Understanding the text . How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter? . 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?
. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises. .
What made the peddler finally change his ways? . How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament? .
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?