The Rattrap Project
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sandeep.09092008sharmaThe Rattrap Project
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sandeep.09092008sharmaProject Work: The Rattrap – Flamingo
**Chapter:** The Rattrap
**Author:** Selma Lagerlöf
**Book:** Flamingo (Class 12 CBSE)
1. Summary (in Simple English)
This story is about a poor man who makes rattraps and sells them. He is lonely, hungry, and
believes the world is like a big rattrap — it offers people riches and joy to trap them, but
once they are caught, they suffer.
One day, the man steals 30 kronor from a kind old crofter who gave him food and shelter.
Feeling scared and guilty, he gets lost in the forest. He realizes that he is now trapped in his
own rattrap theory.
Then, he is welcomed warmly by a kind ironmaster and his daughter Edla. Edla treats him
kindly and trusts him, even when they discover he is not a real captain. Her kindness melts
his heart. On Christmas morning, he leaves the house, returning the stolen money with a
note and a small gift — a rattrap.
2. Character Sketches
The Rattrap Seller (Peddler)
- Poor and homeless
- Sells rattraps for a living
- At first, he is a thief (steals from the crofter)
- Later, he changes due to kindness
- Symbol of how love and care can reform a person
The Crofter
- Old, lonely, and kind
- Welcomes the peddler and shares food and secrets
- Trusting (shows his money)
- Becomes a victim of theft
The Ironmaster
- Owner of the iron mill
- Thinks the peddler is his old friend, a captain
- Wants to help him out of pride
- Later gets angry when he finds the truth
Edla Willmansson (Ironmaster’s Daughter)
- Gentle, kind, and understanding
- Treats the peddler with respect and warmth
- Convinces her father to let him stay
- Her kindness changes the peddler’s heart
3. Important Questions and Answers (for Viva)
Q: What is the main message of the story “The Rattrap”?
A: The story teaches us that kindness, love, and understanding can bring a big change in
people’s lives. Everyone deserves a second chance.
Q: Why did the peddler compare the world to a rattrap?
A: He believed that the world tempts people with riches and pleasures, like a rattrap tempts
rats with cheese. Once people are attracted, they are trapped in problems.
Q: Why did the peddler return the stolen money?
A: He felt ashamed after experiencing kindness from Edla. Her good behavior made him
want to become a better person.
Q: How did Edla help in changing the peddler’s life?
A: She showed trust and treated him with dignity. Her warmth made him realize that he
could also live an honest life.
Q: What did the peddler leave behind before going?
A: He left a rattrap, the stolen 30 kronor, and a note saying he was touched by her kindness.
4. Theme and Moral of the Story
- Theme: Human nature, redemption, kindness, and the power of love.
- Moral: Even the worst person can change if treated with respect and care.
5. Difficult Words and Their Meanings
Word Meaning
Peddler A person who sells things while travelling
Crofter A poor farmer
Kronor Currency used in Sweden
Forge A place where metal is heated and shaped
Compassion Sympathy and kindness
Redemption Becoming a better person after doing
something wrong
Bonus: Viva Tip
If your teacher asks what you liked most about the story, say:
"I liked how the story shows that one small act of kindness can change someone's whole life.
Edla didn’t judge the man and that made him feel valued."