Question

Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

Answer 1

Hint: The ironmaster had the peddler welcomed to his house to confuse him with Captain von Stahle. And after the truth became clear, he was invited there and looked after as captain. Through behaving as an upright captain, the peddler got a chance to save himself from corrupt ways.

Complete answer:
As Captain von Stable, the peddler signed himself because Edla had regarded him as though he was a captain. He continued that he was a rat that would have been trapped in the rattrap of this planet if he had not been elevated to captain, so he had the ability to clear himself in that manner. The peddler had never experienced appreciation in his entire life. The environment always regarded him coldly. He was honored and revered for the first time in his life, as if he were a captain. The daughter tried to handle him in a similar manner, long though the truth was revealed. The manner in which he was viewed inspired him to act in a similar way. As Captain von Stahle, he signed the letter to underline the impact of Edla's goodness on him.

Note: Edla wanted him to stay with them and enjoy the Christmas cheer as promised, enjoy a day of peace with them just once in the whole year. It was her friendly, loving and sympathetic behavior that awakened the essential goodness in the stranger. He was treated as if he had been a real captain. Before leaving their house he left a Christmas present for her and wrote a letter signing himself as ‘Captain von Stahle’.