THE RATTRAP – SELMA LAGERLÖF

WORKSHEET

A. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Answer in 40–50 words.

Q1. In what sense was the world a big rattrap according to the peddler?

Q2. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?

Q3. Why did the peddler keep to the woods after leaving the crofter’s cottage? How did he feel?

Q4. Why did the peddler decline the invitation of the ironmaster?

Q5. Why did Edla plead with her father not to send the vagabond away?

Q6. What conclusion did the ironmaster reach when he heard that the crofter had been robbed by the
peddler?

Q7. What made the peddler finally change his ways?

Q8. What was the content of the letter written by the peddler to Edla?

B. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q1. How did the peddler feel after robbing the crofter? What course did he adopt
and how did he react to the new situation? What does his reaction reveal?

Answer:
The peddler initially felt pleased with himself after robbing the crofter, despite the latter having treated
him with warmth and hospitality. However, the fear of being caught soon replaced his satisfaction. He
avoided the public highway and entered the woods to escape recognition. Unfortunately, the forest was
large and confusing, and he soon lost his way. As darkness approached, he became exhausted and
desperate. At this point, he recalled his idea that the world was a rattrap. He realised that he had
himself been caught in the trap, with the stolen money acting as the bait. His reaction reveals that he
possessed a conscience despite his dishonest ways. His fear, helplessness and growing sense of guilt
show that he was capable of self-reflection and remorse. This experience prepared the ground for his
eventual transformation.

1
Q2. The story, The Rattrap’ is both entertaining and philosophical. Do you agree
with this statement? Why/Why not?

Answer:
Yes, The Rattrap is both entertaining and philosophical. The story is entertaining because of its unusual
plot, vivid characters, suspense and unexpected situations. The peddler’s encounters with the crofter,
ironmaster and Edla keep the narrative engaging. The ironmaster’s mistaken identity, the peddler’s fear
of discovery and the final revelation through his Christmas gift create interest and suspense.

At the same time, the story presents a deep philosophical idea through the metaphor of the rattrap. The
peddler believes that the world offers people various temptations—wealth, food, shelter and comfort—
which act as bait. His own experience proves this when he becomes trapped after stealing the crofter’s
money. Yet the story also suggests that human beings are capable of escaping such traps. Edla’s
kindness and trust awaken the peddler’s goodness and bring about his transformation. Thus, the story
combines entertainment with a meaningful reflection on temptation, compassion and redemption.

Q3. The story focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
Explain.

Answer:
Human loneliness and the need for companionship run throughout The Rattrap. The peddler leads an
isolated life and is constantly rejected by society. His bitterness towards the world is partly a result of
this loneliness. The crofter is also lonely, living by himself without a wife or children. He therefore
welcomes the peddler warmly and enjoys having someone to talk to.

The ironmaster and Edla too experience loneliness, especially during Christmas. The ironmaster’s wife is
dead and his sons are away, leaving him and Edla without close family company. The desire for
companionship influences their decision to invite the peddler home. Most significantly, Edla’s bond with
the peddler becomes transformative. Her compassion, trust and respectful treatment give him a sense
of dignity. This human connection awakens his goodness and motivates him to reform himself. Thus,
the story shows that genuine companionship can overcome loneliness and even transform a person.

Q4. Give examples from the story, The Rattrap’ to show how the ironmaster is
different from his daughter.

Answer:
The ironmaster and his daughter Edla differ greatly in their attitudes and understanding of the peddler.
The ironmaster is impulsive and quick to judge. He invites the peddler home because he mistakes him
for an old regimental comrade. When he discovers the truth, he becomes angry and threatens to call
the Sheriff. He is also concerned about the safety of his own possessions.

Edla, on the other hand, is compassionate, observant and considerate. She senses that the peddler may
have done something wrong, yet she does not treat him harshly. Even after discovering that he is not a
captain, she continues to treat him with dignity. She insists that he stay for Christmas because she
believes that he deserves kindness and human warmth. Her generosity ultimately transforms him.
Thus, while the ironmaster responds with suspicion and anger, Edla responds with empathy and
understanding, bringing out the peddler’s essential goodness.