Comprehension
Read the following extracts and answer the questions
He thought of the thirty kronor. To go up to the manor house would be like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion's den. He only wanted a chance to sleep here in the forge and then sneak awayas inconspicuously as possible.
The ironmaster assumed that he felt embarrassed because of his miserable clothing.
"Please don't think that I have such a fine home that you cannot show yourself there", He said... "Elizabeth is dead, as you may already have heard. My boys are abroad, and there is no one at home except my oldest daughter and myself. We were just saying that it was too bad we didn't have any company for Christmas. Now come along with me and help us make the Christmas food disappear a little faster."
(The Rattrap)
Question: 1
What does the narrator mean by the expression ‘throwing himself into the lion’s den’?
What does the narrator mean by the expression ‘throwing himself into the lion’s den’?
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“Lion’s den” is a metaphor for danger or confrontation, often used when someone faces a threatening or intimidating situation.
Updated On: Jul 3, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The narrator uses the expression to highlight the fear and danger the peddler felt at the thought of going to the manor house. He feared being caught or exposed, just as one would fear walking into a lion’s den. It symbolizes a situation of perceived great risk or threat.
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Question: 2
What does the expression ‘sneak away’ reveal about the intention of ‘he’ in the above extract?
What does the expression ‘sneak away’ reveal about the intention of ‘he’ in the above extract?
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The phrase “sneak away” highlights a guilty conscience and the desire to escape unnoticed—an insight into the character’s mindset.
Updated On: Jul 3, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The expression ‘sneak away’ shows that the peddler intended to leave quietly without being noticed. It reveals his guilt, fear, and desire to avoid confrontation or suspicion, especially since he had stolen the thirty kronor.
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Question: 3
Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
“\ldots\ldots\ there is no one home” indicates that the ironmaster was leading a ________ life. (peaceful/lonely)
Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
“\ldots\ldots\ there is no one home” indicates that the ironmaster was leading a ________ life. (peaceful/lonely)
“\ldots\ldots\ there is no one home” indicates that the ironmaster was leading a ________ life. (peaceful/lonely)
Show Hint
Look for emotional cues—absence of family during a festival often indicates loneliness rather than peace.
Updated On: Jul 3, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
Correct answer: lonely.
The phrase suggests that the ironmaster had very few people around—his wife had passed away, his sons were abroad, and only his daughter was with him, reflecting loneliness during a time meant for family togetherness.
The phrase suggests that the ironmaster had very few people around—his wife had passed away, his sons were abroad, and only his daughter was with him, reflecting loneliness during a time meant for family togetherness.
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Question: 4
“We didn’t have any company for Christmas.” The essence of Christmas spirit with reference to the above statement is:
“We didn’t have any company for Christmas.” The essence of Christmas spirit with reference to the above statement is:
Show Hint
Festivals often symbolize community, not solitude—focus on emotional and social aspects.
Updated On: Jul 3, 2025
- to make a special dish to mark the celebration.
- to invite guests to join the celebration.
- to show off his wealth.
- to conduct communal prayers. \bigskip
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Correct answer: (B)
The statement reflects the desire for human company during the festive season, showing that the true essence of Christmas lies in togetherness, warmth, and shared joy.
The statement reflects the desire for human company during the festive season, showing that the true essence of Christmas lies in togetherness, warmth, and shared joy.
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Question: 5
Complete the following statement suitably:
The peddler was feeling uncomfortable at the \textit{ironmaster’s invitation because the peddler only wanted to __________.
Complete the following statement suitably:
The peddler was feeling uncomfortable at the \textit{ironmaster’s invitation because the peddler only wanted to __________.
The peddler was feeling uncomfortable at the \textit{ironmaster’s invitation because the peddler only wanted to __________.
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The peddler’s intent was to remain invisible—notice how discomfort reveals deeper anxiety.
Updated On: Jul 3, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The peddler only wanted to rest for the night and leave unnoticed. He feared exposure and did not want any interaction or attention.
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Question: 6
Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
“Please don’t think that I have such a fine home.”
The ironmaster uttered the above statement to make the peddler feel _________. (awkward/comfortable)
Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
“Please don’t think that I have such a fine home.”
The ironmaster uttered the above statement to make the peddler feel _________. (awkward/comfortable)
“Please don’t think that I have such a fine home.”
The ironmaster uttered the above statement to make the peddler feel _________. (awkward/comfortable)
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Consider the speaker’s intention: comforting words are meant to reassure and invite ease.
Updated On: Jul 3, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
Correct answer: comfortable
The ironmaster was trying to ease the peddler’s embarrassment and make him feel welcomed, by downplaying the grandeur of his home.
The ironmaster was trying to ease the peddler’s embarrassment and make him feel welcomed, by downplaying the grandeur of his home.
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