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)
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)

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‘Deceit’ refers to dishonest behaviour meant to mislead or betray someone — perfectly describing the peddler's actions in the passage.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

The peddler betrayed the crofter's trust by returning to steal money after receiving hospitality. This act demonstrates dishonesty and 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.

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The term "in good season" refers to being punctual and timely — not rushed or moody.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
  • 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" indicates that both the crofter and the peddler awoke at a suitable and early time, prepared to commence their daily tasks, free from haste or emotional influence.
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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”.

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Irony is when words convey the opposite of actions — here, the peddler says “thank you” but soon robs the man.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Despite the peddler's polite "thank you," his actions demonstrate a lack of sincerity. His expression of gratitude is ironic given his subsequent act of theft, which constitutes 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.

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A benefactor is someone who helps — robbing such a person is a serious character flaw.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
  • 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 lapse is evident in his decision to steal from the crofter, who had shown him hospitality. This action reveals a significant corruption in his principles.
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Question: 5

Complete the following sentence:
The role of cow in the crofter’s life is _______

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In rural settings, livestock like cows are valuable income sources — a central part of livelihood.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

The cow provides the crofter with income through milk sales, enabling his independent living in 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.

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Even people who commit wrong can show surface politeness — but actions speak louder than words.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

The peddler's courteous speech, despite his subsequent transgressions, amplifies the situational irony.
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