NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Flamingo English The Rattrap : Chapter 4

NCERT Book Solutions For English Flamingo The Rat Trap

Rat Trap Class 12 NCERT Solutions For English Flamingo is known as an extremely helpful resource for preparing for the exam. Takshila Learning provides its learners with access to a wealth of NCERT problems and their solutions. CBSE Class 12 English NCERT Solutions are built by subject matter experts, so be sure to train learners for a good grade. The questions set out in the NCERT Books are prepared in compliance with the requirements of the CBSE.

 

 

NCERT Solution For Class 12 English Flamingo The Rat Trap provides us with all-inclusive information on all concepts. As students would have to learn the basics about the subject in class 12, this curriculum for class 12 is a comprehensive study material, which explains the concepts in a great way.

Questions Covered In the Rattrap NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English : 

Question 1:

Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meanings from the context.

Answer:

•  keep body and soul together – to manage to keep alive; to survive
•  hunger gleamed in his eyes – feeling so hungry that the expression shows on one’s face
•  plods along the road – moving along the road slowly but deliberately, to walk with a heavy feet
•  unwonted joy – unusual pleasure or happiness
•  impenetrable prison – impassable confinement
•  nodded a haughty consent – indifferent agreement
•  eased his way – moved himself slowly and carefully
•  fallen into a line of thought – agreement of thoughts
•  things have gone downhill – to decline or grow worse and worse

 

Page No 34:

Question 1:

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

Answer:

During his usual plodding, Peddler pondered the subject of rattraps. This presented him with the idea of ​​the world being a Rattrap and he became fond of thinking like this.

Question 2:

Why was he amused by this idea?

Answer:

The peddler was amazed at the idea of ​​the world being a giant rattap because he was never treated kindly by the world. So, he endured harsh feelings for it and rap loved it for being ill ‘, comparing it to the giant’s deceit.

Question 3:

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

Answer:

No, the pedestrian did not expect the kind of hospitality he had received from the culprit. This was because usually whenever they knocked on doors and requested for shelter they were welcomed by ‘sour’ and bewafa faces.

Question 4:

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

Answer:

Crotter was a lonely fellow who lived on his own in a small gray cottage by the road. He had no wife or children, and was longing for company and friends. Therefore, one day when the peddler turned to his door, he was happy to talk to someone, relieving his boredom and monotony. That’s why he was so talkative and friendly with the peddler.

Question 5:

Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?

Answer:

Crate was a gullible and dependable man who craved more company than anything. He wanted to share his happiness of earning money with someone. He got his chance when the peddlers came along. In addition, he thought that the peddler did not believe him, so he showed the paddler the thirty crooner bills he had placed in the leather bag.

Question 6:

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

Answer:

No, the paddler did not respect Cropper’s confidence in him. In fact, he betrayed his trust by robbing thirty crooners from him.However, later in the story, his conscience was awakened by his stay with Wilmonson and he decided to return the money.

 

Page No 37:

Question 1:

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

Answer:

After stealing the money, the peddler tried to escape from the forest but was soon defeated. Left in despair, he recounts his thoughts on the world with a huge stockade. Suddenly realized that he had finally put himself in the dock as he lured himself into the bait, bills of thirty kronor. Similarly, on his way home to the Ironmaster, he found himself trapped in a trap.He again hates such thoughts when the Ironmaster threatens to arrest him when he learns the truth about the peddler. The rattrap salesman felt himself strongly that the worldly bait was, once more, enticed and entrapped him.

Question 2:

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

Answer:

The Ironmaster of Ramjas Ironworks spoke politely to the peddler as he mistook him for an old regimental comrade, Captain von Stahle.The Ironmaster wanted to help the peddler, not only to regain his health, but also to undertake a new business. Furthermore, the Ironmaster was a lone companion who lived with his oldest daughter after the death of his wife and the farewell of his sons. When they yearned for a company on Christmas Eve, they invited the peddler to their home.

Question 3:

Why did the peddler decline the invitation?

Answer:

The paddler was horrified at the idea of ​​Ramjas Ironworks, an ex-army man, spending the night at Ironer’s Manor. He did not attempt to recover the Ironmaster when he was mistaken by an old acquaintance. Furthermore, he was concerned about the fact that he had thirty kronor bills stolen, and accepting the invitation would be “like voluntarily throwing himself into the lion’s den”. Therefore, the peddler deemed it better to decline the invitation.

 

Page No 41:

Question 1:

What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?

Answer:

In his frightened manner, Adla surmises that the paddler has either stolen something or escaped from prison. So she gave an assurance that she would be free to leave whenever she wanted. Convinced, he accepted the invitation.

Question 2:

What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?

Answer:

When Adla goes to the iron mill to fetch the peddler, she sees that she is horrified. He suspected that the paddler had stolen something or escaped from prison. His form and behavior left him in doubt as to whether he was indeed an educated man, as claimed by his father.

Question 3:

When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?

Answer:

The next day as the paddler turns to breakfast, the Ironmaster realizes his mistake. The valet bathes the peddler, cuts his hair, shaves him and gives him clothes. The Ironmaster felt that he had been tricked into recognizing Bhatti’s reflection the previous night.

Question 4:

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

Answer:

To defend himself, the peddler argued that he had never said that he was a captain or an old partner of the Ironmaster. In fact, he repeatedly declined the invitation to spend Christmas in the estate.

Question 5:

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

Answer:

Edla had a kind and sympathetic heart that plagued the poor peddler’s plight. He pleaded with his father to allow him to spend one day in peace, as the struggle he had to go through a year. His theories did not allow him to throw this man out of his house on Christmas Eve, especially when he had already promised him “Christmas cheer”. In addition, she was in high spirits that morning thinking about ways in which she could help Trump. Therefore, even after knowing the truth, Adla wanted to entertain the peddler.

 

Page No 42:

Question 1:

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

Answer:

On Christmas Eve, Edla assured her to stay in her estate. But the news about the robbery left him. So when she arrived home, she was overjoyed to find the package and letter given by the peddler. This gesture of appreciation from the peddler made him happy.

Question 2:

Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

Answer:

Throughout his life, the peddler was never honored. He was always treated coldly by the world. For the first time in his life, he was respected and respected as if he were a captain. Even after the truth was revealed, the daughter continued to treat him in a similar way. The way she was treated encouraged him to behave in a way. He signed the letter as Captain von Stahle to underline the influence of Adla’s goodness on him.

 

Page No 43:

Question 1:

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

Answer:

The manner in which the peddler repaid the three people coincides with the way he understood the mercy of the three people. Paddle felt that it was his craving for the company for Cropper that inspired him to offer his hospitality. The hospitality of the iron man is clearly confined to his acquaintances. It was only the daughter who really offered the peddler the warmth and goodness. He was touched by Adla’s kindness and this led to her wanting to act differently. He paid his good treatment with a gesture of true gratitude.

Question 2:

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?

Answer:

Edla and her father had different relationships. She had more firm power than her father and was able to convince the paddler to accept the invitation. We also find that Ironmaster’s hospitality was limited to his old comrade. However, the daughter was very sad due to the daughter’s plight and even after the truth of her identity was revealed, she treated her well. Again, after finding out about Crotter’s robbery of money, while having an affair with the prospect of robbing the peddler as well as the Ironmaster, Betty suffers more from the betrayal of her trust. We also find that when the father was impulsive and careless by nature, the daughter’s behavior was more mature and controlled.

Question 3:

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

Answer:

The first example is for Croft’s hospitality. The rattrap peddler, who was swept away, was surprised at Crotter’s friendly behavior. The peddler was also surprised at the sudden invitation given by the iron master, who was surprised to realize his mistake in recognizing the paddler the next day. Another unexpected reaction for both the peddler and the ironmaster is Adla’s intervention to seek out the peddler’s appearance for Christmas. However, the most unexpected reaction is of the peddler when he leaves the package and letter for Edala, showing gratitude for the girl’s hospitality and showing respect for her.

Question 4:

What made the peddler finally change his ways?

Answer:

Peddler’s experience in Wilmonson’s estate changed the way Peddler changed his ways. Before this he never knew a true sympathizer or well-wisher. He had no friend to steer him on the right track. Although the crate was hospitable to him and even the iron master almost offered him help, they failed to make any impact on him. It was Adla who, through her genuine care and understanding, was finally able to change the peddler for the better.

Question 5:

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

Answer:

The metaphor of the rattle shows that the world exists only to trap people to trap them. Whenever someone is given the temptation of luxury, he is trapped in a dangerous trap. Thus, the author makes a very deep comment on the plight of those in search of worldly pleasures, which often leads them to unfortunate circumstances. The story helps to realize the importance of common good and kindness. The pedestrian is rescued from the net by a huge sliding net in the world, when he appreciates her kindness by Adla.

Question 6:

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?

Answer:

The peddler does not turn out to be a humorous person, although the way a person thinks about the world can detect subtle emotion as being a giant deception. He is eccentrically pleased with this idea because it gives him an opportunity to think ‘ular ill of the world’ which is not kind to him. It is clearly visible that whenever he is caught unaware, in a trap of deceit by his scheming mind, he hides behind the thinking that the world is a rattle and he is only a victim. Thus, he lightens the mood and theme of the story and brings us to an end.

Page No 43:

Question 1:

Discuss the following in groups of four. Each group can deal with one topic. Present the views of your group to the whole class.

The reader’s sympathy is with the peddler right from the beginning of the story. Why is this so? Is the sympathy justified?

Answer:

From the beginning, the Ratrap seller is shown as a victim of his position, not a bad character. The pedestrian had to resort to beggars and theft because his business is not profitable enough to meet both ends. Her condition does not allow her to be completely religious. Furthermore, we find that he lacks friends and must guide him to the right path. Empathy is justified, as in the end we discover that the peddler is capable of appreciating genuine goodness and hospitality. When he is presented with respect and kindness, he behaves the best in the same way he can.

Question 2:

The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.

Answer:

Ratrap deals with issues of human loneliness and the need to bond with others. Not only peddlers, but other characters like Cropper, Ironmaster and Adla also emphasize this fact.The peddler’s conscience had left him, as he had been alone in his predicate for a long time. But Adla’s kindness and hospitality changed her. On the other hand, the culprit is a lonely fellow, whose passion for company leads him to shelter a vagabond, and he is robbed. Even, the Ironmaster and his daughter suffer from loneliness. They crave the company on Christmas Eve and are excited when they have the opportunity to serve a guest.

Question 3:

Have you known/heard of an episode where a good deed or an act of kindness has changed a person’s view of the world? 

Answer:

Think of any event or story where your attitude changes due to an act of kindness from someone. Or, think of someone whose attitude changes because of someone else’s good work. Discussing this with the group will help. After the event is finalized, write about the reason for that person’s negative attitude towards life. Then describe the episode where someone took pity on him. Finally, describe what impact it had on the person he was best at and how his outlook on the world changed.

Question 4:

The story is both entertaining and philosophical.

Answer:

The story is told as a fairy tale with a happy ending. The narrative is interesting, with many surprises and attention-grabbing dialogues. The characters’ twists and unexpected reactions often amaze the reader, making the story entertaining.However, the author has meticulously managed to weave philosophical elements into the story. The Ratpad peddler is compared to the entire world with a giant rattrap, which makes an interesting comment on how such people get stuck in giant chases. The story also looks at the inherent goodness of the people. It also demonstrates how the goodness and kindness shown by some people can change the outlook of others.

Page No 43:

Question 1:

The man selling rattraps is referred to by many terms such as “peddler, stranger” etc. Pick out all such references to him. What does each of these labels indicate of the context or the attitude of the people around him?

Answer:

 

	Labels	Contexts
1	Peddler	As he peddles or sells the rattraps
2	Vagabond	Used to describe his nomadic lifestyle
3	Stranger	Used to refer to the peddler when he was at the crofter’s place, possibly to emphasise the fact that the crofter was compassionate to an unknown man
4	Guest	He is treated with compassion, especially at the ironmaster’s house where he was invited to spend the Christmas
5	Intruder	When the peddler trespasses and enters the iron mill
6	Tramp	When the peddler asks for lodgings at the iron mill; also when the ironmaster, mistaking him for his old regimental comrade plans of helping him drop his tramp ways and begin a new vocation
7	Ragamuffin	When the ironmaster first notices him wrapped in rags and in the state to utter destitution
8	Old regimental comrade	The ironmaster mistakes him for his old friend when he first meets the peddler at his iron mill
9	Poor hungry wretch	Used only once when the author mentions the fact that Edla was excited about the prospect of getting a chance to help an unfortunate fellow on Christmas
10	Rat	The peddler calls himself a rat and thanks Edla for helping him escape the rattrap with her kindness and compassion

Question 2:

You came across the words, plod, trudge, stagger in the story. These words indicate movement accompanied by weariness. Find five other such words with a similar meaning.

Answer:

Other words are lurch, stumble, slog, hike, clump, traipse and stomp.

 

Page No 44:

Question 1:

Notice the words in bold in the following sentence.

“The fire boy shovelled charcoal into the maw of the furnace with a great deal of clatter”. This is a phrase that is used in the specific context of an iron plant.

Pick out other such phrases and words from the story that are peculiar to the terminology of ironworks.

Answer:

Other such phrases could be as follows:

1. ‘a hard regular thumping’
2. ‘hammer strokes’
3. ‘a large plant with smelter, rolling mill and forge’
4. ‘pig iron’
5. ‘coal dust’
6. ‘put on the anvil’

Question 2:

Mjolis is a card game of Sweden.

Name a few indoor games played in your region. ‘Chopar’ could be an example.

Answer:

Some indoor games are chess, ludo, table tennis, playing cards, billiards, etc.

Question 3:

A crofter is a person who rents or owns a small farm especially in Scotland. Think of other uncommon terms for ‘a small farmer’ including those in your language.

Answer:

Some other terms are peasant, plower, cultivator, krishak, kisan etc

Page No 44:

Question 1:

1. He made them himself at odd moments.
2. He raised himself.
3. He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught.
4. … a day may come when you yourself may want to get a big piece of pork.

Notice the way in which these reflexive pronouns have been used (pronoun + self)

In 1 and 4 the reflexive pronouns “himself” and “yourself” are used to convey emphasis.

In 2 and 3 the reflexive pronoun is used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it refers to the same subject in the sentence.

Pick out other examples of the use of reflexive pronouns from the story and notice how they are used.

Answer:

 

Examples	Usage
“…would be like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion’s den”	used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it refers to the same subject in the sentence
“…except my oldest daughter and myself”	used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it refers to the same subject in the sentence
“…he laughed to himself.”	used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it refers to the same subject in the sentence
“…better powers of persuasion than he himself”	used to convey emphasis
“stretched himself out on the floor”	used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it refers to the same subject in the sentence
“He could not bring himself to oppose her.”	used to convey emphasis