THE RATTRAP

1. How does the character of the peddler evolve throughout ‘The Rattrap’ by Selma
Lagerlof?

Initially, the peddler is introduced as a deceitful and untrustworthy character, making a living
by selling rattraps and manipulating people for his gain. However, as the story progresses, his
encounter with the ironmaster's family changes him. He experiences genuine kindness and
hospitality, which leads him to reflect on his own life. By the end, he transforms from a
cynical rattrap seller into someone who values the warmth of human connection over material
gain.

2. What role does symbolism play in ‘The Rattrap’ by Selma Lagerlöf?

Symbolism is central to the narrative of ‘The Rattrap’. The rattrap itself symbolizes the
entrapment and disillusionment of life. Through the metaphor of the rattrap, Lagerlöf
explores themes of deception, poverty, and the universal desire for kindness and
companionship. Additionally, the Christmas festivities and the ironmaster's mansion
symbolize hope, generosity and the possibility of redemption for the peddler.

3. How does the theme of human nature unfold in ‘The Rattrap’ by Selma Lagerlof?

‘The Rattrap’ explores the complexities of human nature, highlighting both its capacity for
deception and inherent goodness. Through the character of the peddler, Lagerlöf examines
the transformative power of empathy and compassion. Despite his initial cynicism, the
peddler ultimately discovers the genuine kindness of the ironmaster's family, challenging his
preconceived notions about human nature and prompting him to reevaluate his own life
choices.

4. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

Throughout his life, the peddler had never known respect. He was always treated coldly by
the world. For the first time in his life, he was honoured and respected as if he were a captain.
Even after the truth was exposed, the daughter continued to treat him in a similar way. The
way he was treated encouraged him to behave like a captain. He signed the letter as Captain
von Stahle so as to underline the impact of Edla's goodness on him. He could transform
himself from a rat to the heroic status of a captain.

5. Do you think the title, ‘The Rattrap’ is appropriate? Give examples from the text in
support of your view.​

Selma Lagerlof gives a very apt and logical title to the story. The metaphor of the rattrap is
very effectively used. The whole world is nothing but a big rattrap. All riches, joys, food and
shelter are just baits. These baits make people restless, helpless and powerless. The moment
anyone touches the bait, the rattrap closes in on him. Then everything comes to an end.
The story revolves around the vagabond, who, though philosophises about the world being a
rattrap, falls into its trap. Though the crofter shows him kindness by offering him food and
shelter, he robs him. His greed for money makes him fall in the rattrap. Further, when the
ironmaster mistakes him to be an old friend, he does not correct him. He decides to cheat him
of his money. So even though the peddler tries hard not to fall into the rattrap or worldly
riches and materialistic benefits, he ultimately falls into one.

6. The story of ‘The Rattrap’ is an episode where a good deed or an act of kindness has
changed a person’s view of the world. Elucidate.​
​
The writer has highlighted a universal theme in this story. It is that we can arouse the
goodness in the life of a man by love, understanding, sympathy and respect. Once upon a
time, there was a man who went around selling self-made small rattraps of wire. His
condition was too miserable to beg and do petty thefts. He was in rags with sunken cheeks
and hungry eyes.​
One day, an idea flashed into his mind. He thought that the whole world around him was a
big rattrap. It offered riches, joys, food, shelter, clothing like a bait offering cheese

and pork in a rattrap for the rats. Those who were tempted to touch the bait, fell. It closed on
them bringing an end to everything. One dark evening, while staying at the crofter’s cottage,
he was given food and lodging. But the next morning, the tramp stole his thirty kronors. He
kept on walking the same path in the forest. On hearing the sound of hammer strokes, he
reached the iron mill and lay near the furnace.

The ironmaster mistook him to be his old acquaintance and invited him for Christmas cheer
but he refused. He sent his daughter Edla, who persuaded him to their house. After having
him well dressed, the ironmaster found that he mistook him as Captain ‘Nils Olof.’ So he
ordered him to get out at once. The young girl interceded for him and said that she wanted
him to stay as they promised him Christmas cheer. He was treated like a real captain with
food. In their absence, when they were at church, he left. In the church, they learnt that the
rattrap seller had robbed the old crofter. So they became worried.

When they returned, the valet told that he had taken nothing with him and had rather left
behind a Christmas gift for Miss Willmansson. She found a small rattrap, thirty kronors and a
letter in it. The letter stated that she had taken him as if he were a captain, so he would be
nice to her as a captain. It had given him power to cleanse himself.

7.

Ans-

March 15th 19xx

Friday. 8p.m.
Dear Diary,

Today, I feel like a new man. The weight of my past mistakes has finally lifted off my
shoulders. I can barely recognize the person I used to be - a petty thief, a rattrap peddler,
hated by the [Link] Edla's kindness changed everything. Her warmth, her generosity, her
unwavering faith in me - it all awakened something deep within me. I realized that I didn't
have to be defined by my past. I could start anew.

Now, I've been working hard on the farm, learning new skills, and earning an honest living.
It's not easy, but it's worth it. For the first time in my life, I feel a sense of purpose, of
belonging. I still think about my past, about the mistakes I made, about the people I hurt. But
I don't let it consume me. I've learned to forgive myself, to see that I was capable of change.

Edla saw something in me that I didn't even see in myself. She saw a spark of goodness, a
spark that I've been fanning into a flame ever since. I'll never be able to repay Edla for what
she's done for me. But I can try to live a life that honors her kindness, her generosity, and her
unwavering faith in me.

Today, I feel relieved. I can appreciate people and even help them.

Yours truly,

The Rattrap Peddler (no more)

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