THE RATTRAP

Selma Lagerlof
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Selma Lagerlof (1858-1940) was a Swedish
writer whose stories have been translated
into many languages. A universal theme
runs through all of them — a belief that
the essential goodness in a human being
can be awakened through understanding
and love. This story is set amidst the
mines of Sweden, rich in iron ore, which
figure large in the history and legends of
that country. The story is told somewhat
in the manner of a fairy tale.
 ABOUT THE CHAPTER
 The story revolves around a tramp who makes a living by
selling rattraps, which are small traps used to catch rodents.
 One day, he comes across an old ironworks, where he decides
to seek shelter for the night. The owner of the ironworks,
believing him to be an old acquaintance, welcomes him
warmly, offering him food and lodging.
 During his stay, the tramp learns of the old man's loneliness
and isolation. He also discovers a wallet filled with money,
which he is strongly tempted to steal. However, his conscience
prevails, and he decides against it.
 Later, the ironmaster's daughter, Edla, arrives
unexpectedly. She treats the tramp with kindness and
respect, even though she knows he is not the person her
father thinks he is. Her genuine kindness touches the
tramp deeply.
 Eventually, the truth comes out, and the tramp is taken
away by the authorities for his past misdeeds. However,
Edla's kindness has a profound effect on him. He
realizes the value of goodness and decides to change his
ways.
 "The Rattrap" is a story that highlights the
transformative power of empathy and compassion. It
teaches important lessons about the inherent goodness
in people, no matter how lost they may seem, and the
potential for redemption through acts of kindness
 CHARACTER SKETCH
 The Tramp: The protagonist of the story, the tramp is a
wandering and impoverished man who makes a living by
selling rattraps. He's portrayed as a lonely and disillusioned
individual, accustomed to a life of hardship and mistrust.
However, beneath his rough exterior lies a conscience that
struggles against the temptation to steal. He experiences a
transformation throughout the story, largely influenced by the
kindness he receives from Edla, the ironmaster's daughter.
 Edla Willmansson: Edla is the daughter of the ironmaster,
and she represents kindness, empathy, and understanding.
Despite recognizing the tramp's true identity, she treats him
with compassion and respect, offering him food, shelter, and
companionship. Her unwavering kindness has a profound
impact on the tramp, leading him to reevaluate his life and
ultimately choose a path of redemption.
 The Ironmaster (Captain von Stahle): The ironmaster is
initially portrayed as a lonely and somewhat eccentric
individual, prone to bouts of nostalgia and sentimentality.
He mistakes the tramp for an old acquaintance, welcoming
him into his home with open arms. Although he is deceived
by the tramp's false identity, the ironmaster's inherent
goodness shines through in his hospitality and generosity.
 The Peddler (The Rattrap Seller): Though not a central
character, the peddler plays a significant role in the story as
the one who introduces the tramp to the concept of the
"rattrap." He serves as a symbol of the harsh realities of life,
offering a cynical perspective on human nature and survival.
His interactions with the tramp serve to reinforce the themes
of loneliness, deception, and redemption present throughout
the narrative.
 SUMMARY
 "The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlof is a story that revolves around a
vagabond who survives by begging and occasional thievery. He
compares life to a rattrap, where people are lured by material
temptations only to be ensnared by their own desires.
 The vagabond finds himself sheltering in an ironworks during
Christmas time. Mistaking the ironmaster's home for a hostel, he
decides to stay overnight. The ironmaster, who is away, returns
unexpectedly, and the vagabond hides, fearing capture. However,
when the ironmaster's daughter, Edla Willmansson, discovers him,
she treats him kindly and offers him hospitality. She even insists
that he joins them for Christmas dinner.
 During his stay, the vagabond learns about Edla's life and her
compassionate nature. He also notices the rattrap on the wall,
which the ironmaster had made for fun. Edla explains that her
father enjoys making things, but they are often left unused.
 Later, when the ironmaster returns, he recognizes the
vagabond as a former friend and invites him to stay longer.
However, the vagabond decides to leave, feeling guilty for
taking advantage of their kindness. He returns the stolen
money he had acquired earlier, along with a note expressing
his gratitude to Edla.
 The story ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that kindness
and understanding have the power to transform individuals,
even those who have been hardened by life's hardships. It
highlights themes of compassion, redemption, and the
unexpected connections that can form between people.
THEMES
 The story's central premise is that most people are prone to falling into
the trap of material gain. Every human person, on the other hand,
possesses inherent goodness that may be awakened through
understanding and love. Humans have a natural desire to atone for their
wrongdoings.

 The metaphor of the rattrap is used to further explore the topic. The
world, according to the rattrap seller, is a giant rattrap. Material
advantages such as riches and delights, shelter and food, heat and clothes
are allurements that entice a person to fall into the world's rattrap, just
as cheese and pig bait entices a rat to go into the rattrap. When someone
falls for the bait, the entire world closes in on him, and all is gone.

 The peddler is enticed by the old crofter's thirty kronor. He makes off
with the cash. He is now scared of being caught and is making his way
through the woods. Edla Williamson’s compassionate, empathetic,
caring, and generous treatment is crucial in assisting him in escaping the
world's rattrap.
 SYMBOLS
 The Crofter's Cow (Symbol):
The crofter's cow symbolizes subsistence and is a marker of his
economic status. The crofter shares that "in his days of prosperity,"
he worked that land around Ramsjö Ironworks, and "now that he
was no longer able to do day labour, it was his cow which supported
him" (67). Without the cow, the crofter would be without a means of
supporting himself. This stability is what separates him from the
vagabond.
 The Signature (Symbol):

At the end of the story, Edla reads the letter the vagabond leaves for
her, on which he signs off as Captain von Ståhle. We never learn the
vagabond's true name, so this label he gives himself (the name of the
captain with whom the Ironmaster confused him), becomes, for the
reader, his only identity. Perhaps denying the vagabond a name is a
way for Lagerlöf to emphasize his transformation from someone
who is expected to steal and swindle, to someone who is expected to
be an upstanding citizen. In any case, the signature definitely
signifies the vagabond's belief in his personal transformation.
 CRITICAL ANALYSIS
 In the chapter "Rattrap," author Selma Lagerlof employs a narrative
strategy that intricately weaves together themes of deception,
redemption, and the innate goodness within individuals. Set against the
backdrop of a desolate inn during a wintry night, the chapter unfolds
with the arrival of a weary traveler, symbolizing the transient nature of
life and the unpredictability of human existence.
 One of the central motifs in the chapter is the rattrap, which serves as
both a literal and metaphorical device. Initially introduced as a crude
contraption for catching rodents, the rattrap evolves into a powerful
symbol of the traps people set for themselves and others. Through the
character of the peddler, who resorts to deception and thievery for
survival, the author explores the complexities of human nature and the
capacity for change.
 The peddler's encounter with the old crofter and his daughter further
illuminates the theme of redemption. Despite his initial motives of
exploitation, the peddler undergoes a transformation spurred by the
genuine kindness shown to him by the crofter and his daughter. This
encounter challenges the peddler's cynical worldview, prompting him to
reassess his own identity and values.
 The author employs vivid imagery and symbolism to evoke a
sense of bleakness and isolation, mirroring the inner turmoil
of the characters. The wintry landscape and dilapidated inn
serve as a stark contrast to the warmth and generosity
exhibited by the crofter and his daughter, highlighting the
potential for human connection amidst adversity.
 Moreover, the chapter's structure reflects the cyclical nature
of life, as exemplified by the peddler's journey from
deception to redemption. By weaving together elements of
realism and allegory, Selma Lagerlof crafts a compelling
narrative that resonates with readers on multiple levels.
 In conclusion, "Rattrap" offers a poignant exploration of the
human condition, revealing the capacity for transformation
and redemption even in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Through its rich symbolism, nuanced characterization, and
evocative imagery, the chapter invites readers to contemplate
the inherent goodness within individuals and the redemptive
power of human connection.
 IMPORTANT QUESTION AND ANSWERS
 Question 1.
Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle? (All India 2009)
Answer:
Edla Willmansson had been rather nice to the peddler and had treated him with
the honour that was due to a Captain. The peddler, through this mistaken
identity, got an opportunity to raise himself and get above the petty temptations
of the world. So he signed himself as Captain von Stahle.
 Question 2.
Why did the peddler think that the world was a rattrap? (All India 2009)
Answer:
The peddler considered the whole world as a big rattrap, its sole purpose being
to set baits for people. The joys and riches of this world are nothing but
tempting baits and anyone who is tempted by them was captured by the rattrap
which completely closed in on him.
 Question 3.
Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler? (All India 2010)
Answer:
Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler as he had respected her
faith in him. Edla had retained him in her house even after knowing his real
identity and he, in turn, had shown her that the guest she had honoured was
as honourable as the Captain. The latent goodness of his heart had been
awakened and he had been able to overcome the bait of the rattrap.
 Question 4.
Which act of the crofter surprised the peddler? Why? (Comptt. Delhi
2010)
Answer:
The peddler was always shunned away wherever he went. No one treated him
with kindness and so he had lost all hope of being shown any kind of warmth.
But when he approached the crofter’s roadside cottage he was surprised by
the latter’s warm welcome and generous hospitality.
 Question 5.
How was the peddler treated at the crofter’s cottage? (Comptt. All India
2010)
Answer:
At the crofter’s cottage the peddler was welcomed warmly and received
generous hospitality. The crofter was an old and lonely man and the prospect
of getting the peddler’s company overjoyed him. So, he poured all his warmth
and friendly courtesy on the peddler.
 Question 6.
Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler? (Delhi
2011)
Answer:
The crofter was lonely. He lived alone in his cottage without a wife, a child or
any companion. Since he suffered from acute loneliness he was extremely
happy when he got the peddler’s company. That is why he was so talkative
and friendly with the peddler.
 Question 7.
Why was the peddler surprised when he knocked on the door of the cottage? (All
India 2011)
Answer:
At the crofter’s cottage the peddler was welcomed warmly and received generous
hospitality. The crofter was an old and lonely man and the prospect of getting the
peddler’s company overjoyed him. So, he poured all his warmth and friendly courtesy on
the peddler.
 Question 8.
What made the peddler finally change his ways? (All India 2011)
Answer:
The peddler was touched by Edla’s kind treatment. She treated him like a Captain in spite
of knowing his real identity. This awakened the latent goodness of his heart because he
wanted to show Edla he was worthy of the honour she had given him. So, he finally
changed his ways.
 Question 9.
Why did the peddler keep to the woods after leaving the crofter’s cottage? How did
he feel? (All India 2011)
Answer:
The peddler discards the public highway and keeps to the woods after leaving the
crofter’s cottage because he wants to avoid being caught with the thirty kronors that he
had stolen from the crofter’s house. He walks through mazes of forest paths but lands
nowhere. When he realizes he has been trapped he feels extremely tired and sinks to the
ground in despair.
 Question 10.
Did the stranger agree to go to the ironmaster’s house? Why or why not?
(Comptt. Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Initially the stranger declined the ironmaster’s invitation. He had the stolen thirty
kronors on him and thought it was like going into the lion’s den. But then he
accepted the ironmaster’s invitation because Edla’s sympathy and compassion
allayed his fears and her friendly manner made him to have confidence in her.
 Question 11.
Why did the peddler decline the invitation of the ironmaster? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
The peddler declined the ironmaster’s invitation because he had the stolen thirty
kronors on him. He feared that he would be caught there for stealing the crofter’s
money. For the peddler going to the manor house of the ironmaster would be like
throwing himself voluntarily into the lion’s den.
 Question 12.
Why was the crofter so friendly and talkative with the peddler? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
The crofter was lonely. He lived alone in his cottage without a wife, a child or any
companion. Since he suffered from acute loneliness he was extremely happy when
he got the peddler’s company. That is why he was so talkative and friendly with the
peddler.
 Question 13.
Who was the owner of Ramsjo iron mills?
Why did he visit the mills at night? (All India 2012)
Answer:
The ironmaster was the owner of the Ramsjo iron mills. He was very particular
about the quality of his products. So, he made nightly rounds of inspection to his
mill to inspect the quality control.
 Question 14.
How did the ironmaster react on seeing the stranger lying close to the
furnace? (All India 2012)
Answer:
When the iron master saw the stranger lying close to the furnace he walked up to
him and looked him over carefully. Mistaking him for an old acquaintance, a
comrade from his regiment, he got very excited and invited him to come to his
cottage.
 Question 15.
Why didn’t the stranger tell the ironmaster that he was not Nils Olof? (All
India)
Answer:
When the ironmaster mistakes the stranger for Captain Nils Olof, an old
regimental comrade, the stranger decides not to correct him as hopes to get a
couple of kronors from the ironmaster. So, he does not want to undeceive him all at
 Question 16.
Why was the crofter happy when the peddler knocked on his door? (Comptt.
All India 2013)
Answer:
The crofter was very lonely. He lived alone in his cottage without a wife, a child or
any companion. Since he was suffering from acute loneliness he felt very happy
when the peddler knocked on his door. He treated the peddler in the most kind and
hospitable manner.
 Question 17.
How was the crofter ‘generous with his confidences’ when he spoke to the
peddler? (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
The crofter was generous not just with his porridge and tobacco but also with his
confidences with the peddler. He informed the peddler that he had been a crofter
but now his cow supported him. She would give milk for the creamery every day,
and last month he had even received thirty kronors as payment.
 Question 18.
What did the peddler do to keep his body and soul together? (Comptt. All
India 2013)
Answer:
The peddler made and sold rattraps but his business was not really profitable so he
had to resort to both begging and petty thievery to keep his body and soul together.
 Question 19.
Why did the peddler derive pleasure from his idea of the world as a rattrap? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
The world had never been kind to the peddler so it gave him unwanted joy to think ill of it by
considering it as a rattrap. It became his cherished pastime to think of people he knew who had let
themselves be caught in the dangerous snare and of others who were still circling around the bait
in the rattrap.
 Question20.
Why did Edla plead with her father not to send the vagabond away? (All India 2014)
Answer:
Edla pleaded with her father not to send the vagabond away as it was Christmas eve and she
wanted to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. She wanted to provide the vagabond with a day of
comfort and solace. She justified that they had invited him against his will and since he was lonely
she wanted to do something special or him on Christmas eve.
 Question 21.
In what sense was the world a big rattrap according to the peddler? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
According to the peddler the whole world with its lands, seas, cities and villages was nothing but a
big rattrap. It only existed to set baits for people. If offered riches and joys, shelter, food and
clothing as the rattrap offered cheese and pork and as soon as anyone let himself be tempted to
touch the bait, it closed on him and then everything came to an end.
 CONCLUSION
"The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlof concludes with a realization of the
power of kindness and understanding. The protagonist, a
vagabond, initially sees the world as a rattrap, where everyone is
out to exploit and trap him, much like how a rat is caught in a
trap baited with a piece of cheese. However, when he encounters
the kindness of the ironmaster and his daughter, Edla, he begins
to see the world differently.In the end, the vagabond is moved by
Edla's compassion and sincerity, which contrasts sharply with the
deceit and exploitation he expects from others. This act of genuine
kindness awakens something within him, leading to his
transformation. He returns the stolen money, symbolizing his
departure from a life of crime and dishonesty. The conclusion of
"The Rattrap" emphasizes the power of empathy and human
connection to transform individuals and challenge their
preconceptions. It suggests that even those who have been
marginalized or hardened by life can change when shown
kindness and understanding.