Question

"Why the devil did I take that fellow's money ?" he thought" (The Rattrap)
"Oh , how sorry I was for not learning my lessons." (The Last Lesson)
How do the characters of Franz in ‘The Last Lesson’ and the Peddler in ‘The Rattrap’ compare and contrast in terms of their conduct and regret?

Hint:

When discussing conduct and regret, show how each character evolves and how their turning points reflect human values.

Answer 1

Franz and the Peddler are characters who both undergo emotional awakenings that lead them to regret their earlier attitudes. In ‘The Last Lesson’, Franz begins as a careless student who takes his education for granted. However, when he learns that this is his last lesson in French due to Prussian rule, he feels ashamed and deeply regrets his lack of seriousness. His transformation is subtle yet sincere—he becomes a symbol of lost opportunity, patriotism, and national pride. The Peddler in ‘The Rattrap’ is a cynical, selfish man who sees the world as a trap, mirroring his own inner despair and marginalization. His moral shift begins after he receives unexpected kindness from Edla, the ironmaster’s daughter. Her compassion and trust ignite a sense of self-worth in him. Overcome with guilt for stealing money from a generous host, he returns it with a heartfelt note and a rattrap as a symbolic gift. His remorse is deep and redemptive, suggesting that goodness can bring out the best in even the most hardened souls. Both Franz and the Peddler experience regret, but in different ways. Franz’s regret is immediate and emotional, tied to missed chances and national loss. The Peddler’s is moral and reflective, evolving into a journey of redemption. Franz’s awakening is sparked by external political change; the Peddler’s by internal moral transformation. While Franz represents the guilt of youthful negligence, the Peddler symbolizes how kindness can lead to introspection and moral revival. Both narratives highlight the capacity of individuals to grow when they confront the consequences of their actions. Ultimately, their regret is not a sign of weakness, but a starting point for change—proving that self-awareness and redemption are always possible, regardless of age, background, or past conduct.