Scribd
Upload
9 views2 pages

Themes and Characters in "The Rattrap"

The document discusses Selma Lagerlöf's short story 'The Rattrap,' which explores themes of temptation, redemption, and the transformative power of kindness. It highlights the character of a cynical peddler who, after receiving compassion from Edla, reforms and returns stolen money. The moral emphasizes that kindness can restore faith in humanity and encourage empathy.

Uploaded by

kalai mani
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
9 views2 pages

Themes and Characters in "The Rattrap"

The document discusses Selma Lagerlöf's short story 'The Rattrap,' which explores themes of temptation, redemption, and the transformative power of kindness. It highlights the character of a cynical peddler who, after receiving compassion from Edla, reforms and returns stolen money. The moral emphasizes that kindness can restore faith in humanity and encourage empathy.

Uploaded by

kalai mani
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Acknowledgement

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my teacher for guiding me in completing this project.
I also thank my parents and friends for their support and encouragement throughout the preparation
of this assignment.

About the Author

Selma Lagerlöf was a renowned Swedish author and the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in
Literature in 1909. Her works are known for blending realism with imagination and moral values.
“The Rattrap” is one of her most popular short stories, emphasizing human goodness and
redemption.

Theme

The central theme of “The Rattrap” is the idea that the world is like a rattrap, offering temptations in
the form of riches and pleasures. Another important theme is redemption, showing how kindness
and compassion can transform a person’s life.

Character Sketch

The Peddler: The peddler is a poor man who sells rattraps. He is cynical and believes that the world
is a trap meant to deceive people. However, he is not completely heartless, as shown by his
eventual transformation after receiving kindness from Edla.

Edla Willmansson: Edla is the ironmaster’s daughter. She is kind, compassionate, and
understanding. Her sympathy and generosity play a crucial role in changing the peddler’s outlook
on life.

About “The Rattrap”

“The Rattrap” is a short story that highlights moral values through a simple yet powerful narrative. It
shows how human beings often fall into traps of greed but can be redeemed through love and
kindness.

Summary

The story revolves around a poor peddler who sells rattraps and believes the world is a giant rattrap
filled with temptations. One day, he steals money from a crofter and later takes shelter in an iron
mill. The ironmaster mistakes him for an old friend and invites him home. Although the truth is
discovered, Edla persuades her father to allow the peddler to stay. Touched by her kindness, the
peddler reforms and leaves behind the stolen money with a letter of gratitude.

Moral of the Story

The moral of the story is that kindness and compassion can bring out the goodness in people. Even
a person who has lost faith in humanity can change when treated with respect and love.

Conclusion

“The Rattrap” teaches us that the world may appear cruel and deceptive, but human kindness has
the power to redeem and transform lives. The story encourages readers to believe in the goodness
of people and practice empathy in everyday life.

Bibliography

1. Selma Lagerlöf – “The Rattrap”


2. NCERT English Textbook
3. Reference notes from class

You might also like