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+1 vote
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in Panorama - The Rattrap by (52.8k points)
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Attempt a character sketch of the peddler in the story 

‘The Rattrap’. कहानी ‘The Rattrap’ में फेरीवाले को चरित्र-चित्रण कीजिये।

2 Answers

+3 votes
by (46.0k points)
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Best answer

His personality:
The rattrap peddler was a poor man who lived the life of a vagabond. He had a great imagination. He wore rags, his cheeks were sunken and hunger gleamed in his eyes.

His livelihood:
He went round selling self-made small rattraps of wire. This wire, he got by begging. He had some human weaknesses like thievery and begging to fulfil his basic needs. Devoid of any sheltering place, he spent his nights wherever he found shelter.

His philosophy:
He feels that the world is just like a big rat trap. It exists only for the purpose of setting baits for people. According to him, all the riches, joys, food, clothing and shelter are just baits. If and when, anyone touches the bait, the rattrap closes on him. Then everything comes to an end.

His inner goodness:
Influenced by Edla’s good behaviour, he repents over his misdeed and returns the money stolen by him.

उसका व्यक्तित्व:
चूहेदान फेरीवाला (बेचने वाला) एक गरीब आदमी था जो एक घुमंतू का जीवन जीता था। उसकी कल्पनाशक्ति तीव्र थी। वह फटे हुऐ कपड़े पहनता था, उसके गाल धंसे थे और भूख उसकी आँखों में झलकती थी।

उसकी जीविका:
वह स्वयं के द्वारा बनाये तार के चूहेदान बेचता था। यह तार, वह भीख माँगकर प्राप्त करता था। उसमें कुछ मानवीय कमियाँ थीं, जैसे चोरी करना और भीख माँगना जिनसे वह अपनी आवश्यक जरूरतें पूरी करता था। उसके पास रहने का कोई स्थान नहीं था इसलिए वह जहाँ आश्रय मिले वहाँ रात्रि गुजार लेता था।

उसकी दार्शनिकता:
वह महसूस करता है कि दुनिया बिल्कुल एक बड़े चूहेदान के समान है, इसका अस्तित्वं मात्र लोगों के सामने चारा फेंकने के लिए है। उसके अनुसार धन-सम्पत्ति, आनन्द, भोजन, वस्त्र और शरण (रहने के स्थान), सभी केवल प्रलोभन हैं (लालच हैं)। जब यदि कोई इस चारे (लालच) को छूता है, वह संसार रूपी चूहेदान में फँस जाता है। और तब सब कुछ समाप्त हो जाता है।

उसके अन्दर की अच्छाई:
एडला के अच्छे व्यवहार से प्रभावित होकर वह अपने कुकृत्य का पश्चाताप करता है और अपना चुराया हुआ पैसा लौटा देता है।

+2 votes
by (17.0k points)

Selma Lagerlöf draws the character of the peddler with all sympathy and understanding. Selma wants to give a definite message. The peddler represents some human weaknesses. He is in fact the product of circumstances. But he is never devoid of basic human goodness. Only it lies in hibernation for some time. The essential goodness in him is awakened through the love and understanding of Miss Edla Williamson. The peddler is so many things, all rolled in one. He is a vagabond cum beggar cum a petty thief. At moments he can raise himself to a philosopher. He philosophises life and compares the world to a big rattrap. Finally, he transforms himself into a ‘gentleman’. The peddler is a pragmatist. He finds his business not quite profitable. He doesn’t mind resorting to both begging and petty thievery. Nor is he above temptations. He steals 30 kronors of his generous host, the old crofter. The peddler raises himself above petty worldly temptations in the end. His essential human qualities raise him to heroic heights. He is witty and humorous. He knows how to deal with men and tricky situations. He thanks Miss Edla for her kindness and hospitality. She gives a little cry of joy when he decides to return 30 kronor to the rightful owner. She is requested to return the money to its rightful owner, the old crofter. The readers forgive him for his little human weaknesses. They develop sympathy and appreciation for him.

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