Question

What did the peddler think about going up to the manor house? How did he react to the ironmaster’s invitation?

Answer 1

Hint: In Selma Lagerlof’s “The Rattrap” plot revolves around a peddler. He takes a negative view of the world. The peddler wasn't always like this, and he used to be a kind guy. Due to tragedy, he now has to rely on selling rat traps, begging, and even stealing to make ends meet.

Complete answer:
The peddler appeared to be in a state of panic. He still had the thirty kronor he had robbed Crofter of. He was horrified at the prospect of spending the night in the ex-army iron master's mansion of ironwork. When he was mistaken for an elderly acquaintance, he made no move to correct the ironmaster.

It would be like willfully entering the lion's den if he went up to the manor house. He was not happy to visit and be greeted by the proprietor as an old army mate. Accepting the offer would be like hurling himself into the lion den voluntarily since he had the stolen 30 kronor bills with him. As a result, he decided that declining the invitation would be a preferable alternative.

Note: The peddler argues that the world, like the cheese we use to entice mice, life offers us materialistic things to entice us. As a result, when we fall for these lies, we become trapped and lose everything. The rattrap vendor is taken in by a young generous woman in this storey. As a result, her generosity and kindness improve his negative outlook on life. Furthermore, he sees the world as a giant rat trap.