Question

What made the peddler, ultimately, change his ways?

Hint:

In questions about character transformation, always emphasize the role of kindness, compassion, and human dignity as the turning points.

Answer 1

Step 1: The peddler’s philosophy.
The peddler was a poor man who sold rattraps. He believed that the world itself was like a giant rattrap, where material wealth and pleasures acted as bait to trap human beings in suffering. This philosophy reflected his bitterness towards life. Step 2: His wrongdoing.
One day, he stole thirty kronor from a kind crofter who had offered him shelter. While escaping, he felt guilty but justified his act by thinking of the world as a rattrap that had trapped him. Step 3: Compassion of Edla.
Later, he was invited by Edla Willmansson and her father, the ironmaster, to celebrate Christmas at their home. Even when they discovered that he was not the man they thought, Edla treated him with respect, kindness, and dignity. She offered him food, clothes, and shelter without humiliating him. Step 4: Transformation.
The peddler was deeply moved by Edla’s compassion. For the first time, he felt trusted and respected as a human being, not as a thief. This kindness awakened his conscience, and he decided to change his ways. Step 5: Conclusion.
Ultimately, it was Edla’s generosity and faith in human goodness that transformed the peddler. He left behind the stolen money, wrote a letter to Edla, and signed himself as “Captain von Stahle,” showing that he had redeemed himself.