question_answer 27)

The man selling rattraps is referred to by many terms such as ‘peddler, stranger’ etc. Pick out all such references to him. What does each of these labels indicate of the context or the attitude of the people around him?  

Answer:

He is referred to as a 'vagabond; intruder; tramp; ragamuffin; poor hungry wretch'. These labels indicate the context or the attitude of the people around him. The people: (a) had no respect for him. (b) felt he was a burden. (c) did not care to know him or his problems. (d) could pity him but were not really compassionate.