक्षण (Inspection) के लिए आया था। उसने अजनबी को देखा और गलती से उसे अपना पुराना दोस्त "Nils Olof" (रेजीमेंट का साथी) समझ लिया।

चूहेदानी वाले ने आयरनमास्टर को कभी नहीं देखा था, लेकिन उसने सोचा कि अगर यह अमीर आदमी उसे अपना दोस्त समझ रहा है, तो शायद कुछ पैसे दे दे। इसलिए उसने तुरंत सच नहीं बताया (He did not undeceive him)।

Part 5: The Invitation and Edla’s Arrival (आमंत्रण और एडला का आना)

English Text:

"The ironmaster assumed that he felt embarrassed because of his miserable clothing. ... 'Now come along with me and help us make the Christmas food disappear a little faster.' But the stranger said no, and no, and again no...

It was not more than half an hour before they heard the sound of carriage wheels... He had sent his daughter, apparently hoping that she would have better powers of persuasion... She entered, followed by a valet... She was not at all pretty, but seemed modest and quite shy. ... 'My name is Edla Willmansson,' said the young girl. ... She looked at him compassionately, with her heavy eyes, and then she noticed that the man was afraid. 'Either he has stolen something or else he has escaped from jail', she thought... She said, 'You may be sure, Captain, that you will be allowed to leave us just as freely as you came. Only please stay with us over Christmas Eve.'"

Hard Words (Word Meanings):

 * Persuasion (पर्स्वेशन): मनाने की शक्ति (Power to convince).

 * Valet (वैले): निजी नौकर (Personal servant).

 * Modest (मॉडेस्ट): विनम्र / साधारण (Humble).

 * Compassionately (कम्पैशनेटली): दया भाव से (With kindness).

 * Forebodings (फोरबोडिंग्स): बुरा होने का आभास (Feeling that something bad will happen).

Hindi Translation:

आयरनमास्टर ने सोचा कि अजनबी अपने फटे कपड़ों की वजह से शर्मिंदा है। उसने उसे घर (Manor House) चलने के लिए बहुत मनाया, लेकिन पेडलर ने बार-बार "ना" कहा क्योंकि उसे डर था कि वह शेर की मांद (Lion's den) में फंस जाएगा।

आधे घंटे बाद, एक बग्गी की आवाज़ आई। आयरनमास्टर ने अपनी बेटी एडला (Edla Willmansson) को भेजा था, क्योंकि वह मनाने में अपने पिता से बेहतर थी। वह बहुत सुंदर तो नहीं थी, लेकिन बहुत विनम्र थी।

उसने पेडलर को दयालुता से देखा, लेकिन महसूस किया कि वह डरा हुआ है। उसने सोचा, "या तो इसने कुछ चुराया है या जेल से भागा है।" फिर भी, उसने बहुत प्यार से कहा, "कैप्टन, आप जब चाहें तब जा सकते हैं, बस क्रिसमस की शाम हमारे साथ बिताएं।" उसकी अच्छाई देखकर पेडलर ने हाँ कर दी।

Part 6: The Mistake Revealed (गलती का खुलासा)

English Text:

"The next day was Christmas Eve... The valet had bathed him, cut his hair, and shaved him. Moreover he was dressed in a good-looking suit... But although his guest was now so well groomed, the ironmaster did not seem pleased. He looked at him with puckered brow... when he stood there in broad daylight, it was impossible to mistake him for an old acquaintance. 'What does this mean?' he thundered.

The stranger made no attempt to dissimulate. He saw at once that the splendour had come to an end. 'It is not my fault, sir,' he said. 'I never pretended to be anything but a poor trader...'"

Hard Words (Word Meanings):

 * Groomed (ग्रूम्ड): साफ-सुथरा / तैयार (Cleaned up).

 * Puckered brow (पकर्ड ब्राउ): माथे पर शिकन / गुस्सा (Frowning).

 * Thundered (थंडर्ड): जोर से चिल्लाया (Shouted loudly).

 * Dissimulate (डिसिमुलेट): छिपाना / बहाना करना (Hide/Pretend).

 * Splendour (स्प्लेंडर): शान-शौकत / दिखावा (Luxury/Illusion).

Hindi Translation:

अगले दिन क्रिसमस की पूर्वसंध्या (Christmas Eve) थी। नौकर ने पेडलर को नहलाया, उसके बाल काटे और आयरनमास्टर का एक अच्छा सूट पहनाया।

लेकिन जब आयरनमास्टर ने उसे दिन की रोशनी में साफ-सुथरा देखा, तो वह खुश नहीं हुआ। उसे अपनी गलती का अहसास हो गया—यह आदमी उसका दोस्त "Nils Olof" नहीं था! उसने गुस्से में चिल्लाकर पूछा, "इसका क्या मतलब है?"

पेडलर ने अब झूठ बोलने की कोशिश नहीं की। उसने कहा, "साहब, मेरी कोई गलती नहीं है। मैंने कभी नहीं कहा कि मैं कैप्टन हूँ। मैंने तो बस भट्टी में सोने की भीख मांगी थी।"

Part 7: The World is a Rattrap (दुनिया एक चूहेदानी है)

English Text:

"'Well,' said the ironmaster... 'I should not be surprised if the sheriff would like to have something to say in the matter.'

The tramp took a step forward and struck the table with his fist. 'Now I am going to tell you, Mr Ironmaster, how things are,' he said. 'This whole world is nothing but a big rattrap. All the good things that are offered to you are nothing but cheese rinds and bits of pork, set out to drag a poor fellow into trouble. And if the sheriff comes... then you, Mr Ironmaster, must remember that a day may come when you yourself may want to get a big piece of pork, and then you will get caught in the trap.'

The ironmaster began to laugh. ... 'But now get out of here as fast as you can.' But just as the man was opening the door, the daughter said, 'I think he ought to stay with us today. I don't want him to go.'"

Hard Words (Word Meanings):

 * Sheriff (शेरिफ): पुलिस अधिकारी (Police officer).

 * Fist (फिस्ट): मुट्ठी (Closed hand).

 * Cheese rinds (चीज़ रिंड्स): पनीर के टुकड़े (Outer layer of cheese).

 * Interceded (इंटरसीडेड): बीच-बचाव किया / पक्ष लिया (Intervened).

Hindi Translation:

आयरनमास्टर ने पुलिस (Sheriff) को बुलाने की धमकी दी। इस पर पेडलर को गुस्सा आ गया। उसने मेज पर मुक्का मारा और कहा:

"मिस्टर आयरनमास्टर, यह पूरी दुनिया एक चूहेदानी है! यह सब सुख-सुविधाएं सिर्फ पनीर और मांस के टुकड़े हैं जो हमें फंसाने के लिए हैं। अगर आज मुझे जेल होती है, तो याद रखना एक दिन तुम भी लालच में फंसोगे और पिंजरा बंद हो जाएगा!"

आयरनमास्टर हँस पड़ा और उसे जाने को कहा। लेकिन तभी एडला ने दरवाजा बंद कर दिया। उसने कहा, "मैं चाहती हूँ कि यह आज यहीं रुके।" वह उसे क्रिसमस की शांति और खुशी देना चाहती थी क्योंकि साल भर उसे हर जगह से भगाया जाता था।

Part 8: The Christmas Gift and Redemption (क्रिसमस का तोहफा और प्रायश्चित)

English Text:

"The stranger did not cause any trouble because he did nothing but sleep. ... In the evening, when the Christmas tree was lighted... he stood for a while... but after that he disappeared again. ...

The next morning the ironmaster and his daughter got up in good season to go to the early Christmas service. At church she had learned that one of the old crofters... had been robbed by a man who went around selling rattraps. ... The wagon had hardly stopped... when the ironmaster asked the valet whether the stranger was still there. ... The valet answered that the fellow had gone and that he had not taken anything... On the contrary, he had left behind a little package...

She found a small rattrap, and in it lay three wrinkled ten-kronor notes. But that was not all. In the rattrap lay also a letter... 'Honoured and noble Miss, Since you have been so nice to me... I want to be nice to you... 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...'"

Hard Words (Word Meanings):

 * Dejectedly (डिजेक्टेडली): उदासी से (Sadly/Depressed).

 * Jagged characters (जैग्ड कैरेक्टर्स): टेढ़ी-मेढ़ी लिखाई (Rough handwriting).

 * Redeem (रिडीम): सुधारना / पाप मुक्त होना (To make up for/Save).

 * Raised to Captain: कैप्टन का दर्जा दिया (Treated with respect like a captain).

Hindi Translation:

पेडलर ने पूरा दिन बस खाया और सोया। अगली सुबह, आयरनमास्टर और एडला चर्च गए। वहाँ उन्हें पता चला कि एक चूहेदानी बेचने वाले ने बूढ़े क्रोफ्टर (Old Crofter) के पैसे चुराए हैं।

वे घर लौटे, यह सोचकर कि अब तक तो पेडलर ने घर का सामान भी चुरा लिया होगा। लेकिन नौकर ने बताया कि वह चला गया है और कुछ नहीं ले गया, बल्कि एडला के लिए एक पैकेट छोड़ गया है।

एडला ने पैकेट खोला। उसमें एक छोटी चूहेदानी, 30 क्रोनर के मुड़े हुए नोट और एक चिट्ठी थी। चिट्ठी में लिखा था:

"आदरणीय मिस, चूँकि आप मेरे साथ एक असली कैप्टन जैसा बर्ताव किया, इसलिए मैं भी आपके साथ वैसा ही बर्ताव करना चाहता हूँ। ये पैसे उस बूढ़े आदमी को लौटा देना। यह चूहेदानी एक 'चूहे' (Rat) की तरफ से तोहफा है जो इस दुनिया के जाल में फंस जाता, अगर आपने उसे 'कैप्टन' का दर्जा देकर बचाया न होता।"

उसने नीचे साइन किया: Captain von Stahle.

Here are the Complete Question and Answers for Chapter 4: The Rattrap. This includes the "Think as you read" questions found within the chapter and the "Understanding the text" questions at the end.

These are written in both English and Hindi, perfect for your blog to help students prepare for exams.

Think As You Read (Page 34)

Q1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?

(फेरीवाले को यह विचार कहाँ से आया कि दुनिया एक चूहेदानी है?)

 * Answer: The peddler had been thinking of his rattraps when suddenly he was struck by the idea that the whole world was nothing but a big rattrap. It existed only to set baits for people.

 * Hindi: फेरीवाला अपनी चूहेदानियों के बारे में सोच रहा था तभी अचानक उसे यह विचार आया कि पूरी दुनिया एक बड़ी चूहेदानी के अलावा और कुछ नहीं है। यह केवल लोगों के लिए चारा (लालच) डालने के लिए मौजूद है।

Q2. Why was he amused by this idea?

(वह इस विचार से खुश क्यों था?)

 * Answer: The world had never been very kind to him. So, it gave him "unwonted joy" (unusual happiness) to think ill of the world in this way. He liked thinking about people who were already caught or circling the bait.

 * Hindi: दुनिया उसके प्रति कभी दयालु नहीं रही थी। इसलिए, दुनिया के बारे में इस तरह बुरा सोचना उसे "अजीब खुशी" देता था। उसे उन लोगों के बारे में सोचना अच्छा लगता था जो पहले से ही फंस चुके थे या चारे के चारों ओर घूम रहे थे।

Q3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?

(क्या फेरीवाले को उस तरह के आतिथ्य की उम्मीद थी जो उसे कृषक से मिली?)

 * Answer: No, he did not expect it. Usually, he was met with "sour faces" when he asked for shelter. However, the old crofter was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness.

 * Hindi: नहीं, उसे इसकी उम्मीद नहीं थी। आमतौर पर, जब वह आश्रय मांगता था तो उसे "खराब चेहरे" (नाराजगी) देखने को मिलते थे। हालाँकि, बूढ़ा कृषक अपने अकेलेपन में किसी से बात करने के लिए खुश था।

Q4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?

(कृषक फेरीवाले के साथ इतना बातूनी और मिलनसार क्यों था?)

 * Answer: The crofter was an old man without a wife or child. He suffered from loneliness. He was happy to have a guest to talk to and play cards with, so he became very friendly and generous.

 * Hindi: कृषक एक बूढ़ा आदमी था जिसकी कोई पत्नी या बच्चे नहीं थे। वह अकेलेपन से जूझ रहा था। वह बात करने और ताश खेलने के लिए एक मेहमान पाकर खुश था, इसलिए वह बहुत मिलनसार और उदार हो गया।

Q5. Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?

(उसने फेरीवाले को तीस क्रोनर क्यों दिखाए?)

 * Answer: The crofter told the peddler he had earned thirty kroner from his cow. The peddler seemed incredulous (did not believe him), so the crofter stood up and showed him the money to prove it.

 * Hindi: कृषक ने फेरीवाले को बताया कि उसने अपनी गाय से तीस क्रोनर कमाए हैं। फेरीवाले को विश्वास नहीं हुआ, इसलिए कृषक ने इसे साबित करने के लिए उठकर उसे पैसे दिखाए।

Q6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?

(क्या फेरीवाले ने कृषक द्वारा उस पर जताए गए भरोसे का सम्मान किया?)

 * Answer: No, he did not. Half an hour after leaving, the peddler returned, smashed the window pane, and stole the thirty kroner from the pouch.

 * Hindi: नहीं, उसने नहीं किया। जाने के आधे घंटे बाद, फेरीवाला वापस आया, खिड़की का शीशा तोड़ा, और थैली से तीस क्रोनर चुरा लिए।

Think As You Read (Page 37)

Q1. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?

(किस बात ने फेरीवाले को यह सोचने पर मजबूर कर दिया कि वह वास्तव में चूहेदानी में फंस गया है?)

 * Answer: After stealing the money, he went into the woods to avoid the highway. He got lost in the confusing forest. When he realized he was walking in circles and couldn't escape, he recalled his thoughts about the world and the rattrap. He felt he had taken the bait (money) and was now trapped.

 * Hindi: पैसे चुराने के बाद, वह राजमार्ग से बचने के लिए जंगल में चला गया। वह उलझाने वाले जंगल में खो गया। जब उसे एहसास हुआ कि वह गोल-गोल घूम रहा है और भाग नहीं सकता, तो उसे दुनिया और चूहेदानी के बारे में अपने विचार याद आए। उसे लगा कि उसने चारा (पैसा) ले लिया है और अब वह फंस गया है।

Q2. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

(आयरनमास्टर ने फेरीवाले से दयालुता से बात क्यों की और उसे घर क्यों आमंत्रित किया?)

 * Answer: In the dim light of the furnace, the ironmaster mistook the peddler for his old regimental comrade, Captain Nils Olof. Feeling sorry for his old friend's bad condition, he invited him home.

 * Hindi: भट्टी की मंद रोशनी में, आयरनमास्टर ने फेरीवाले को अपना पुराना रेजिमेंटल साथी, कैप्टन नील्स ओलोफ समझ लिया। अपने पुराने दोस्त की बुरी हालत पर दया करते हुए, उसने उसे घर आमंत्रित किया।

Q3. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?

(फेरीवाले ने निमंत्रण क्यों अस्वीकार कर दिया?)

 * Answer: The peddler had stolen money in his pocket. He thought going to the manor house would be like "throwing himself voluntarily into the lion's den." He was afraid of being caught.

 * Hindi: फेरीवाले की जेब में चोरी के पैसे थे। उसने सोचा कि जागीरदार के घर जाना "शेर की मांद में अपनी मर्जी से कूदने" जैसा होगा। उसे पकड़े जाने का डर था।

Think As You Read (Page 41)

Q1. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson's invitation?

(किस बात ने फेरीवाले को एडला विलमैन्सन का निमंत्रण स्वीकार करने के लिए मजबूर किया?)

 * Answer: Edla looked at him compassionately and spoke in a very friendly manner. She assured him that he would be allowed to leave just as freely as he came. Her confidence and kindness made him trust her.

 * Hindi: एडला ने उसे करुणा से देखा और बहुत ही मिलनसार तरीके से बात की। उसने उसे आश्वासन दिया कि उसे उतनी ही आजादी से जाने दिया जाएगा जितनी आजादी से वह आया था। उसके आत्मविश्वास और दयालुता ने उसे उस पर भरोसा करने पर मजबूर कर दिया।

Q2. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?

(एडला को फेरीवाले के बारे में क्या संदेह थे?)

 * Answer: When Edla saw him, he looked frightened. She thought that "either he has stolen something or else he has escaped from jail." She also noticed he didn't look like an educated man.

 * Hindi: जब एडला ने उसे देखा, तो वह डरा हुआ लग रहा था। उसने सोचा कि "या तो इसने कुछ चुराया है या फिर वह जेल से भागा है।" उसने यह भी गौर किया कि वह एक शिक्षित व्यक्ति जैसा नहीं दिखता था।

Q3. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?

(आयरनमास्टर को अपनी गलती का एहसास कब हुआ?)

 * Answer: The next morning, when the stranger was cleaned, shaved, and well-dressed, the ironmaster saw him in broad daylight. He realized then that it was impossible to mistake him for an old acquaintance.

 * Hindi: अगली सुबह, जब अजनबी साफ-सुथरा, दाढ़ी बना हुआ और अच्छे कपड़े पहने हुए था, आयरनमास्टर ने उसे दिन के उजाले में देखा। तब उसे एहसास हुआ कि उसे पुराना परिचित समझने की गलती करना असंभव था।

Q4. What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was?

(जब यह स्पष्ट हो गया कि वह वह व्यक्ति नहीं था जिसे आयरनमास्टर ने सोचा था, तो फेरीवाले ने अपने बचाव में क्या कहा?)

 * Answer: He said it wasn't his fault. He never pretended to be anything but a poor trader. He had pleaded and begged to stay in the forge. He offered to put on his rags again and leave.

 * Hindi: उसने कहा कि यह उसकी गलती नहीं थी। उसने कभी भी एक गरीब व्यापारी होने के अलावा कुछ और होने का दिखावा नहीं किया। उसने भट्टी में रहने के लिए विनती और भीख मांगी थी। उसने अपने फटे-पुराने कपड़े फिर से पहनने और चले जाने की पेशकश की।

Q5. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?

(एडला ने उसके बारे में सच्चाई जानने के बाद भी फेरीवाले की खातिरदारी क्यों की?)

 * Answer: She felt pity for him. She wanted to keep her promise of Christmas cheer. She felt he walked all year with no place to feel welcome, and she wanted him to have a day of peace.

 * Hindi: उसे उस पर दया आ गई। वह क्रिसमस की खुशियों का अपना वादा निभाना चाहती थी। उसे लगा कि वह साल भर बिना किसी स्वागत के चलता रहता है, और वह चाहती थी कि उसे शांति का एक दिन मिले।

Think As You Read (Page 42)

Q1. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?

(फेरीवाले द्वारा छोड़े गए उपहार को देखकर एडला खुश क्यों थी?)

 * Answer: She was happy because the peddler did not steal anything but instead left a Christmas present for her. It proved that her trust in him was not wrong and he had reformed.

 * Hindi: वह खुश थी क्योंकि फेरीवाले ने कुछ भी नहीं चुराया था बल्कि उसके लिए क्रिसमस का उपहार छोड़ गया था। इससे साबित हुआ कि उस पर उसका भरोसा गलत नहीं था और वह सुधर गया था।

Q2. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

(फेरीवाले ने खुद को कैप्टन वॉन स्टाहल के रूप में क्यों हस्ताक्षर किया?)

 * Answer: Edla had treated him like a real captain despite knowing the truth. This raised his status and gave him the power to clear himself from the trap of the world. He signed as Captain to show he would act with the dignity of one.

 * Hindi: सच्चाई जानने के बावजूद एडला ने उसके साथ एक असली कैप्टन जैसा व्यवहार किया था। इसने उसका रुतबा बढ़ाया और उसे दुनिया के जाल से खुद को मुक्त करने की शक्ति दी। उसने यह दिखाने के लिए कैप्टन के रूप में हस्ताक्षर किए कि वह एक कैप्टन की गरिमा के साथ काम करेगा।

Understanding The Text (Page 42)

Q1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?

(फेरीवाला कृषक, आयरनमास्टर और उसकी बेटी द्वारा दिखाए गए दया और आतिथ्य के कार्यों की व्याख्या कैसे करता है?)

 * Answer:

   * Crofter: The peddler treats the crofter’s hospitality as an opportunity to steal. He abuses the trust.

   * Ironmaster: He sees the ironmaster's invitation as a trap ("lion's den") but hopes to get a few kroner out of pity.

   * Edla: Her unconditional kindness transforms him. He interprets her act as true nobility, which motivates him to behave like a gentleman and return the stolen money.

 * Hindi:

   * कृषक: फेरीवाला कृषक के आतिथ्य को चोरी करने के अवसर के रूप में लेता है। वह विश्वास का दुरुपयोग करता है।

   * आयरनमास्टर: वह आयरनमास्टर के निमंत्रण को एक जाल ("शेर की मांद") के रूप में देखता है, लेकिन दया के कारण कुछ क्रोनर मिलने की उम्मीद करता है।

   * एडला: उसकी बिना शर्त दयालुता उसे बदल देती है। वह उसके कार्य को सच्ची महानता मानता है, जो उसे एक सज्जन की तरह व्यवहार करने और चोरी के पैसे वापस करने के लिए प्रेरित करता है।

Q2. What are the instances in the story that show that the character of the ironmaster is different from that of his daughter in many ways?

(कहानी में ऐसे कौन से उदाहरण हैं जो दिखाते हैं कि आयरनमास्टर का चरित्र उसकी बेटी से कई मायनों में अलग है?)

 * Answer:

   * The ironmaster is impulsive (invites stranger immediately) and judgmental (gets angry when he sees the truth).

   * Edla is observant (notices the man is afraid), compassionate, and thoughtful.

   * When the truth is revealed, the father wants to throw him out or call the sheriff, but the daughter intercedes to give him peace and food.

 * Hindi:

   * आयरनमास्टर आवेगी (तुरंत अजनबी को आमंत्रित करता है) और निर्णय लेने वाला (सच्चाई देखकर गुस्सा हो जाता है) है।

   * एडला पर्यवेक्षक (देखती है कि आदमी डरा हुआ है), दयालु और विचारशील है।

   * जब सच्चाई सामने आती है, तो पिता उसे बाहर निकालना चाहता है या शेरिफ को बुलाना चाहता है, लेकिन बेटी उसे शांति और भोजन देने के लिए बीच-बचाव करती है।

Q3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.

(कहानी में दूसरों के व्यवहार पर पात्रों की अप्रत्याशित प्रतिक्रियाओं के कई उदाहरण हैं। इन आश्चर्यों के उदाहरण चुनें।)

 * Answer:

   * The crofter welcoming the peddler instead of showing a sour face.

   * The peddler stealing from the crofter despite the hospitality.

   * The ironmaster mistaking the tramp for an old friend.

   * Edla stopping the tramp from leaving even after knowing he was not a captain.

   * The peddler leaving a gift and returning the money instead of stealing the silver spoons.

 * Hindi:

   * खराब चेहरा दिखाने के बजाय कृषक द्वारा फेरीवाले का स्वागत करना।

   * आतिथ्य के बावजूद फेरीवाले का कृषक के यहाँ चोरी करना।

   * आयरनमास्टर का आवारा को पुराना दोस्त समझना।

   * एडला का आवारा को जाने से रोकना, यह जानने के बाद भी कि वह कैप्टन नहीं था।

   * चांदी के चम्मच चुराने के बजाय फेरीवाले का उपहार छोड़ना और पैसे वापस करना।

Q4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?

(किस बात ने फेरीवाले को अंततः अपने तरीके बदलने पर मजबूर किया?)

 * Answer: It was Edla Willmansson’s unconditional love, trust, and compassion. Even after knowing he was a fraud, she treated him with dignity and respect, as if he were a real Captain. This raised his self-worth and motivated him to "clear himself" and be a better person.

 * Hindi: यह एडला विलमैन्सन का बिना शर्त प्यार, भरोसा और करुणा थी। यह जानने के बाद भी कि वह धोखेबाज है, उसने उसके साथ गरिमा और सम्मान के साथ व्यवहार किया, जैसे कि वह एक असली कैप्टन हो। इसने उसके आत्म-सम्मान को बढ़ाया और उसे "खुद को साफ" करने और एक बेहतर इंसान बनने के लिए प्रेरित किया।

Q5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?

(चूहेदानी का रूपक मानवीय दुर्दशा को उजागर करने के लिए कैसे काम करता है?)

 * Answer: The world offers riches, joys, shelter, and food as "bait," just like a rattrap offers cheese. When humans get tempted by these material things, they get trapped in a vicious circle of misery and cannot escape. This metaphor highlights how greed leads to suffering.

 * Hindi: दुनिया "चारे" के रूप में धन, खुशियाँ, आश्रय और भोजन प्रदान करती है, ठीक वैसे ही जैसे चूहेदानी पनीर प्रदान करती है। जब मनुष्य इन भौतिक चीजों से ललचाते हैं, तो वे दुख के दुष्चक्र में फंस जाते हैं और बच नहीं सकते। यह रूपक उजागर करता है कि कैसे लालच पीड़ा की ओर ले जाता है।

Q6. The peddler comes out as a person with a subtle sense of humour. How does this serve in lightening the seriousness of the theme of the story and also endear him to us?

(फेरीवाला एक सूक्ष्म हास्य बोध वाले व्यक्ति के रूप में सामने आता है। यह कहानी के विषय की गंभीरता को कम करने और उसे हमारा प्रिय बनाने में कैसे काम करता है?)

 * Answer: The peddler’s humor makes the story entertaining. For example, he envisions the world as a rattrap and enjoys thinking of people circling the bait. Even when threatened by the ironmaster, he makes a dramatic speech about the world being a trap. His signature as "Captain von Stahle" and the letter "from a rat" show his wit. This humor makes us sympathize with him despite his flaws.

 * Hindi: फेरीवाले का हास्य कहानी को मनोरंजक बनाता है। उदाहरण के लिए, वह दुनिया को एक चूहेदानी के रूप में देखता है और लोगों को चारे के चारों ओर घूमते हुए सोचने का आनंद लेता है। यहां तक कि जब आयरनमास्टर उसे धमकाता है, तो वह दुनिया के जाल होने के बारे में एक नाटकीय भाषण देता है। "कैप्टन वॉन स्टाहल" के रूप में उसका हस्ताक्षर और "एक चूहे की ओ

र से" पत्र उसकी बुद्धि को दर्शाता है। यह हास्य हमें उसकी कमियों के बावजूद उसके प्रति सहानुभूति रखने में मदद करता है।

Here are 20 Important Questions (3 Marks/Short Answer Type) from the chapter "The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlöf. These questions cover key themes, character analysis, and plot points, suitable for board exam preparation.

Important Questions & Answers (Hindi & English)

Q1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?

(फेरीवाले को यह विचार कहाँ से आया कि दुनिया एक चूहेदानी है?)

 * Ans: The peddler was thinking of his rattraps when suddenly he was struck by the idea that the whole world was nothing but a big rattrap. It existed only to set baits for people. It offered riches, joys, shelter, and food just as a rattrap offered cheese and pork. As soon as anyone touched the bait, it closed in on them.

 * Hindi: फेरीवाला अपनी चूहेदानियों के बारे में सोच रहा था तभी अचानक उसे विचार आया कि पूरी दुनिया एक बड़ी चूहेदानी के अलावा और कुछ नहीं है। यह केवल लोगों के लिए चारा डालने के लिए मौजूद है। यह धन, खुशी, आश्रय और भोजन उसी तरह प्रदान करता है जैसे चूहेदानी पनीर और सूअर का मांस देती है। जैसे ही कोई चारे को छूता है, वह उसमें फंस जाता है।

Q2. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?

(कृषक फेरीवाले के साथ इतना बातूनी और मिलनसार क्यों था?)

 * Ans: The crofter was an old man without a wife or child. He suffered from loneliness. He was happy to have a guest to talk to in his loneliness. To show his hospitality, he offered the peddler porridge, tobacco, and even played cards with him.

 * Hindi: कृषक एक बूढ़ा आदमी था जिसकी कोई पत्नी या बच्चे नहीं थे। वह अकेलेपन से जूझ रहा था। वह अपने अकेलेपन में बात करने के लिए एक मेहमान पाकर खुश था। अपनी मेहमाननवाज़ी दिखाने के लिए, उसने फेरीवाले को दलिया, तंबाकू दिया और उसके साथ ताश भी खेला।

Q3. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

(फेरीवाले ने खुद को कैप्टन वॉन स्टाहल के रूप में क्यों हस्ताक्षर किया?)

 * Ans: The peddler signed himself as Captain von Stahle because Edla Willmansson had treated him like a real captain despite knowing the truth. Her respect and kindness gave him the power to clear himself from the trap of the world. He wanted to behave with the dignity of a captain in return.

 * Hindi: फेरीवाले ने खुद को कैप्टन वॉन स्टाहल के रूप में हस्ताक्षर किया क्योंकि एडला विलमैन्सन ने सच्चाई जानने के बावजूद उसके साथ एक असली कैप्टन जैसा व्यवहार किया था। उसके सम्मान और दयालुता ने उसे दुनिया के जाल से खुद को मुक्त करने की शक्ति दी। वह बदले में एक कैप्टन की गरिमा के साथ व्यवहार करना चाहता था।

Q4. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?

(किस बात ने फेरीवाले को यह सोचने पर मजबूर कर दिया कि वह वास्तव में चूहेदानी में फंस गया है?)

 * Ans: After stealing the crofter's money, the peddler went into the woods to avoid the highway. He got lost in the confusing forest, walking in circles. When he realized he couldn't escape the forest, he recalled his thoughts about the world being a rattrap. He felt he had taken the bait (money) and was now trapped.

 * Hindi: कृषक के पैसे चुराने के बाद, फेरीवाला राजमार्ग से बचने के लिए जंगल में चला गया। वह उलझाने वाले जंगल में खो गया और गोल-गोल घूमने लगा। जब उसे एहसास हुआ कि वह जंगल से नहीं बच सकता, तो उसे दुनिया के चूहेदानी होने के अपने विचार याद आए। उसे लगा कि उसने चारा (पैसा) ले लिया है और अब वह फंस गया है।

Q5. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

(आयरनमास्टर ने फेरीवाले से दयालुता से बात क्यों की और उसे घर क्यों आमंत्रित किया?)

 * Ans: In the dim light of the furnace, the ironmaster mistook the peddler for his old regimental comrade, Captain Nils Olof. Seeing his miserable condition, the ironmaster felt sorry for him and invited him home to help him and provide Christmas cheer.

 * Hindi: भट्टी की मंद रोशनी में, आयरनमास्टर ने फेरीवाले को अपना पुराना रेजिमेंटल साथी, कैप्टन नील्स ओलोफ समझ लिया। उसकी दयनीय हालत देखकर, आयरनमास्टर को उस पर दया आ गई और उसने उसकी मदद करने और क्रिसमस की खुशी देने के लिए उसे घर आमंत्रित किया।

Q6. Why did the peddler decline the ironmaster’s invitation?

(फेरीवाले ने आयरनमास्टर के निमंत्रण को अस्वीकार क्यों कर दिया?)

 * Ans: The peddler declined the invitation because he had stolen money in his pocket. He feared that if he went to the manor house, he would be recognized and handed over to the sheriff. He thought going there would be like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion's den.

 * Hindi: फेरीवाले ने निमंत्रण अस्वीकार कर दिया क्योंकि उसकी जेब में चोरी के पैसे थे। उसे डर था कि अगर वह जागीरदार के घर गया, तो उसे पहचान लिया जाएगा और शेरिफ को सौंप दिया जाएगा। उसने सोचा कि वहाँ जाना शेर की मांद में अपनी मर्जी से कूदने जैसा होगा।

Q7. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?

(किस बात ने फेरीवाले को एडला विलमैन्सन का निमंत्रण स्वीकार करने के लिए मजबूर किया?)

 * Ans: Edla looked at him compassionately and spoke in a very friendly manner. She sensed his fear and assured him that he would be allowed to leave just as freely as he came. Her confidence and kindness made the peddler trust her, so he accepted the invitation.

 * Hindi: एडला ने उसे करुणा से देखा और बहुत ही मिलनसार तरीके से बात की। उसने उसके डर को भांप लिया और उसे आश्वासन दिया कि उसे उतनी ही आजादी से जाने दिया जाएगा जितनी आजादी से वह आया था। उसके आत्मविश्वास और दयालुता ने फेरीवाले को उस पर भरोसा दिलाया, इसलिए उसने निमंत्रण स्वीकार कर लिया।

Q8. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?

(आयरनमास्टर को अपनी गलती का एहसास कब हुआ?)

 * Ans: The next morning, when the stranger was cleaned, bathed, shaved, and well-dressed by the valet, the ironmaster saw him in broad daylight. He realized then that it was impossible to mistake him for an old acquaintance in the clear light.

 * Hindi: अगली सुबह, जब नौकर ने अजनबी को नहलाया, दाढ़ी बनाई, और अच्छे कपड़े पहनाए, तो आयरनमास्टर ने उसे दिन के उजाले में देखा। तब उसे एहसास हुआ कि साफ रोशनी में उसे पुराना परिचित समझने की गलती करना असंभव था।

Q9. How did the peddler defend himself when the truth was revealed?

(सच्चाई सामने आने पर फेरीवाले ने अपना बचाव कैसे किया?)

 * Ans: The peddler argued that it wasn't his fault. He never pretended to be a captain; he only begged to be allowed to stay in the forge. He said he was just a poor trader and offered to put on his rags again and leave immediately.

 * Hindi: फेरीवाले ने तर्क दिया कि यह उसकी गलती नहीं थी। उसने कभी कैप्टन होने का दिखावा नहीं किया; उसने केवल भट्टी में रहने की भीख मांगी थी। उसने कहा कि वह सिर्फ एक गरीब व्यापारी है और उसने अपने फटे-पुराने कपड़े फिर से पहनने और तुरंत चले जाने की पेशकश की।

Q10. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?

(एडला ने उसके बारे में सच्चाई जानने के बाद भी फेरीवाले की खातिरदारी क्यों की?)

 * Ans: Edla felt pity for the poor man. She understood that he was chased away everywhere and had no place to feel welcome. She wanted to keep her promise of Christmas cheer and allow him to enjoy a day of peace. Her compassionate nature made her stop her father from throwing him out.

 * Hindi: एडला को उस गरीब आदमी पर दया आ गई। वह समझ गई थी कि उसे हर जगह से भगा दिया जाता है और उसके पास स्वागत महसूस करने के लिए कोई जगह नहीं है। वह क्रिसमस की खुशियों का अपना वादा निभाना चाहती थी और उसे शांति का एक दिन आनंद लेने देना चाहती थी। उसके दयालु स्वभाव ने उसे अपने पिता को उसे बाहर निकालने से रोकने के लिए मजबूर किया।

Q11. What was the content of the letter written by the peddler to Edla?

(फेरीवाले द्वारा एडला को लिखे गए पत्र की सामग्री क्या थी?)

 * Ans: In the letter, the peddler thanked Edla for treating him like a real captain. He wrote that her kindness had given him the power to change. He returned the thirty kroner he had stolen and asked her to give it back to the old crofter. He signed the letter as "Captain von Stahle."

 * Hindi: पत्र में, फेरीवाले ने एडला को एक असली कैप्टन की तरह व्यवहार करने के लिए धन्यवाद दिया। उसने लिखा कि उसकी दयालुता ने उसे बदलने की शक्ति दी है। उसने चोरी किए गए तीस क्रोनर वापस कर दिए और उसे बूढ़े कृषक को वापस देने के लिए कहा। उसने पत्र पर "कैप्टन वॉन स्टाहल" के रूप में हस्ताक्षर किए।

Q12. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?

(फेरीवाले द्वारा छोड़े गए उपहार को देखकर एडला खुश क्यों थी?)

 * Ans: Edla was happy because the gift proved that her trust in the peddler was not misplaced. Instead of stealing the silver spoons, he had left a small rattrap with the stolen money and a letter. It showed that he had been reformed by her kindness.

 * Hindi: एडला खुश थी क्योंकि उपहार ने साबित कर दिया कि फेरीवाले पर उसका भरोसा गलत नहीं था। चांदी के चम्मच चुराने के बजाय, उसने चोरी के पैसों और एक पत्र के साथ एक छोटी चूहेदानी छोड़ी थी। इससे पता चला कि उसकी दयालुता ने उसे सुधार दिया था।

Q13. Compare and contrast the character of the ironmaster and his daughter.

(आयरनमास्टर और उसकी बेटी के चरित्र की तुलना और अंतर करें।)

 * Ans: The ironmaster is impulsive and judgmental. He invites the stranger thinking he is a friend but gets angry when he realizes his mistake. Edla, on the other hand, is observant, compassionate, and patient. She notices the man's fear and treats him with kindness even after knowing the truth. She believes in the power of love and understanding.

 * Hindi: आयरनमास्टर आवेगी और निर्णय लेने वाला है। वह अजनबी को दोस्त समझकर आमंत्रित करता है लेकिन अपनी गलती का एहसास होने पर गुस्सा हो जाता है। दूसरी ओर, एडला पर्यवेक्षक, दयालु और धैर्यवान है। वह आदमी के डर को नोटिस करती है और सच्चाई जानने के बाद भी उसके साथ दयालुता से व्यवहार करती है। वह प्यार और समझ की शक्ति में विश्वास करती है।

Q14. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?

(चूहेदानी का रूपक मानवीय दुर्दशा को उजागर करने के लिए कैसे काम करता है?)

 * Ans: The metaphor suggests that the world sets baits for people in the form of riches, joys, and material things. Just as a rat is tempted by cheese, humans are tempted by greed. Once they touch the bait, they get trapped in misery. This highlights how material desires can lead to downfall and suffering.

 * Hindi: रूपक सुझाव देता है कि दुनिया लोगों के लिए धन, खुशी और भौतिक चीजों के रूप में चारा डालती है। जैसे चूहा पनीर से ललचाता है, वैसे ही इंसान लालच से ललचाता है। एक बार जब वे चारे को छू लेते हैं, तो वे दुख में फंस जाते हैं। यह उजागर करता है कि कैसे भौतिक इच्छाएं पतन और पीड़ा का कारण बन सकती हैं।

Q15. Why did the crofter show the thirty kroner to the peddler?

(कृषक ने फेरीवाले को तीस क्रोनर क्यों दिखाए?)

 * Ans: The crofter was proud of his cow and the money he earned. When he told the peddler about the thirty kroner, the peddler seemed incredulous (didn't believe him). To prove his point, the crofter showed him the money, unknowingly tempting the peddler to steal it later.

 * Hindi: कृषक को अपनी गाय और अपनी कमाई पर गर्व था। जब उसने फेरीवाले को तीस क्रोनर के बारे में बताया, तो फेरीवाले को विश्वास नहीं हुआ। अपनी बात साबित करने के लिए, कृषक ने उसे पैसे दिखाए, अनजाने में फेरीवाले को बाद में इसे चुराने के लिए ललचाया।

Q16. "The world had never been very kind to him." How did this affect the peddler's attitude?

("दुनिया उसके प्रति कभी बहुत दयालु नहीं रही थी।" इसका फेरीवाले के रवैये पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ा?)

 * Ans: Since the world was unkind, the peddler became cynical and bitter. He derived pleasure from thinking ill of the world. The idea of the world being a rattrap amused him because it allowed him to look down on others who were trapped or circling the bait, giving him a sense of superiority in his miserable life.

 * Hindi: चूंकि दुनिया निर्दयी थी, फेरीवाला निंदक और कड़वा हो गया। उसे दुनिया के बारे में बुरा सोचने में खुशी मिलती थी। दुनिया के चूहेदानी होने का विचार उसे खुश करता था क्योंकि इससे उसे उन लोगों को नीचा दिखाने का मौका मिलता था जो फंस गए थे या चारे के चारों ओर घूम रहे थे, जिससे उसे अपने दुखी जीवन में श्रेष्ठता का एहसास होता था।

Q17. What were the contents of the package left by the peddler as a Christmas present for Edla?

(एडला के लिए क्रिसमस उपहार के रूप में फेरीवाले द्वारा छोड़े गए पैकेज की सामग्री क्या थी?)

 * Ans: The package contained a small rattrap. Inside the rattrap were three wrinkled ten-kroner notes (the stolen money) and a letter addressed to Edla.

 * Hindi: पैकेज में एक छोटी चूहेदानी थी। चूहेदानी के अंदर तीन मुड़े हुए दस-क्रोनर के नोट (चोरी के पैसे) और एडला को संबोधित एक पत्र था।

Q18. Why did the peddler think that the world was a rattrap?

(फेरीवाले ने क्यों सोचा कि दुनिया एक चूहेदानी है?)

 * Ans: He was selling rattraps and thinking about them when he realized the world itself is a giant rattrap. It offers material things as bait. When a person is tempted by them, the trap closes, ending everything. This philosophy helped him cope with his own poverty.

 * Hindi: वह चूहेदानियाँ बेच रहा था और उनके बारे में सोच रहा था तभी उसे एहसास हुआ कि दुनिया खुद एक विशाल चूहेदानी है। यह चारे के रूप में भौतिक चीजें प्रदान करती है। जब कोई व्यक्ति उनसे ललचाता है, तो जाल बंद हो जाता है, और सब कुछ खत्म हो जाता है। इस दर्शन ने उसे अपनी गरीबी से निपटने में मदद की।

Q19. What happened in the forge when the ironmaster came for inspection?

(जब आयरनमास्टर निरीक्षण के लिए आया तो भट्टी में क्या हुआ?)

 * Ans: The ironmaster noticed the peddler lying close to the furnace. Unlike the blacksmiths who ignored him, the ironmaster walked up to him, removed his hat, and mistook him for his old friend Nils Olof. He then invited him to his manor house.

 * Hindi: आयरनमास्टर ने देखा कि फेरीवाला भट्टी के पास लेटा हुआ है। लोहारों के विपरीत जिन्होंने उसे नजरअंदाज कर दिया था, आयरनमास्टर उसके पास गया, उसका टोपी हटाई, और उसे अपना पुराना दोस्त नील्स ओलोफ समझ लिया। फिर उसने उसे अपने जागीरदार घर आमंत्रित किया।

Q20. How did the peddler break the window pane of the crofter’s cottage?

(फेरीवाले ने कृषक की झोपड़ी की खिड़की का शीशा कैसे तोड़ा?)

 * Ans: He smashed the window pane to stick his hand inside and get hold of the leather pouch that hung on a nail in the window frame. He took the thirty kroner from it.

 * Hindi: उसने अपना हाथ अंदर डालने और खिड़की के फ्रेम में कील पर लटकी चमड़े की थै

ली को पकड़ने के लिए खिड़की का शीशा तोड़ दिया। उसने उसमें से तीस क्रोनर निकाल लिए।

Here are 6 Seen Passages from the chapter "The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlöf, along with 7 questions for each.

Passage 1

Text: "Once upon a time there was a man who went around selling small rattraps of wire. He made them himself at odd moments, from the material he got by begging in the stores or at the big farms. But even so, the business was not especially profitable, so he had to resort to both begging and petty thievery to keep body and soul together. Even so, his clothes were in rags, his cheeks were sunken, and hunger gleamed in his eyes. No one can imagine how sad and monotonous life can appear to such a vagabond, who plods along the road, left to his own meditations. But one day this man had fallen into a line of thought, which really seemed to him entertaining. He had naturally been thinking of his rattraps when suddenly he was struck by the idea that the whole world about him — the whole world with its lands and seas, its cities and villages — was nothing but a big rattrap. It had never existed for any other purpose than to set baits for people."

Questions:

 * What was the man's occupation?

 * How did the man obtain the materials to make his products?

 * Besides selling rattraps, what else did he do to survive?

 * How does the author describe the man's physical appearance?

 * What "entertaining" thought struck the man one day?

 * According to the peddler's philosophy, what was the sole purpose of the world?

 * What does the phrase "keep body and soul together" mean in this context?

Passage 2

Text: "One dark evening as he was trudging along the road he caught sight of a little gray cottage by the roadside, and he knocked on the door to ask shelter for the night. Nor was he refused. Instead of the sour faces which ordinarily met him, the owner, who was an old man without wife or child, was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness. Immediately he put the porridge pot on the fire and gave him supper; then he carved off such a big slice from his tobacco roll that it was enough both for the stranger’s pipe and his own. Finally he got out an old pack of cards and played ‘mjolis’ with his guest until bedtime. The old man was just as generous with his confidences as with his porridge and tobacco."

Questions:

 * What did the peddler see by the roadside one dark evening?

 * Why did the peddler knock on the cottage door?

 * How did the owner's reaction differ from the usual reception the peddler received?

 * Describe the family status of the old man living in the cottage.

 * What food and luxury item did the host offer the peddler?

 * What is 'mjolis'?

 * Besides food and shelter, what else was the old man generous with?

Passage 3

Text: "But half an hour later the rattrap peddler stood again before the door. He did not try to get in, however. He only went up to the window, smashed a pane, stuck in his hand, and got hold of the pouch with the thirty kronor. He took the money and thrust it into his own pocket. Then he hung the leather pouch very carefully back in its place and went away. As he walked along with the money in his pocket he felt quite pleased with his smartness. He realised, of course, that at first he dared not continue on the public highway, but must turn off the road, into the woods. During the first hours this caused him no difficulty. Later in the day it became worse, for it was a big and confusing forest which he had gotten into."

Questions:

 * How long after leaving did the peddler return to the cottage?

 * How did the peddler access the leather pouch?

 * Where did he put the stolen money?

 * What was the peddler's initial feeling after stealing the money?

 * Why did he decide to go into the woods instead of continuing on the highway?

 * What happened to him in the forest later in the day?

 * How much money was in the pouch?

Passage 4

Text: "Naturally the first thing he saw was the tall ragamuffin who had eased his way so close to the furnace that steam rose from his wet rags. The ironmaster did not follow the example of the blacksmiths, who had hardly deigned to look at the stranger. He walked close up to him, looked him over very carefully, then tore off his slouch hat to get a better view of his face. 'But of course it is you, Nils Olof!' he said. 'How you do look!' The man with the rattraps had never before seen the ironmaster at Ramsjö and did not even know what his name was. But it occurred to him that if the fine gentleman thought he was an old acquaintance, he might perhaps throw him a couple of kronor."

Questions:

 * Who is referred to as the "tall ragamuffin"?

 * What was rising from the peddler's wet rags?

 * How did the ironmaster's behavior differ from that of the blacksmiths?

 * Who did the ironmaster mistake the peddler for?

 * Did the peddler actually know the ironmaster?

 * Why did the peddler not immediately correct the ironmaster's mistake?

 * What did the ironmaster do to see the stranger's face more clearly?

Passage 5

Text: "It was not more than half an hour before they heard the sound of carriage wheels outside the forge, and a new guest came in, but this time it was not the ironmaster. He had sent his daughter, apparently hoping that she would have better powers of persuasion than he himself. She entered, followed by a valet, carrying on his arm a big fur coat. She was not at all pretty, but seemed modest and quite shy. In the forge everything was just as it had been earlier in the evening... The stranger had stretched himself out on the floor and lay with a piece of pig iron under his head and his hat pulled down over his eyes."

Questions:

 * Who arrived at the forge in a carriage?

 * Why did the ironmaster send his daughter instead of coming himself?

 * Who accompanied the daughter and what was he carrying?

 * How is the daughter's appearance described?

 * Where was the stranger lying when she entered?

 * What was the stranger using as a pillow?

 * What quality did the father hope his daughter possessed?

Passage 6

Text: "The valet answered that the fellow had gone and that he had not taken anything with him at all. On the contrary, he had left behind a little package which Miss Willmansson was to be kind enough to accept as a Christmas present. The young girl opened the package, which was so badly done up that the contents came into view at once. She gave a little cry of joy. She found a small rattrap, and in it lay three wrinkled ten-kronor notes. But that was not all. In the rattrap lay also a letter written in large, jagged characters... '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.'"

Questions:

 * What did the valet tell the ironmaster about the stranger's departure?

 * Did the stranger steal anything from the ironmaster's house?

 * Who was the package addressed to?

 * What was inside the package besides the letter?

 * How many notes were there and of what denomination?

 * How did the peddler refer to himself in the letter?

 * Why did the peddler say he was able to "clear himself"?

Answers

Passage 1 Answers: The man was a peddler who sold small rattraps made of wire. He obtained the materials by begging in stores or at big farms. Besides selling rattraps, he resorted to begging and petty thievery to survive. He is described as wearing rags, with sunken cheeks and hunger gleaming in his eyes. The entertaining thought was that the whole world was nothing but a big rattrap. According to him, the world existed only to set baits for people. The phrase means to survive or to stay alive. Passage 2 Answers: He saw a little gray cottage by the roadside. He knocked to ask for shelter for the night. Unlike the usual sour faces, the owner was happy to welcome him. The old man lived alone without a wife or child. He offered porridge for supper and a slice of tobacco for his pipe. 'Mjolis' is a card game played in Sweden. The old man was also generous with his confidences (secrets/personal stories). Passage 3 Answers: He returned half an hour later. He smashed a window pane and stuck his hand in to grab the pouch. He thrust the money into his own pocket. He felt quite pleased with his smartness. He went into the woods to avoid being caught by the police on the public highway. He got lost in the big and confusing forest. There were thirty kronor in the pouch. Passage 4 Answers: The "tall ragamuffin" refers to the peddler. Steam was rising from his wet rags because he was close to the furnace. Unlike the indifferent blacksmiths, the ironmaster walked close to him and inspected him carefully. He mistook him for his old regimental comrade, Captain Nils Olof. No, the peddler had never seen him before. He didn't correct him hoping the ironmaster might give him a few kronor. He tore off the peddler's slouch hat. Passage 5 Answers: The ironmaster's daughter, Edla Willmansson, arrived. He sent her hoping she had better powers of persuasion than him. A valet accompanied her, carrying a big fur coat. She is described as not pretty, but modest and quite shy. The stranger was lying on the floor. He was using a piece of pig iron as a pillow. The father hoped she had better powers of persuasion. Passage 6 Answers: The valet said the fellow had gone and hadn't taken anything. No, he did not steal anything. The package was addressed to Miss Edla Willmansson. It contained a small rattrap and three wrinkled ten-kronor notes. There were three notes of ten kronor each. He referred to himself as "a rat" and signed as "Captain von Stahle." He said being raised to the status of a captain g

ave him the power to clear himself from the trap of the world.