Certificate of Completion for

English Investigatory Project

In accordance with the requirements
set forth by the Central Board of
Secondary Education, New Delhi,
for Class XII, this certificate
confirms that our investigatory
project for English has been
successfully completed. The project
was conducted at the English
Laboratory of this school during the
academic year 2023-24.

Internal Examiner
Mrs. C. Geetha
[PGT ENGLISH]
Purpose Of The Project
The purpose of this play is to spread the inspiring
message that we learnt from the lesson THE RATTRAP.
We completely understand the moral lesson behind "The
Rat Trap". It's a powerful reminder that we all
struggle with personal traps and limitations, and
sometimes our negative beliefs can prevent us from seeing
the kindness and generosity of others. The story teaches
us that by opening ourselves up to the possibility of
change and embracing empathy and understanding, we
can break free from our self-imposed traps. It reminds
us that even when we make mistakes, we can still find
redemption and transform our lives. The importance of
second chances and personal growth is beautifully
emphasized through the peddler's decision to return the
stolen money, demonstrating his newfound understanding
of the value of honesty and integrity. Overall, the story
encourages us to challenge our own perceptions and
embrace the power of human connection to find the
goodness within ourselves and others.
Across time's vast expanse, Selma
Lagerlof's name glimmers like a star,
illuminating the world with her
tales of wonder and grace. Her
words, woven into tapestries of
beauty, have traversed the
boundaries of language, uniting
souls in her realm of enchantment.
Within the confines of this tale, she
beckons us to the iron ore mines of
Sweden, a place where the echoes of
history and legend intertwine. Like
a wisp of fairy dust, her narrative
carries us to a realm of storytelling,
where the magic of empathy and
love unlocks the inherent goodness
within every soul.
SELMA
L AGERLOF
CHRACTERISTIC SKETCH OF ROLE IN THIS PLAY

THE PEDDLER
The itinerant peddler was a highly imaginative
individual who lived a nomadic lifestyle. Donning
rags and sporting sunken cheeks, he roamed
the town selling self-made, wire rattraps. The
wire, which he obtained through means of
begging or purloining, served as the primary
material for his trade. Despite his human
frailties, including the occasional need to beg or
steal to secure his basic needs, he remained
resolute in his quest to survive. During the day,
he sought refuge wherever he could find it. The
peddler's worldview posited the universe as a
giant rat trap, with bait in the form of wealth,
happiness, food, clothing, and shelter. He
believed that these aspects of life were mere
traps that ensnared those who reached for
them. The rat trap, he maintained, would snap
shut on anyone who touched the bait.
CHRACTERISTIC SKETCH OF ROLE IN THIS PLAY

THE CROFTER
The elderly crofter residing in a solitary manner,
few miles away from the Ramsjö Ironworks.
Despite the isolation, the old man exudes
kindness and amicability. When a peddler
approaches the old man, seeking lodgings for the
night, he is welcomed with open arms and
provided with food, tobacco, and companionship.
During their interaction, the peddler becomes
aware of the fact that the old man's income
stems solely from the milk procured from his
"extraordinary" cow. However, the peddler's
gratitude is short-lived as he proceeds to pilfer
thirty kronor from the old man, post being shown
the latter's stash. This act of treachery and
betrayal leaves the old man disheartened and
disillusioned. The incident serves as a cautionary
tale, emphasizing the importance of not exploiting
someone's benevolence and confidence.
CHRACTERISTIC SKETCH OF ROLE IN THIS PLAY

IRON MASTER
The proprietor of Ramsjo Ironworks, the
Ironmaster, extended a generous
welcome to a street vendor whom he
mistook for an old acquaintance from his
army days. However, his tendency to draw
erroneous conclusions about individuals
became evident when he realized his
mistake. Despite this, the Ironmaster
remained kind and hospitable towards the
stranger, offering him food and shelter.
The Ironmaster's daughter was
instrumental in convincing him to allow
the stranger to stay for the Christmas
festivities. A caring and loving father, the
Ironmaster was capable of viewing
situations from his daughter's perspective.
CHRACTERISTIC SKETCH OF ROLE IN THIS PLAY

EDLA
WILLMANSON
Edla, the daughter of the ironmaster, is
portrayed as a person devoid of physical beauty,
but possessing humility and extreme shyness.
Despite the revelation that the peddler is not
Captain von Stahle, Edla exhibits immense
kindness by inviting him to her house and
persuading her father to allow him to stay for
Christmas Eve. Furthermore, Edla displays
greater intelligence and perceptiveness than her
father, as evidenced by her ability to
immediately recognize the peddler's fear and
the probability of his involvement in a crime. She
stands out as the most commendable character
in the story, and her acts of kindness and
benevolence succeed in transforming the
peddler's heart.
CHRACTERISTIC SKETCH OF ROLE IN THIS PLAY

MASTER
BLACKSMITH
The Ramsjö Ironworks boasts the presence
of a master blacksmith who diligently
devotes his time to the forge. Despite his
introverted nature, he remains a vigilant
observer of his surroundings, having
witnessed numerous events throughout his
life. He is known for his amiable character
and benevolent attitude, often providing
shelter to peddlers seeking refuge from the
elements beside the furnace. His extensive
knowledge of the ironworks is a testament
to his expertise in the field, and he
possesses an exceptional comprehension
of the owner and their practices.
THE NARRATOR:The peddler is a homeless person
wandering around with dirty, ragged clothing and
sunken eyes in search of food. It's difficult to
imagine such a sad and monotonous reality.
The peddler uses small wires obtained through
begging at stores or farms to create and sell rat
traps. However, due to the lack of profitability and
to keep his body and soul together, he has resorted
to stealing instead of simply begging for money.
His weird thoughts are that the entire world was a
rattrap and that individuals would become trapped
by the offerings of wealth, joy, shelter, food, and
comfort provided by the world. Thinking about
those are his pastimes
. One evening, walking exhaustedly, he noticed a
grey cottage and asked for shelter.
 THE PEDDLER: (knocking on the door) Hi
there, I'm exhausted. Is it possible for me to spend
the night here, please?

THE NARRATOR:The crofter was quite old and

living his life with loneliness. He was generous with
his confidence.

THE CROFTER: (with a warm smiling face) Yeah!

Of course.
(The peddler entered the cot and relaxed him on
a chair.)
Let me prepare the porridge pot and bring some
rolls of tobacco and cards to play Mjolis.

(As they enjoy playing cards, a conversation

commences between them.)
 THE CROFTER: I was a worker at the Ramsjö
Ironworks. But now I am selling milk. (With great
excitement) You know, I earned thirty kronor last
month, and I have saved them in my pouch. (With a
dissatisfaction) Don't you believe me (taking the bag
from the hanger right by the window) see how
much money I have?

(The vagabond was surprised and shocked by the

act of the crofter.)

THE PEDDLER: (Satirically) Yeah! I agree that

you are a royal person.

THE CROFTER: (laughing) Yes! Yes!

(They slept after a brief introduction about each

other.)
 THE NARRATOR: At dawn, the crofter fetched
milk while the rattrap seller continued his journey.
Later, the seller returned, broke the window, and
stole the money. With pride and fear, he ran from
there and reached a forest. There, he was lost and
finally understood that he had fallen into a rattrap
where money was an offering to betray him. From
one corner of the forest, He heard hammer strokes.

THE PEDDLER: (exhaustedly) Yes, at last, I found

a place to spend tonight. I think that could be an
Ironmill.

THE NARRATOR: It was Ramsjö Ironworks. It was

an enormous plant with smelting, rolling, and forging
areas. It was a bustling place with a Master
blacksmith and his workers busy at their tasks.
 THE PEDDLER: (with a doubtful mind)
Sir, can I please stay here for one night?

THE MASTER BLACKSMITH: It's usual.

GO! GO!

THE PEDDLER: (trying to fall on his feet)

Thank you!
(Reached the furnace)
(with his last legs) I think I can relax here
without any fear.

THE NARRATOR: The Iron Master visited

the iron mills frequently, showing his
ambition to export iron to the market. He
was also a known regimental comrade.
 THE NARRATOR: As the Iron Master was
observing the mill, Master caught sight of the
tall ragamuffin napping near the furnace with a
cap covering their face. Curious, he approached
him for a closer look.

THE IRON MASTER: (surprisingly) Ahe you,

Mr.Nils Olof. How are you, man? It had been
many days since we had met. What happened to
you, my dear? Why are you so weak? That's why
I warned you not to resign from the regiment.

THE NARRATOR:The seller of rattraps was

unaware of his surroundings but recognized Mr.
Nils as an old acquaintance of the Iron Master.
He refrained from revealing the truth to the Iron
Master since he thought that befriending him
could earn him some kronor.
 THE PEDDLER: Yeah, but it's my bad luck.

THE IRON MASTER: It's ok. It happens. Don't

worry. Come with me to my manor house. You
can have a good time with us this Christmas
Eve.

THE PEDDLER: (murmuring within his lips)

No, I should refuse this because he says that he
was a comrade and I stole money from the
crofter. I will be detected.

THE IRON MASTER: Why such deep thinking,

my friend? Come with me. Don't feel
embarrassed. There is no one at my home. Come
with me. You can spend your day with me and
my daughter.
 THE PEDDLER: Oh dear, thank you for
your invitation. Sorry, I don't want to come. Please
don't force me.

THE IRON MASTER: (With deep thinking)

Fine, Stjernström. I think Captain Von Stahle wants
to stay here. I will see you soon, bye.

THE MASTER BLACKSMITH: (With a

laugh) I understood that Master. (murmuring) I
know that Master will surely take him home.

THE NARRATOR: Half an hour later, a

carriage came to pick up the rattrap seller. But
this time, Iron Master's daughter came to take him
home. She was not pretty but was quiet and shy.
 EDLA WILLMANSSON: Uncle, where is the
Captain?

THE MASTER BLACKSMITH: Edla, look

there.

EDLA WILLMANSSON: (Looking at the

rattrap seller) I don't think he is a Captain. He
looks suspicious. I think he might have stolen
something or would have escaped from jail.

EDLA WILLMANSSON: (Looking

compassionately) Dear Captain, I am Edla. I kindly
request that you consider spending Christmas Eve
with us, as it would mean a lot to my family and
me. Of course, we understand and respect your
decision to leave at any time that suits you best.
 THE NARRATOR: Edla's friendly act gave
the rattrap seller the confidence to go to their
house.

THE PEDDLER: Ok, dear.

EDLA WILLMANSSON:Have this coat,

Captain.

THE PEDDLER: Thank you, dear.

THE NARRATOR: They were on their way

to the Iron Master's house.

THE PEDDLER: (Worryingly) Oh! Why did

I steal his money? Now, I am trapped.
 EDLA WILLMANSSON:(at their home)
Welcome home, Captain. Have a good sleep, Sir.
See you tomorrow.

(At the dinning)

THE IRON MASTER: Dear, is everything

ready? Can I call my friend for breakfast? We
should make him healthy. How bad he is, we
should make him fleshy.

EDLA WILLMANSSON:Dad, there is

something suspicious about him. I don't think
that he is a comrade.

THE IRON MASTER:He is recovering from

a bad state. Be patient and give him space.
You'll see the change when he is clean.
 (After the valet bathed him, cut his hair and
shaved him, he was pretty clean.)

THE PEDDLER: This is your suit, my friend.

THE IRON MASTER: (Purkered his brow)

Who are you? You are not my friend. (Holding his
collar) You cheat. Get out of here, or else I will
call the police.

THE PEDDLER: (Pushing him away) You know

what? It wasn't my fault! I never told you that I
was your friend or to invite me, did I? In fact, I
begged you to leave me at the forge!

THE IRON MASTER:(Hesitatingly) Move out

of here.
 (The peddler was about to leave.)

EDLA WILLMANSSON: sorry, Dad. We

invited him to spend Christmas Eve with us. It
wouldn't be right to leave him out now. We should
let him have a special day with us.

THE IRON MASTER: Consider your decision

carefully to avoid regrets. Take a moment to think
things through before you act.

(Edla took the rattrap seller by hand to the

dining table and served him delicious food.)

THE NARRATOR: The rattrap seller didn't

trouble Christmas Eve. He did nothing else than
sleep and eat.
 (Evening, the Christmas tree was lit. They woke
him up.)

EDLA WILLMANSSON: Have your dinner,

dear.
(After the supper)
Have this (gave her father's coat) as your
Christmas gift. Thank you, Sir. Good Night.

THE NARRATOR: The rattrap seller was left

amazed by Edla's actions. Edla and her father
attended church the following morning, where
there seemed to be some commotion. The rattrap
seller was left undisturbed.

THE IRON MASTER: What happened?

 CROWD OVER THERE:There is a rattrap
seller roaming in our village. He robbed the
crofter's house.

EDLA WILLMANSSON: (dejectedly) Oh

god! What had he done?

THE IRON MASTER: I'm worried about him

being alone at home. What if something happens to
my silver spoons? Edla, we need to hurry back.

(They reached their home.)

THE IRON MASTER: Where, where is that

stranger?

THE VALET: He left the house. Madam, he

left a present for you.
(Edla accepted the present, which was a small
rattrap with a few kronor and a letter.)

EDLA WILLMANSSON: (In a joy) Dad,

he wrote a letter for. Let me read it for you.
(After reading the letter.) Dad, see, he has
changed.

It's common for humans to become overly

focused on material gain, but it's important
to remember that every person has the
potential for goodness within them. By
approaching others with understanding
and love, we can awaken this goodness
and create a better world.
It's often said that a simple act of kindness can
make a big difference in someone's life. Love and
compassion have the power to change the world for
the better. In a story, a peddler who had once been
treated cruelly by the world became bitter and
jaded as a result. However, an old crofter showed
him kindness by welcoming him into his home, and
sharing food and tobacco with him. Sadly, the
peddler betrayed the crofter by stealing his money.
Later, when he met the ironmaster and his daughter
Edla, the ironmaster reacted harshly upon learning
the peddler's true identity. However, Edla insisted
that the peddler join them in celebrating Christmas
Eve. Her love and compassion transformed the
peddler's heart, and he turned over a new leaf. He
repented of his wrongdoing and gave the stolen
money to Edla, asking her to return it to the crofter.
Ultimately, this story reminds us that even small
acts of kindness can have a powerful impact on
others and that love and compassion are
transformative forces that can change the course of
someone's life for the better.
 MESSAGE
"The Rattrap" is a captivating tale that delves
into the depths of human discovery, unraveling
the mysteries of genuine happiness. At the
center of the story is a man who uncovers the
secrets of contentment, discovering that true joy
does not lie in material possessions, but in the
depth of one's soul. As our protagonist navigates
the complexities of financial hardship, his
journey serves as a vehicle for exploring the
impact of poverty on society. Despite his
struggles, he finds solace in selling rat traps in a
world devoid of comfort and shelter. Through his
experiences, we are reminded of the importance
of treating others with kindness, empathy, and
dignity. The story encapsulates the essence of
human nature, highlighting that individuals are
more likely to flourish when treated with respect
and compassion. "The Rattrap" serves as a
poignant reminder that the trappings of wealth,
fame, and possessions pale in comparison to the
intangible qualities of love, understanding, and
respect, which imbue our lives with meaning.
 REPORT
The team's dedication to their
project, inspired by the
renowned writer Selma
Lagerlof, is truly remarkable.
Despite facing challenges such
as exams and classes, they
remained passionate and
motivated throughout the two
months it took to complete.
Their aim was to create a play
that would deeply touch the
audience and inspire them to
feel the essence of the short
story. With utmost care, the
group worked tirelessly to
deliver their best performance
for the class.
Thank You