All the characters in the story suffer from loneliness and are dreary souls. First of all, the tramp appears to lead a sad, monotonous existence, left to his musings. He is always greeted by sour faces and cold words. The old crofter lives all alone in a cottage by the roadside. He is only too happy to get someone to talk to and get over his sense of loneliness. That's the reason why he is so generous and hospitable as a host.
The ironmaster and his daughter, Edla also have no company for Christmas. The ironmaster takes the tramp home, mistaking him to be his old comrade and he, with his daughter, are happy to play perfect hosts to his friend. Thus, all of them have a strong desire for bonding and comradeship. The crofter is happy to be friends with peddler, although only for a night. Similarly, the ironmaster and his daughter have an opportunity to practice their Christian virtues of kindness, sympathy and hospitality. It is the bonding with the young girl that transforms the peddler
