Question -
Answer -
All the characters in the story suffer from loneliness and are dreary souls. First of all, the tramp appears to lead a sad, monotonous existence, left to his own musings. The old Crofter lives all alone in a cottage by the roadside. He is only too happy to get someone to talk to and get over his sense of loneliness. ThatтАЩs the reason why he is so generous and hospitable as a host.
The ironmaster and his daughter, Edla also have no company for Christmas. Thus, all of them have a strong desire for bonding and comradeship. The Crofter is happy to be friends with the Peddler, although only for a night. Similarly, the ironmaster and his daughter have an opportunity to practice their Christian virtues of kindness, sympathy and hospitality.