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In the story "The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlöf, the peddler initially believes he has fallen into a rattrap because he stumbles upon an empty cabin in the woods where he seeks shelter for the night. Feeling hungry and desperate, he sees the unlocked door as an invitation and decides to enter, assuming that he can spend the night there. However, upon entering, he realizes that the cabin is not what it seems; it's actually a deserted and dilapidated place, which gives him the impression of a rattrap—a trap set to ensnare unsuspecting victims. This realization leads him to contemplate his own situation and draws parallels between himself and the trapped victims of a rattrap, feeling similarly ensnared by circumstances beyond his control.

In "The Rattrap," the ironmaster speaks kindly to the peddler and invites him home for a few reasons:

1. Compassion: The ironmaster sees the peddler as a fellow human being in need. He recognizes the peddler's weary and downtrodden state and feels compassion towards him. This empathy prompts him to extend a helping hand to the peddler.

2. Generosity: The ironmaster is a generous and charitable individual. He is willing to offer assistance to those who are less fortunate and in need of help. Inviting the peddler home is an expression of his generosity and willingness to provide support to someone in need.

3. Hospitality: Hospitality is an important value in many cultures, including the one depicted in the story. The ironmaster demonstrates hospitality by inviting the peddler into his home, offering him food, shelter, and warmth. This hospitality reflects the ironmaster's kindness and goodwill towards strangers.

Overall, the ironmaster's decision to speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home is driven by his compassion, generosity, and commitment to hospitality.

In "The Rattrap," the peddler initially declines the ironmaster's invitation for several reasons:

1. Suspicion: The peddler is initially suspicious of the ironmaster's motives. Given his experiences of being mistrusted and mistreated by others in the past, he finds it difficult to believe that someone would offer him genuine kindness without expecting something in return.

2. Fear: The peddler is also fearful of potential consequences. He worries that accepting the ironmaster's invitation might lead to trouble or further complications, especially considering his past experiences of being treated as a criminal.

3. Self-preservation: Additionally, the peddler may feel a sense of self-preservation. He is accustomed to living a solitary and independent life, relying on his wits to survive. Accepting the ironmaster's invitation would mean relinquishing some of his autonomy and exposing himself to vulnerability.

Overall, the peddler's initial decline of the invitation reflects his cautious and guarded nature, shaped by his past experiences and circumstances. However, as the story progresses, he eventually accepts the ironmaster's kindness and experiences a transformation in his perception of human nature.