Explain why Peddler from " The Rat trap " enjoys the sympathy of the readers right from the beginning of the story?

The peddler is introduced as a person who resorted to beggary and stealing to make ends meet. He was indeed a victim of his own situation. The reader is rightly sympathized with the plight of the peddlar, who lacks friends to guide and steer him in the right path. Moreover, he philosophically calls the world a rattrap and further comments that the world wasn't very kind to him. Even while he steals from the crofter, and later enjoys the hospitality of the Wilmansons who take him to be an old comrade, the reader comprehends it as a means of survival for the peddler rather than criticise his motives.
In the end, the reader further swells with sympathy as the peddler beautifully reciprocates the care and genuine kindness shown to him by Elda. He returns the crofter's money, and writes a very touching note. All this makes the reader sympathize witn the peddler from the very beggining of the story.
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