The story includes several instances of unexpected reactions. For example, the peddler is surprised by the crofter’s unexpected friendliness and trust, inviting him into his home and even showing him his savings. Another instance is the ironmaster’s reaction when he ...
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The peddler interprets the acts of kindness and hospitality differently from each person. He initially exploits the crofter’s trust by stealing his money, reflecting his cynical view of the world as a “rattrap.” The ironmaster’s hospitality is seen as conditional, ...
Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler because it showed that her kindness had touched him and prompted a change in his behavior. The gift, along with the letter and the returned money, indicated that the ...
In his defense, the peddler explained that he had never claimed to be the ironmaster’s former comrade. He pointed out that it was the ironmaster who had made the assumption and insisted on inviting him home. The peddler accepted the ...
The ironmaster realized his mistake the next morning when the peddler was cleaned up and dressed in better clothes. Seeing him in the daylight, the ironmaster immediately recognized that the man was not his old regimental comrade but a stranger. ...