Despite his philosophical insights, the vagabond fails to resist temptations. What would you
attribute this to? Explain with reference to any instance from the text.



 

Solution
The vagabond's theory that the world is nothing more than a rattrap amused him. He liked to think how everyone with material possession is trapped to achieve all the glitter that is not gold and that he is not going to fall into the trap since he is a simple poor vagabond. Somewhere, the vagabond's theory about the world being a mere rattrap is true as well. People get caught up in the trap of good things and rewards that the world offers, never to come out of it again. They go through suffering because of their insurmountable desires and unfulfilled expectations. Despite his philosophical insights, the vagabond fails to resist his temptations. For instance, the moment he accepted the ironmaster's invitation he knew he is falling into a trap and soon his identity will be discovered. However, it is essential to note that after refusing repeatedly, he accepts the hospitality of the ironmaster when Edla asks him. Edla is different from her father, in the story she stands for the generosity and kindness that the world has lost for the vagabond. Therefore we attribute, the vagabond's giving in to his temptations to his loneliness and monotonous existence. The story, thus, explores the need of forming human bonds in a world where material possessions have taken hold of our lives. 

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