Explain how the old man’s habit of collecting discarded rattraps demonstrates his view of poverty and society.
Answer
By repeatedly gathering discarded rattraps, the old man shows that he sees value in what society has cast aside, illustrating his belief that poverty is a collective misplacement that can be remedied through collective effort and empathy.
Step-by-step solution
- Define a rattrap and its usual fate in the village.
- Observe the old man’s insistence on collecting them despite no immediate use.
- Infer that he believes discarded items still hold worth, reflecting his view that poverty is not an individual failure but a societal neglect.
- Show how this habit mirrors his hope for collective action to uplift the poor.
Common mistake: Focusing only on the physical act of collecting, ignoring its symbolic significance
Concept tested: Characterisation through habits
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