CBSE Class XII – English Core
Advanced Revision Worksheet
The Rattrap-Selma Lalerloff
SECTION A: RECAP (MIND MAP)
Complete the concept map by filling in suitable words.
The Rattrap
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Characters: ________, ________, ________, ________
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Themes: ________, ________, ________, ________
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Symbols: ________, ________, ________
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Message: __________________________
SECTION B: HIGHER-ORDER MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS (1 × 6 = 6 Marks)
1. The peddler's philosophy of the world as a rattrap suggests that
a) people are naturally evil.
b) material desires often trap human beings.
c) wealth guarantees happiness.
d) poverty leads to wisdom.
2. The crofter's trust in the peddler primarily highlights
a) human greed.
b) loneliness and the need for companionship.
c) social inequality.
d) the importance of wealth.
3. Which of the following statements best explains the transformation of the
peddler?
a) Fear of punishment changed him.
b) Edla's kindness restored his faith in humanity.
c) The ironmaster forced him to reform.
d) Poverty made him honest.
4. Which social issue is indirectly highlighted in the story?
a) Environmental degradation
b) Unemployment and social alienation
c) Gender inequality
d) Political corruption
5. The title The Rattrap is symbolic because it represents
a) the peddler's profession.
b) the trap laid by society.
c) the temptations that ensnare people.
d) the poverty of rural Sweden.
6. Which statement best describes Edla's character?
a) Compassionate and empathetic
b) Proud and arrogant
c) Materialistic and selfish
d) Careless and impulsive
SECTION C: ASSERTION–REASON QUESTIONS (1 × 4 = 4 Marks)
Choose the correct option.
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.
1. Assertion: The peddler compares the world to a rattrap.
Reason: He believes that worldly temptations trap human beings.
2. Assertion: The ironmaster invited the peddler home.
Reason: He genuinely recognized him as Captain von Stahle.
3. Assertion: The crofter trusted the peddler completely.
Reason: Loneliness made the crofter eager for companionship.
4. Assertion: Edla allowed the peddler to stay despite knowing the truth.
Reason: She believed that everyone deserves dignity and respect.
SECTION D: REFERENCE TO CONTEXT (3 × 4 = 12 Marks)
Extract 1
"The world, with its lands and seas, its cities and villages, was nothing but a big
rattrap."
Questions
a) Identify the literary device used in the extract.
b) What do the "baits" symbolize?
c) How does this philosophy apply to modern society?
d) Explain the significance of the image of the rattrap.
Extract 2
"He had naturally been thinking of his rattraps when suddenly he was struck by the
idea that the whole world was nothing but a big rattrap."
Questions
a) What inspired the peddler's philosophy?
b) What does this reveal about his state of mind?
c) Explain the irony in the statement.
d) How does the philosophy influence the events of the story?
Extract 3
"He isn't lifting a finger to get me caught. He's running away as if he were afraid."
Questions
a) Who speaks these words and about whom?
b) What does this reveal about the speaker?
c) Explain the irony in the situation.
d) How does this incident affect the peddler?
SECTION E: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (40–50 words) (2 × 4 = 8 Marks)
[Link] peddler is both a victim and a victimizer. Explain.
2. How does Selma Lagerlöf use the setting of the forest to symbolize the peddler's
psychological state?
3. What role does loneliness play in shaping the actions of the crofter and the
peddler?
4. How does Edla emerge as the moral centre of the story?
SECTION F: LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 × 2 = 10 Marks)
1. "Compassion has the power to transform human beings." Critically examine the
statement with reference to The Rattrap.
Value Points
Edla's empathy and kindness.
Restoration of the peddler's self-respect.
Moral transformation.
Redemption and forgiveness.
Human values triumph over greed.
2. Discuss the symbolic significance of the title The Rattrap and explain how the
story remains relevant in today's consumerist society.
Value Points
Symbolism of the rattrap.
Temptations as bait.
Materialism in modern society.
Human greed and ambition.
Moral lessons of the story.
SECTION G: LITERARY DEVICES
Literary Device Example Effect
Metaphor "The world is a rattrap." Compares life to a trap
Symbolism The rattrap Temptation and greed
Irony The peddler gets Highlights moral conflict
trapped
Imagery Forest and ironworks Creates atmosphere
Contrast Edla and the peddler Emphasizes transformation
SECTION H: CASE-BASED QUESTION (4 Marks)
Read the following case carefully.
A businessman manipulates financial records to earn quick profits. However, after
receiving unexpected support and kindness from his employees during a difficult
period, he decides to confess his mistakes and rebuild his life honestly.
Questions
1. Which theme of The Rattrap does the case reflect?
2. How is the businessman similar to the peddler?
3. What role does compassion play in changing human behaviour?
4. Suggest another way in which society can help reform individuals.
SECTION I: THINK BEYOND THE TEXT
1. Is poverty a sufficient reason to justify theft? Give reasons.
2. If you were Edla, would you forgive the peddler? Explain.
3. Do you agree that modern social media acts as a "rattrap"? Justify your
answer.
4. How can kindness transform lives in contemporary society?
MUST-REMEMBER POINTS
✓ Central Idea: Compassion leads to transformation.
✓ Major Theme: Redemption through human kindness.
✓ Key Symbol: The rattrap symbolizes worldly temptations.
✓ Most Important Character: Edla Willmansson.
✓ Most Important Literary Device: Metaphor.
✓ Most Important Message: Every human being deserves dignity and a second
chance.