The peddler enjoys the sympathy of readers right from the beginning of the story. Draw a character sketch of the peddler justifying the sympathy he generates among the readers.

The peddler enjoys the sympathy of readers right from the beginning of the story. Draw a character sketch of the peddler justifying the sympathy he generates among the readers.

Answer: Selma Lagerlöf draws the character of the peddler with all sympathy and understanding. Selma wants to give a definite message. The peddler represents some human weaknesses. He is in fact the product of circumstances. But he is never devoid of basic human goodness. Only it lies in hibernation for some time. The essential goodness in him is awakened through the love and understanding of Miss Edla Williamson. The peddler is so many things, all rolled in one. He is a vagabond cum beggar cum a petty thief. At moments he can raise himself to a philosopher. He philosophises life and compares the world to a big rattrap. Finally, he transforms himself into a ‘gentleman’. The peddler is a pragmatist. He finds his business not quite profitable. He doesn’t mind resorting to both begging and petty thievery. Nor is he above temptations. He steals 30 kronors of his generous host, the old crofter. The peddler raises himself above petty worldly temptations in the end. His essential human qualities raise him to heroic heights. He is witty and humorous. He knows how to deal with men and tricky situations. He thanks Miss Edla for her kindness and hospitality. She gives a little cry of joy when he decides to return 30 kronor to the rightful owner. She is requested to return the money to its rightful owner, the old crofter. The readers forgive him for his little human weaknesses. They develop sympathy and appreciation for him.

More Question-

1. How did Franz perform when his turn came to recite? How did M. Hamel react?
2. Who occupied the backbenches in the classroom on the day of the last lesson? Why? [CBSE Delhi 2015]
3. Why had M. Hamel put on his fine Sunday clothes? Why were the old men of the village sitting there in the back of the classroom?
4. What was unusual about M. Hamel’s dress and behaviour on the day of his last French lesson? [CBSE Delhi 2010C]
5. What was tempting Franz to keep away from school ‘that morning’? [CBSE Delhi 2010C]
6. Why had the bulletin board become a centre of attention during the last two years? [CBSE Delhi 2010]
7. How did M. Hamel say farewell to his students and the people of the town? [CBSE (AI) 2012]
8. How did Franz react to the declaration that it was their last French lesson? [CBSE Delhi 2013]
9. “This is your last French lesson.” How did Franz react to this declaration of M. Hamel? [CBSE Delhi 2010]
10. Who did M. Hamel blame for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz? [CBSE Delhi 2011]
11. “What a thunderclap these words were to me!” Which were the words that shocked and surprised little Franz? [CBSE Delhi 2010; (AI) 2011]
12. One order from Berlin changed the scenario of the school. Comment
13. What did M. Hamel tell them about the French language? What did he ask them to do and why? [CBSE Delhi 2011, 2013C]
14. How does M. Hamel pay a tribute to the French language? [CBSE (AI) 2008]
15. How was M. Hamel’s class different the day Franz went late to school?
16. How was the scene in the school, on the morning of the last lesson, different from that on other days? [CBSE Delhi 2008] [CBSE (AI) 2015]
17. Which objects of nature does Keats mention as sources of joy in his poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty? [CBSE (AI) 2015]
18. What does a thing of beauty do for us? [CBSE Delhi 2015]
19. What does Keats consider an endless fountain of immortal drink and why does he call its drink immortal? [CBSE (AI) 2013]
20. According to Keats, what moves the pain and suffering away from human life? [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]
21. Describe any three things of beauty mentioned in the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty'. [CBSE (AI) 2012, CBSE (AI) 2013]
22. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever? [CBSE Delhi 2012]
23. What is the message of the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty? [CBSE (AI) 2011]
24. What spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it removed? [CBSE (F) 2010]