Lesson 4 (Prose)

The Rattrap
Selma Lagerlof

I. Answer the following questions

Q1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?

Ans: The peddler had been thinking of his rattraps when suddenly he was struck
by the idea that the whole world was nothing but a big rattrap. It existed only to set
baits for people. It offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing in
the same manner as the rattrap offered cheese and pork. As soon as someone let
himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed in on him, and then everything came
to an end.

Q2. Why was he amused by this idea?

Ans: His own life was sad and monotonous. He walked laboriously from place to
place. The world had never been kind to him. So, during his gloomy ploddings, this
idea became his favourite pastime. He was amused how people let themselves be
caught in the dangerous snare and how others were still circling around the bait.

Q3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?

Ans: The crofter served him porridge for supper and tobacco for his pipe. He also
played a game of cards with him till bed time. This hospitality was unexpected as
people usually made sour faces when the peddler asked for shelter.

Q4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?

Ans: The crofter’s circumstances and temperament made him so talkative and
friendly with the peddler. Since he had no wife or child, he was happy to get
someone to talk to in his loneliness. Secondly, he was quite generous with his
confidences.

Q5. Why did he show the thirty kronor to the peddler?

Ans: The crofter had told the peddler that by supplying his cow’s milk to the
creamery, he had received thirty kronor in payment. The peddler seemed to doubt
it. So, in order to assure his guest of the truth he showed the thirty kronor to the
peddler.

Q6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?
Ans: No, the peddler did not respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter.
At the very first opportunity that he got, he smashed the window pane, took out the
money and hung the leather pouch back in its place. Then he went away.

Q7. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?

Ans: The peddler realised that he must not walk on the public highway with the
stolen money in his pocket. He went into the woods. He kept walking without
coming to the end of the wood. Then he realised that he had fallen in the rattrap.
He had let himself befooled by a bait and had been caught in.

Q8. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

Ans: The ironmaster walked closely up to the peddler. In the uncertain reflection
from the furnace, he mistook the man as his old regimental comrade, Captain Von
Stahle. He addressed the stranger as Nils Olof, spoke very kindly and invited him
home.

Q9. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?

Ans: The peddler knew that the ironmaster had mistaken him for his old regimental
comrade. Secondly, he had stolen money—thirty kronor—on him. Going to the
ironmaster’s residence would be like entering the lion’s den. So, he declined the
invitation.

Q10. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?

Ans: Next morning, the stranger was cleaned and well-dressed. The valet had
bathed him, cut his hair and shaved him. He was led to the dining room for
breakfast. The ironmaster saw him in broad daylight. It was impossible to mistake
him for an old acquaintance now. Then the ironmaster realised his mistake and
threatened to call the Sheriff.

Q11. How did the peddler defend himself against not having revealed his true
identity?

Ans: The peddler explained that he had not tried to pretend as his acquaintance.
He was not at fault. All along he had maintained that he was a poor trader. He had
pleaded and begged to be allowed to stay in the forge. No harm had been done by
his stay. He was willing to put on his rags again and go away.

LONG ANSWER TYPE

Q1. The story is both entertaining and philosophical. Discuss.

Ans: The story entertains us by providing glimpses into human nature and how
people react to various situations. The actions of the peddler after stealing thirty
kronor are quite amusing. The reactions of the blacksmiths to the tramp’s request
for shelter show how casual and indifferent human beings can be.

The U-turn in the ironmaster’s attitude towards the stranger reveal how selfish and
ignorant human beings can be. Mistaking the vagabond for his old regimental
comrade, whom he thinks he has run across unexpectedly, he asks the stranger
to accompany him home and spend Christmas with them. When the stranger
refuses to go with him, the ironmaster sends his daughter. With her better
persuasive power she makes him follow her.

The ironmaster is annoyed on seeing the stranger in broad daylight. But instead of
realising his own mistake, he puts the blame on the man. He talks of handing him
over to the sheriff. The metaphor of the world being a rattrap saves the situation
for the tramp, but the ironmaster wants to turn him out. His daughter’s comments
are quite entertaining and philosophical. She wants the tramp to enjoy a day of
peace. Secondly, she does not want to chase away a person whom they had
invited home and had promised Christmas cheer.

Q.2 Discuss the ending of the story. How does it provide resolution to the central
conflict, and what does it suggest about the potential for change and redemption
in people?

The ending of The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlöf provides a heartwarming and

Resolution of the Central Conflict:

The central conflict in the story is internal, centered on the peddler’s cynicism and
distrust of the world. He is a man who has lived a life of theft and deceit, believing
that everyone is trapped in life’s temptations just like rats in a rattrap. However, his
experience at the ironmaster's manor, especially through the kindness of Edla
Willmansson, brings about a significant change in him.

Edla treats the peddler with respect and compassion, despite knowing that he
could be an imposter. Her genuine kindness strikes a deep chord in the peddler.
He realizes that not everyone is out to trap or harm him. This moment of human
warmth and empathy allows him to confront his own flawed thinking.

At the end of the story, when Edla receives a letter from the peddler, he
acknowledges his misdeeds and expresses his gratitude. The letter includes a
small gesture of his reformation: he leaves behind the stolen money, along with the
message that Edla’s kindness had helped him escape the metaphorical "rattrap"
of life. This act of returning the stolen money resolves his internal conflict,
symbolizing his transformation and the breaking of the cycle of deceit he had lived
in.
Themes of Change and Redemption:

The story strongly suggests that people have the potential for change and
redemption, no matter how lost or cynical they might be. The peddler’s redemption
is sparked not by punishment or reprimand, but by kindness and trust. Edla’s ability
to see the human being beyond the petty criminal and to treat him with dignity
becomes the catalyst for his transformation.

Through this, Lagerlöf emphasizes the power of empathy and compassion to bring
about moral regeneration. The peddler’s change from a hardened cynic to a man
capable of honesty and gratitude highlights the idea that even the most flawed
individuals can find redemption when shown understanding and forgiveness.

In conclusion, the ending of The Rattrap offers a hopeful view of human nature,
demonstrating that with compassion and trust, even those who seem irredeemable
can change for the better.