Comprehension
The next day both men got up in good season. The crofter was in a hurry to milk his cow, and the other man probably thought he should not stay in bed when the head of the house had gotten up. They left the cottage at the same time. The crofter locked the door and put the key in his pocket. The man with the rattraps said good bye and thank you, and thereupon each went his own way.
But half an hour later the rattrap peddler stood again before the door. He did not try to get in, however. He only went up to the window, smashed a pane, stuck in his hand, and got hold of the pouch with the thirty Kronor. He took the money and thrust it into his own pocket. Then he hung the leather pouch very carefully back in its place and went away. (The Rattrap)
But half an hour later the rattrap peddler stood again before the door. He did not try to get in, however. He only went up to the window, smashed a pane, stuck in his hand, and got hold of the pouch with the thirty Kronor. He took the money and thrust it into his own pocket. Then he hung the leather pouch very carefully back in its place and went away. (The Rattrap)
Question: 1
Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The behaviour of the peddler as described in the above extract is an act of _______. (deceit / obedience)
Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The behaviour of the peddler as described in the above extract is an act of _______. (deceit / obedience)
The behaviour of the peddler as described in the above extract is an act of _______. (deceit / obedience)
Show Hint
‘Deceit’ refers to dishonest behaviour meant to mislead or betray someone — perfectly describing the peddler's actions in the passage.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The peddler broke the crofter's trust by returning and stealing money from his house after being offered food and shelter. This clearly shows dishonesty and trickery, which is an act of deceit.
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Question: 2
“Both men got up in good season”. The author uses the expression ‘good season’ to denote that
They slept for a long time.
They got up in a good mood.
They got up early and timely.
They got up hurriedly.
“Both men got up in good season”. The author uses the expression ‘good season’ to denote that
They slept for a long time.
They got up in a good mood.
They got up early and timely.
They got up hurriedly.
They slept for a long time.
They got up in a good mood.
They got up early and timely.
They got up hurriedly.
Show Hint
The term "in good season" refers to being punctual and timely — not rushed or moody.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2025
- They slept for a long time.
- They got up in a good mood.
- They got up early and timely.
- They got up hurriedly.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The phrase "in good season" implies that both the crofter and the peddler woke up at an appropriate and early hour, ready to begin their daily routines — not hurriedly or mood-based.
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Question: 3
State the irony in the peddler’s response: “The man with the rattraps said good bye and thank you”.
State the irony in the peddler’s response: “The man with the rattraps said good bye and thank you”.
Show Hint
Irony is when words convey the opposite of actions — here, the peddler says “thank you” but soon robs the man.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
Although the peddler says “thank you” and appears polite, his actions contradict this civility. His words of gratitude are ironic because he ends up committing theft — an act of ingratitude and betrayal.
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Question: 4
Choose the correct option:
The flaw in the peddler’s character as reflected in the above extract is
He is jealous of rich people.
He indulges in self-pity.
He can rob his benefactor.
He can sleep anywhere without any hesitation.
Choose the correct option:
The flaw in the peddler’s character as reflected in the above extract is
He is jealous of rich people.
He indulges in self-pity.
He can rob his benefactor.
He can sleep anywhere without any hesitation.
The flaw in the peddler’s character as reflected in the above extract is
He is jealous of rich people.
He indulges in self-pity.
He can rob his benefactor.
He can sleep anywhere without any hesitation.
Show Hint
A benefactor is someone who helps — robbing such a person is a serious character flaw.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2025
- He is jealous of rich people.
- He indulges in self-pity.
- He can rob his benefactor.
- He can sleep anywhere without any hesitation.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The peddler’s moral failing is shown when he chooses to rob the crofter — someone who treated him with kindness. This highlights a deep flaw in his values.
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Question: 5
Complete the following sentence:
The role of cow in the crofter’s life is _______
Complete the following sentence:
The role of cow in the crofter’s life is _______
The role of cow in the crofter’s life is _______
Show Hint
In rural settings, livestock like cows are valuable income sources — a central part of livelihood.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The cow is a source of income for the crofter. It allows him to earn money by selling milk, helping him live independently despite his old age.
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Question: 6
Choose one instance from the above extract to show that peddler acted like a well-mannered person.
Choose one instance from the above extract to show that peddler acted like a well-mannered person.
Show Hint
Even people who commit wrong can show surface politeness — but actions speak louder than words.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
Despite his later wrongdoing, the peddler displayed politeness and good manners in his words. This contrast enhances the irony of the situation.
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