Solution

The peddler was a rattrap seller who led a dull and monotonous life as a vagabond. He was a petty thief who stole thirty kronor from the house of a crofter. Once, he was invited by an ironmaster, who thought him to be an old acquaintance of his. The peddler declined his invitation but when his daughter Edla persuaded him, he agreed. Edla showed pity on him and asked him to spend Christmas with them. Her behaviour changed his conscience and he finally changed his way of living when got immense love and affection from Edla. His life was miserable but when he was shown hospitality and respect, he changed his way of living. He was full of gratitude to Edla for her kindness and generosity and started living a life of dignity and respect. While giving Edla the gift of rattrap, he asked her to return the thirty kronor of the crofter that he had stolen earlier. Thus, his life was completely transformed.

Solution

Sophie was a daydreamer like all the other adolescents of her age. She was a victim of all the wild fantasies and totally cut off from the realities of life. Although she belonged to a lower-middle-class family, she was blind to the bitter truth of life. She dreamt of an imaginary life, full of beautiful things in which she owned a boutique. She also dreamt of becoming an actress as there was a lot of money and fame in that profession. She wanted to be a fashion designer too. It can be said that she wanted to lead a lavish and grand life which was not possible. Her dreams were unrealistic in the sense that ultimately she would have to work in a biscuit factory as planned. On the other hand, Jansie was realistic and practical. Sophie and Jansie were classmates and friends but Sophie didn’t want to tell anything to Jansie as she would spread her secrets to the whole neighbourhood. Jansie didn’t possess unrealistic dreams. She dissuaded Sophie too from having such dreams so as to avoid depression and frustration later.