1. Why does the peddler compare the world to a rattrap?
How does this idea reflect his own
life?
The peddler believes that the world offers temptations such as wealth and comfort just as
cheese attracts a rat. Once a person gives in, they become trapped. This philosophy reflects
his own life because poverty and dishonesty have trapped him in a cycle of crime and
loneliness.
2. How does the crofter's trust become both a blessing and a curse?
The crofter's trust provides the peddler with food, shelter, and companionship. However, it
also tempts him to steal the thirty kronor. Thus, the crofter's kindness helps the peddler
initially but indirectly leads him towards a moral downfall.
3. What does the forest symbolize in the story?
The forest symbolizes confusion, fear, and the consequences of wrong choices. After
stealing the money, the peddler gets lost in the forest, which mirrors his mental state and
guilt. It represents the trap he has created for himself.
4. How does Edla Willmansson's behaviour differ from that of others towards the peddler?
Unlike others who judge the peddler by his appearance, Edla treats him with respect and
compassion. She believes he deserves dignity and kindness despite his faults. Her faith in
human goodness ultimately transforms him.
5. Why does the ironmaster mistake the peddler for an old acquaintance?
The ironmaster sees the peddler in poor light and assumes he is an old regimental
comrade. His loneliness and desire for companionship influence his judgment. This
misunderstanding becomes a turning point in the peddler's life.
6. How does the peddler's reaction to Edla's invitation reveal his inner conflict?
The peddler initially refuses Edla's invitation because he fears being exposed as a thief.
However, he is also attracted by her kindness and genuine concern. This hesitation reveals
the struggle between his guilty conscience and his desire for acceptance.
7. Explain the significance of the Christmas setting in the story.
Christmas symbolizes hope, forgiveness, and renewal. The events that occur during
Christmas help the peddler experience kindness and redemption. The festive atmosphere
reinforces the theme that human goodness can bring about positive change.
8. How does Selma Lagerlöf show that kindness can reform a person?
Edla's unconditional respect and trust make the peddler see himself as worthy of goodness.
Instead of punishing him, she offers him dignity and care. As a result, he returns the stolen
money and chooses the path of honesty.
9. Why does the peddler leave behind a letter for Edla?
The letter expresses his gratitude and remorse. Through it, he returns the stolen money and
acknowledges Edla's role in his transformation. The letter proves that he has undergone a
genuine moral change.
10. "Edla is the true hero of the story." Justify.
Edla demonstrates empathy, trust, and moral courage. She looks beyond the peddler's
appearance and treats him as an honoured guest. Her compassion inspires his
transformation, making her the central force behind the story's message of redemption.
11. How does the story challenge society's tendency to judge people by appearances?
Most characters view the peddler as a suspicious vagabond because of his appearance.
Edla alone recognizes his humanity and potential for change. The story shows that external
appearances often hide a person's true nature and possibilities.
12. What role does guilt play in the peddler's transformation?
After stealing the crofter's money, the peddler experiences fear and guilt. These feelings
intensify when Edla treats him kindly despite not knowing his crime. His guilt eventually
motivates him to return the money and reform himself.
13. Why is the ending of The Rattrap considered optimistic?
The ending suggests that no person is beyond redemption. The peddler's transformation
from a thief into a responsible individual demonstrates the power of compassion and trust. It
leaves readers with hope in human goodness.
14. How does the title The Rattrap relate to the central theme of the story?
The title symbolizes the traps created by worldly temptations and human weaknesses. The
peddler himself becomes trapped by greed after stealing the money. The story highlights
how people can escape such traps through self-realization and kindness.
15. What message does the story convey about human nature?
Answer: The story suggests that every person possesses the potential for goodness,
regardless of past mistakes. Compassion, trust, and understanding can bring out the best in
individuals. It emphasizes faith in humanity and the possibility of redemption.
Extract based questions:
"The world had never existed for any other purpose than to set baits for people. It offered
riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing, exactly as the rattrap offered cheese
and pork."
Questions
1. What philosophy of life does the peddler express here?
The peddler believes that the world is like a rattrap that tempts people with material
pleasures and traps them.
2. What are the 'baits' mentioned in the extract?
Riches, happiness, shelter, food, warmth, and clothing are the baits that attract people.
3. Why does the peddler compare the world to a rattrap?
He feels that worldly temptations lure people into trouble just as bait traps rats.
4. How does this philosophy reflect the peddler's personal experiences?
His poverty and hardships have made him cynical, leading him to view life as a trap filled
with temptations.
5. What irony is suggested through this comparison?
The peddler himself falls into the trap of greed when he steals the crofter's money.
Worksheet
Important lines and Explanation:
1. "The whole world about him was nothing but a big rattrap."
This is the central idea of the story. The peddler believes that the world traps people through
temptations such as money, power, and comfort. Just as a rat gets trapped by bait, people
become victims of their desires.
Theme: Temptation and Human Weakness
2. "It offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing."
The peddler describes the "baits" that attract people. These material comforts tempt
individuals and often lead them into difficulties when they become greedy.
Theme: Materialism and Greed
3. "The world had never been very kind to him."
This line explains the peddler's cynical outlook. His poverty, loneliness, and hardships have
made him distrust society and view life negatively.
Theme: Poverty and Alienation
4. "He had fallen into the trap himself."
After stealing the crofter's money and getting lost in the forest, the peddler realizes that he
has become a victim of his own philosophy. His greed has trapped him.
Theme: Self-Realization
5. "The forest closed in upon him like an impenetrable prison."
The forest symbolizes the guilt and fear that surround the peddler after the theft. It reflects
his mental and moral confusion.
Theme: Consequences of Wrong Actions
6. "This whole world is nothing but a big rattrap."
The peddler repeats his philosophy before the ironmaster. However, the story later proves
that kindness and compassion are stronger than cynicism.
Theme: Trust vs. Cynicism
7. "He was always generous with his confidence."
This refers to the crofter's trusting nature. His openness and hospitality highlight the
goodness that still exists in society.
Theme: Trust and Kindness
8. "She looked at him compassionately."
Edla sees the peddler as a human being rather than a criminal. Her compassion becomes
the turning point in his life.
Theme: Human Compassion
9. "You will be allowed to leave us as freely as you came."
Edla assures the peddler that he is free to go whenever he wishes. This removes his fear
and helps him trust her.
Theme: Respect and Dignity
10. "I want him to stay with us today."
Explanation: Even after learning the truth, Edla insists that the peddler remain as their guest.
Her faith in humanity leads to his transformation.
Theme: Forgiveness and Humanity
11. "He slept the whole day."
For the first time in years, the peddler experiences peace and security. The comfort offered
by Edla allows him to rest physically and mentally.
Theme: Inner Peace Through Kindness
12. "She had treated him as if he were a real captain."
The peddler is deeply moved because Edla treats him with dignity and respect. This
changes how he sees himself and encourages him to become a better person.
Theme: Power of Respect
13. "The rattrap is a Christmas present from a rat."
In his letter, the peddler humorously calls himself a rat. He admits his mistakes and
acknowledges that he has escaped the trap of greed.
Theme: Redemption
14. "A rat who would have been caught in this world's rattrap."
The peddler recognizes that without Edla's kindness, he would have remained trapped in
crime and dishonesty.
Theme: Transformation and Moral Growth
15. "In that way he got power to clear himself."
Explanation: The peddler explains that being treated as an honourable person gave him the
strength to become one. This is the story's most important message.
Theme: Redemption Through Kindness