Project on The Rattrap

By Selma Lagerlöf

1. Introduction

Literature often teaches us lessons about life in ways that

textbooks cannot. Selma Lagerlöf’s story The Rattrap is one

such literary gem that touches upon universal human

emotions, flaws, and possibilities for change.

This story has been included in the Class 12 English Core

syllabus because it resonates with students and readers by

showing that every human being, no matter how lost or

flawed, has the potential to change when shown kindness

and compassion.

The story is not just about a poor peddler who sells rattraps.

It is about the metaphor of life itself being a “rattrap” in which

materialistic desires, greed, and temptations act as bait. It

emphasizes how easily people can get caught in this trap,

but it also proves that redemption is possible if people are

treated with dignity and empathy.

Through its simple storyline, symbolic title, and powerful

character portrayals, The Rattrap teaches values of trust,

compassion, and forgiveness.

2. About the Author – Selma Lagerlöf

Selma Lagerlöf (1858–1940) was a Swedish author and the

first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature (1909). She

was a schoolteacher before becoming a full-time writer. Her

works are noted for their moral strength, imaginative quality,

and strong humanitarian values.

 Birthplace: Värmland, Sweden

  Writing Style: Rich use of symbolism, folklore, realism

combined with imagination.

 Famous Works: Gösta Berling’s Saga, The Wonderful

Adventures of Nils.

 Awards: Nobel Prize in Literature, and she was also

the first female member of the Swedish Academy.

Selma Lagerlöf’s humanitarian vision shines through in The

Rattrap. Her belief that love and kindness are stronger than

punishment is reflected in the way the vagabond is

transformed by Edla’s compassion.

3. About the Story

The Rattrap is a short story with a simple yet profound plot. It

narrates the journey of a poor vagabond who makes and

sells rattraps for survival. Lonely, poor, and frustrated, he

develops a philosophy that the whole world is nothing but a

rattrap designed to trap human beings with its riches and

comforts.

The story follows how he himself falls into this metaphorical

trap after stealing from a crofter. However, by the end,

through the kindness of Edla Willmansson, the daughter of

an ironmaster, he undergoes a remarkable transformation

and redeems himself.

Thus, the story blends realism, symbolism, irony, and

moral teaching to convey a universal truth: compassion has

the power to change even the most hardened hearts.

4. Detailed Summary

(a) The Peddler and His Philosophy

The protagonist is a poor man who sells rattraps made of

wire. He lives in extreme poverty and resorts to petty theft to

survive. Being constantly rejected by society makes him

cynical. He believes that the whole world is nothing but a

giant rattrap where riches and comforts are bait that

ultimately trap people.

(b) The Crofter’s Kindness

One winter evening, he seeks shelter at the house of a

lonely crofter. The crofter treats him kindly, offering him food,

shelter, and conversation. He even proudly shows him the

thirty kronor he earned from his work.

However, the next day, the peddler steals the money and

flees, proving how easily human beings fall prey to

temptation.

(c) Lost in the Forest

After stealing, the peddler feels trapped in the metaphorical

rattrap of his own philosophy. The forest appears endless,

and he wanders helplessly, realizing how difficult it is to

escape once caught.

(d) The Ironmaster’s Invitation

He eventually finds himself at the forge of an ironworks. The

ironmaster mistakes him for his old acquaintance, Captain

von Stahle. He invites him home for Christmas, but the

peddler refuses.

Later, the ironmaster’s daughter, Edla Willmansson,

approaches him with kindness and respect. She persuades

him to come home, treating him with warmth and dignity.

(e) Transformation Through Edla’s Kindness

At the ironmaster’s house, the truth about the peddler’s

identity is revealed. The ironmaster becomes angry, but Edla

convinces her father to let him stay for Christmas. She treats

the peddler like a true guest, offering him clothes, food, and

warmth.

This treatment touches the peddler deeply. He realizes that

he is being trusted and respected for the first time.

(f) The Christmas Gift

On Christmas morning, the peddler leaves behind a small

rattrap as a gift for Edla. Inside it, he places the stolen thirty

kronor and a note addressed to her. He writes that she

saved him from falling into the rattrap of dishonesty and

gave him a chance to redeem himself. He signs it as

“Captain von Stahle,” signifying his rebirth into a man of

dignity.

5. Themes in the Story

1. The World as a Rattrap: Symbolic representation of

temptations that trap human beings.

2. Kindness and Compassion: The story emphasizes

that compassion can reform even the most broken

souls.
 3. Human Dignity: Respect and trust restore a person’s

lost sense of self-worth.

4. Redemption: Everyone deserves a second chance to

prove their humanity.

5. Irony of Life: A thief becomes a true “captain” because

of kindness.

6. Character Sketches

 The Peddler (Vagabond): Poor, cynical, often a thief,

but not beyond redemption. His transformation is the

core of the story.

 The Crofter: Simple, lonely, kind-hearted, but too

trusting. He represents generosity betrayed.

 The Ironmaster: Practical, authoritative, and

judgmental. He values appearances more than

compassion.
  Edla Willmansson: The true heroine. She is kind,

empathetic, and wise. She represents humanity at its

best.

7. Symbolism

 Rattrap: Represents the world full of temptations.

 Thirty Kronor: Symbol of material temptation.

 Christmas: Symbol of love, generosity, and renewal.

 Captain von Stahle: Represents the dignity every

human being has within them.

8. Use of Irony

 The peddler, who mocks the world as a rattrap, himself

gets caught in its trap.

 A thief is mistaken for a captain.

  Instead of being punished, he is honored with kindness,

which truly transforms him.

9. Moral Lessons

1. Greed and temptation are traps that lead to misery.

2. Compassion can awaken the good in every human

being.

3. Everyone deserves a second chance in life.

4. True dignity comes from humanity, not wealth or

position.

10. Critical Appreciation

Selma Lagerlöf writes in a simple, realistic, and symbolic

style. Her choice of everyday characters—a poor peddler, a

lonely crofter, an ironmaster, and his daughter—makes the

story relatable.
Her use of symbolism (rattrap, Christmas, captain) elevates

the story beyond realism, turning it into a moral parable.

The story is timeless because its message of compassion,

redemption, and human dignity remains relevant even today.

11. Personal Reflection

Reading The Rattrap makes us reflect on our own lives. At

some point, we too get caught in the rattraps of greed,

jealousy, or pride. The story reminds us that with

compassion and empathy, we can overcome these traps.

Edla’s character in particular inspires us to treat others with

kindness, no matter how flawed they may seem. Her trust

and compassion not only save the peddler but also restore

faith in humanity.
12. Conclusion

The Rattrap is a beautiful story that combines simplicity with

depth. It proves that no human being is irredeemable and

that one act of kindness can change the course of

someone’s life.

Through the journey of a vagabond thief who becomes

“Captain von Stahle,” Selma Lagerlöf teaches us one of the

most important lessons of life: Compassion and empathy

are stronger than punishment or judgment.