The story highlights human loneliness through the experiences of the peddler, the crofter, and the ironmaster. The crofter, living in isolation, seeks companionship and finds solace in sharing his life with the peddler. Similarly, the ironmaster’s initial hospitality stems from a desire for connection with someone he believed to be an old friend. Edla’s kindness towards the peddler emphasizes the universal need for human bonds, showcasing how compassion can transform lives and alleviate loneliness, ultimately reinforcing the importance of empathy in overcoming isolation.
This question related to Chapter: 4 English Class 12th NCERT.
From the chapter The Rattrap.
Give answer according to your understanding.
Peddler always felt lonely. While facing the hardships of life, he used to feel that this world is a rat trap and we all are mice. He was scolded and shooed away whenever he went to someone for shelter. Crofter was also living a life of loneliness. There was no one in his house. The condition of his loneliness was that when peddler found him, he gave him a place in the house without asking for his identity, shared food and drink with him & also his secrets. He wanted someone to spend time with him and he could talk openly. His loneliness was like a life imprisonment. The condition of the ironmaster and his daughter was also somewhat like crofter. The ironmaster did not have a wife and sons were settled abroad. He lived alone with his daughter. Most of his time was spent in the forge and when he went home he felt very lonely. This was the reason why he and his daughter appealed peddler to come to their house and celebrate Christmas together. It is astonishing that despite the stranger being a thief and a vagabond, they gave him a place in the house.
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