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Acknowledgment: The lesson, summary, questions, and answers provided in this section are inspired by the themes and content of the NCERT English textbooks. For further reference, please consult the NCERT materials.

Summary of The Rattrap

The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlöf is a thought-provoking story that explores themes of human compassion, redemption, and the dual nature of human behavior. The narrative revolves around a vagabond who makes and sells rattraps while leading a life of poverty and isolation. He views the world cynically, believing it to be a giant rattrap that lures people with material possessions like wealth, power, and luxury. According to him, once someone succumbs to these temptations, they become trapped like rats.

One evening, the peddler seeks shelter at a crofter's cottage. The crofter, a lonely and kind man, welcomes him warmly, offering him food, company, and a place to sleep. He even shows the peddler his savings of thirty kronor, stored in a pouch, as proof of his modest success. However, the peddler betrays the crofter’s trust by stealing the money and fleeing. Soon after, he finds himself lost in a forest, symbolically caught in the “rattrap” of his own making, tormented by guilt and fear of being caught.

Desperate for shelter, the peddler stumbles upon an iron mill where he is discovered by the ironmaster. Mistaking the peddler for an old regimental comrade, the ironmaster invites him home for Christmas. However, the peddler declines, fearing exposure. The ironmaster’s daughter, Edla Willmansson, intervenes, persuading him to accept the invitation with her kind and compassionate approach.

At the ironmaster’s house, the peddler is treated with dignity and respect, although he remains anxious. When the ironmaster realizes his mistake, he becomes furious and accuses the peddler of deception. Edla, however, insists that he be allowed to stay and enjoy the Christmas festivities, treating him as a guest regardless of his identity. Her unwavering kindness touches the peddler, prompting him to reflect on his actions.

The next morning, the ironmaster and Edla discover that the peddler has left, but instead of taking anything, he has left a small gift for Edla—a rattrap with the stolen thirty kronor and a note. In the note, the peddler thanks Edla for her compassion, which gave him the courage to redeem himself. He writes that her kindness transformed him from a thief into a man capable of doing good.

The story concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing that empathy and understanding can inspire change and bring out the best in people. Through Edla’s character, Lagerlöf highlights the power of human kindness to break the metaphorical "rattrap" of greed, cynicism, and wrongdoing. The peddler’s transformation serves as a testament to the idea that everyone has the potential for redemption if given a chance.

Additional Questions and Answers of The Rattrap

Question: What universal theme is commonly reflected in the stories of Selma Lagerlöf?
Answer: Selma Lagerlöf’s stories often reflect the universal theme that the inherent goodness within human beings can be awakened through compassion, understanding, and love.

Question: How does the title The Rattrap relate to the story’s theme?
Answer: The title The Rattrap is central to the story's theme as it reflects the metaphor of life being a rattrap that lures individuals with material possessions, trapping them in greed and temptation. It symbolizes the struggles of human beings to escape these "traps" and the transformative power of kindness and redemption. The peddler's journey embodies this realization, as he moves from entrapment by life's temptations to self-awareness and liberation through compassion.

Question: Where is the story The Rattrap set?

Answer: The story is set in the rural landscape of Sweden, particularly amidst the iron ore mines, which hold a significant place in the country's history and folklore.

Question: From where did the peddler obtain the material to make the rattraps?
Answer: The peddler obtained material to make the rattraps by begging at stores or large farms.

Question: What did the peddler resort to when his business was not profitable?
Answer: When his business was not profitable, the peddler resorted to begging and petty thievery to sustain himself.

Question: What kind of clothes did the rattrap peddler wear, and what was his facial appearance like?
Answer: The rattrap peddler wore tattered clothes that were in rags. His cheeks were sunken, and his eyes gleamed with hunger, reflecting his impoverished condition.

Question: How would you describe the life of the rattrap peddler?
Answer: The life of the rattrap peddler was bleak and monotonous. He lived as a vagabond, wandering aimlessly along the roads, lost in his own thoughts and meditations, with no sense of purpose or companionship.

Question: From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
Answer: While reflecting on his rattraps, the peddler was struck by the idea that the entire world—with its lands, seas, cities, and villages—was like a giant rattrap. He imagined that it existed to set baits for people in the form of material possessions and temptations. If anyone gave in to these temptations, the rattrap would close in on them, leading to their downfall.

Question: What was the peddler's cherished pastime?

Answer: The peddler’s cherished pastime was contemplating the idea of the world as a rattrap. Since the world had never been kind to him, he found unexpected joy in thinking ill of it. He derived amusement from imagining people he knew who had already been caught in the rattrap’s dangerous snare and those still circling around the bait, tempted by worldly possessions.

Question: Why did the peddler call the world a rattrap?
Answer: The peddler called the world a rattrap because he believed it lured people with material possessions such as wealth and riches. Once someone succumbed to the temptation of these baits, they were trapped, just like a rat caught in a rattrap, unable to escape the consequences.

Question: Why did the owner of the little gray cottage give shelter to the peddler?
Answer: The owner of the little gray cottage, an elderly man without wife or children, was lonely and welcomed the company. He was glad to have someone to talk to, which is why he offered shelter to the peddler.

Question: How did the crofter treat the peddler?
Answer: The crofter treated the peddler with great kindness. He put the porridge pot on the fire and offered him supper. Then, he carved a large slice from his tobacco roll, ensuring there was enough for both the peddler’s pipe and his own. To top it off, he took out an old pack of cards and played a game of ‘mjolis’ with his guest until bedtime.

Question: What shows the old man was generous with his confidences as he was with his porridge and tobacco?
Answer: The old man's generosity with his confidences, as with his porridge and tobacco, is evident when he quickly shared personal details with the peddler. He revealed that in his prosperous days, he had worked as a crofter at Ramsjö Ironworks and on the land. However, now that he was no longer able to do day labor, he had purchased a cow that supported him.

Question: Why was the bossy called extraordinary?
Answer: The bossy was called extraordinary because she provided milk for the creamery every day, and the previous month, the old man had received thirty kronor in payment for her milk, which was quite impressive for him.

Question: How did the crofter make the peddler believe in him, or Why did the crofter show the thirty kronor to the peddler?
Answer: Realizing that the peddler did not believe him, the crofter went to the window, took down a leather pouch hanging on a nail, and pulled out three wrinkled ten-kronor bills. He held the money up in front of the peddler’s eyes to prove he was telling the truth. After showing it, he quickly stuffed the money back into the pouch.

Question: What shows that both men got up in good season the next day?
Answer: The next day, both men got up early. The crofter, eager to milk his cow, was in a hurry, while the peddler, seeing that the head of the house was already up, decided not to stay in bed. They left the cottage simultaneously; the crofter locked the door and put the key in his pocket. After exchanging goodbyes and thanks, each man went on his way.

Question: What did the rattrap peddler do half an hour later?
Answer: Half an hour later, the rattrap peddler returned to the cottage and stood before the door. However, he did not attempt to enter. Instead, he approached the window, smashed a pane, reached in, and grabbed the leather pouch containing the thirty kronor. He quickly stuffed the money into his pocket, then carefully hung the pouch back in its place before leaving the cottage.

Question: Why did the peddler steal the crofter’s money?
Answer: The peddler stole the crofter’s money because he was tempted by the thirty kronor, which symbolized the bait in the "rattrap" of life. Overcome by his poverty and greed, his sense of morality was overshadowed, leading him to steal the money.

Question: How did the peddler feel after stealing the crofter’s money?
Answer: Initially, the peddler felt satisfied, believing that he had escaped his poverty by acquiring the thirty kronor. However, as time passed, he became uneasy and paranoid, realizing that he had fallen into the metaphorical "rattrap" of life, where greed and temptation had ensnared him.

Question: How did the forest appear as a rattrap to the peddler, or What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
Answer: With the stolen money from the crofter in his pocket, the peddler avoided the public highway and turned into the woods. At first, this decision posed no problems, but as the day wore on, the forest grew more confusing. The paths twisted and turned, and soon the dense forest, with its trunks and branches, closed in on him like an impenetrable prison. It resembled a rattrap, and he realized that he had become trapped, unable to escape the consequences of his actions.

Question: What role does the forest play in the story?
Answer: The forest serves as a symbol of the metaphorical "trap" of life, where the peddler feels lost, confused, and entrapped by his own actions. It represents the consequences of his greed and theft. Additionally, the forest acts as a turning point in the story, guiding him toward the ironworks and ultimately leading to his redemption, as he learns the importance of kindness and the possibility of change.

Question: Describe the Ramsjö Ironworks.
Answer: The Ramsjö Ironworks, not long ago, was a large industrial plant with a smelter, rolling mill, and forge. It was a place of bustling activity, reflecting the prosperous days when iron was processed and manufactured there. However, by the time of the story, it had fallen into disuse and decline.

Question: What happened at the Ramsjö Ironworks in the summertime?
Answer: In the summertime, long lines of heavily loaded barges and scows would glide down the canal, heading toward a large inland lake. This was part of the transportation process for the ironworks, highlighting the activity and importance of the ironworks during its peak.

Question: What happened at the Ramsjö Ironworks in the wintertime?
Answer: In the wintertime, the roads near the mill were blackened by the coal dust that sifted down from the large charcoal crates. This created a stark contrast to the surroundings and reflected the intense industrial activity at the ironworks during the colder months.

Question: How was the work done at the Ramsjö Ironworks?
Answer: The work at the Ramsjö Ironworks was labor-intensive. The master blacksmith and his helper sat in the dark forge near the furnace, waiting for the pig iron, which had been placed in the fire, to be ready to be hammered on the anvil. Occasionally, one of them would rise to stir the glowing mass with a long iron bar, returning a few moments later, drenched in perspiration from the heat and exertion.

Question: What sounds were heard in the forge?
Answer: In the forge, the big bellows groaned and the burning coal cracked. The fire boy shoveled charcoal into the maw of the furnace, causing a great deal of clattering. Outside, the waterfall roared, and a sharp north wind whipped the rain against the brick-tiled roof, creating a symphony of industrial and natural sounds.

Question: Why were vagabonds attracted to the forge?
Answer: Vagabonds were attracted to the forge by the warm glow of light that escaped through the sooty panes. They would come in to seek warmth and shelter in front of the fire, drawn by the comforting heat during their travels.

Question: What made the peddler seek shelter in the ironmaster’s mill?
Answer: The peddler, lost in the forest and exhausted from the cold, stumbled upon the ironmaster’s mill. Seeking refuge from the harsh winter night, he sought shelter there, hoping to find warmth and rest in the comfort of the mill.

Question: How did the master blacksmith respond when the peddler asked permission to stay in the forge?

Answer: The master blacksmith nodded a haughty consent without honoring the peddler with a single word, indicating his indifference and superior attitude.

Question: Who owned the Ramsjö iron mill in those days?

Answer: The Ramsjö iron mill was owned by a very prominent ironmaster, a person of high status and influence in the industry during that time.

Question: How did the blacksmiths and the ironmaster treat the peddler?

Answer: The blacksmiths and the ironmaster treated the peddler with indifference. The blacksmiths barely glanced at him, while the ironmaster walked up to him, scrutinized him carefully, and even tore off his slouch hat to get a better look at his face, demonstrating a more intrusive curiosity.

Question: How did the ironmaster address the peddler at their first meeting?

Answer: At their first meeting, the ironmaster addressed the peddler as "Nils Olof," mistakenly assuming he was an old acquaintance and not recognizing him as a peddler.

Question: Why did the peddler not want to undeceive the ironmaster all at once at their first meeting?

Answer: The peddler did not want to undeceive the ironmaster because he thought that if the ironmaster mistook him for an old acquaintance, he might be generous and give him some money. The prospect of gaining a few kronor made him decide to play along with the misunderstanding.

Question: Where did the ironmaster say the peddler worked earlier?

Answer: The ironmaster said that the peddler had earlier worked in the regiment.

Question: The ironmaster invites the peddler to his house. Why was the peddler not pleased?

Answer: The peddler was not pleased to be received in the manor house of the ironmaster as an old regimental comrade. He feared that his true identity would be revealed, leading to humiliation and possibly punishment for his theft.

Question: Why was the peddler not ready to go to the manor house?

Answer: The peddler thought of the thirty kronor in his pocket. To go up to the manor house would be like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion’s den. The peddler declined the ironmaster's invitation, fearing that his true identity as a thief might be discovered. He preferred to stay unnoticed at the mill.

Question: Why was the peddler invited by the ironmaster to his home?

Answer: Mistaking the peddler for an old regimental comrade, the ironmaster invited him out of goodwill. He hoped to help his "friend" by offering him food and a warm stay.

Question: What has been told about the ironmaster’s family?
Answer: His wife, Elizabeth, was dead. His sons were abroad, and at home, he lived with his oldest daughter.

Question: What was the name of the master blacksmith?
Answer: Stjernstrom.

Question: How did the blacksmith know that the ironmaster had not said his last word?
Answer: The blacksmith knew his master’s character well and noticed that the ironmaster laughed to himself as he went away, indicating he had not given up on persuading the peddler.

Question: Why did the ironmaster send his daughter?
Answer: The ironmaster sent his daughter, apparently hoping that she would have better powers of persuasion to convince the peddler to come to their home.

Question: Describe the ironmaster’s daughter.
Answer: The ironmaster’s daughter was not at all pretty but appeared modest and quite shy.

Question: How did the stranger lie in front of the forge?
Answer: The stranger had stretched himself out on the floor and laid with a piece of pig iron under his head and his hat pulled down over his eyes.

Question: What was the name of the young girl?
Answer: The name of the young girl was Edla Willmansson.

Question: How did the peddler feel confident in the young girl?
Answer: The peddler felt confidence in the young girl because she looked at him compassionately with her kind eyes. She assured him that he would be allowed to leave just as freely as he came, and she kindly requested him to stay over Christmas Eve, speaking in a friendly manner.

Question: What did the valet hand the peddler with a deep bow?
Answer: The valet handed the peddler a fur coat with a deep bow.

Question: What evil forebodings did the peddler have while riding up to the manor house?
Answer: The peddler had evil forebodings, thinking, "Why did I take that fellow’s money? Now I am sitting in a trap and will never get out of it." He feared being exposed as a thief and punished for stealing the crofter’s money. He felt unworthy of the hospitality being offered to him.

Question: What did the ironmaster say when he came into the dining room for breakfast?
Answer: The ironmaster, thinking with satisfaction of his old regimental comrade, said that first, they must see that he gets a little flesh on his bones. He then told his daughter that they must ensure he gets something else to do than to run around the country selling rattraps.

Question: What response did the ironmaster give when Edla said that the peddler did not look like an educated man?
Answer: The ironmaster told Edla to be patient. He explained that when the peddler gets clean and dressed up, he would look different. He reassured her that the tramp-like manners would fall away with the tramp clothes, and once he was cleaned up, he would appear more refined.

Question: What shows that the stranger was well-groomed?
Answer: The stranger was truly clean and well-dressed. He had been bathed, his hair cut, and he had been shaved by the valet. He was dressed in a fine suit of clothes that belonged to the ironmaster, wore a white shirt with a starched collar, and had on polished shoes.

Question: When did the stranger realize that his splendour had come to an end?
Answer: The stranger realized that his splendour had come to an end when, after being well-groomed, the ironmaster looked at him with a puckered brow. The ironmaster seemed displeased, and the stranger realized that the ironmaster had made a mistake in identifying him. In the uncertain reflection from the furnace, he had seemed like an old acquaintance, but in broad daylight, it was impossible to mistake him for the real person.

Question: What does the ironmaster’s reaction reveal when he learns the peddler is not his old comrade?
Answer: The ironmaster felt deceived and became angry, considering the peddler ungrateful and dishonest. The ironmaster was angry and accused the peddler of exploiting his generosity. He wanted to turn him out immediately, showing a lack of compassion.

Question: What did the stranger respond when he realized that the ironmaster understood that he was not the real acquaintance?
Answer: The stranger said that it was not his fault. He explained that he never pretended to be anything other than a poor trader and begged to stay at the forge. He offered to put on his rags again and leave if necessary.

Question: When the peddler heard the word 'sheriff,' he realized that he would be caught in the trap. What response did he make?
Answer: The peddler said to the ironmaster that the whole world is nothing but a big rattrap. All the good things offered in it are set to drag a poor fellow into trouble. He added that if the sheriff came and locked him up, the ironmaster must remember that a day might come when he would want a big piece of pork and then he would be caught in the trap.

Question: When the ironmaster is about to send the peddler away from their house, the daughter closes the door and doesn’t allow him to go away. Why did she intervene?
Answer: The daughter intervened because she felt happy thinking about how homely and Christmassy she could make things for the poor, hungry peddler. She explained that the peddler walked all year long without a place where he could feel welcome or at home. He was constantly chased away and was afraid of being arrested. She wanted him to enjoy one peaceful day, a day of kindness, which they had promised him for Christmas. As a fellow human being, she felt he should not be chased away when they had promised him Christmas cheer.

Question: When the young girl saw that her father had given in, she took the stranger by the hand led him up to the table, and told him to sit and eat. What were the reactions of the peddler?
Answer: The peddler did not say a word. He simply sat down and ate the food. However, he frequently looked at the young girl who had interceded for him, wondering why she had done it and what the reasoning behind her seemingly crazy idea was. He was perplexed by her kindness and generosity.

Question: How was Christmas Eve at Ramsjo when the stranger was with them?
Answer: Christmas Eve at Ramsjo passed calmly and peacefully, much like it always had. The stranger caused no trouble, as he mostly slept throughout the day. In the morning, he slept on the sofa in one of the guest rooms. After having a good Christmas meal at noon, he slept again as if he hadn't experienced peaceful sleep for many years. When the Christmas tree was lit in the evening, he was woken up and stood for a while in the drawing room, but then went back to sleep. A couple of hours later, he was roused again to join in the Christmas dinner of fish and porridge. Once he finished his meal, he went around to each person present, thanking them and wishing them a good night.

Question: How does Edla’s behavior contrast with her father’s?
Answer: Edla’s behavior contrasts sharply with her father’s in terms of empathy and compassion. While the ironmaster is initially harsh, judgmental, and quick to turn the peddler away, Edla displays kindness, patience, and understanding. She treats the peddler with dignity, not judging him based on his appearance or his past actions. Edla’s unwavering kindness provides a safe space for the peddler, allowing him to experience a sense of belonging and peace, which contrasts with her father’s more pragmatic and authoritative approach. This difference in their reactions shows Edla's deep empathy, which ultimately leads to the peddler's transformation.

Question: When the stranger came to the young girl after having his food, what did she make him understand?
Answer: The young girl made the stranger understand that the suit he was wearing was a Christmas present from her father, and he did not have to return it. She also told him that if he wished to spend the next Christmas Eve at their house, he would be welcomed back again. This gesture was an expression of kindness and generosity, showing that he was always welcome to return.

Question: What role does the setting of Christmas play in the story?
Answer: Christmas symbolizes goodwill, compassion, and forgiveness, which are central themes of the story. The festive spirit allows the characters, especially Edla, to show generosity toward the peddler. It is during Christmas that the peddler experiences a change of heart, inspired by Edla’s kindness. The setting of Christmas provides the backdrop for a transformation, allowing the peddler to feel welcomed and treated with dignity, leading to his eventual change in character.

Question: Returning from the church, the young girl sat and hung her head dejectedly. What could be the reason?
Answer: The young girl learned that the rattrap peddler had robbed one of the old crofters of the ironworks. She felt dejected because she had shown kindness to the peddler, believing in his sincerity, only to discover that he had deceived them. This revelation caused her emotional distress, as she had trusted him and hoped for a better outcome.

Question: Upon reaching home from the church, what did the valet tell the ironmaster?
Answer: The valet told the ironmaster that the fellow had not taken anything with him but, on the contrary, he had left behind a little package for Miss Willmansson to be accepted as a Christmas present.

Question: Why did the young girl give a little cry of joy upon opening the package?
Answer: The young girl gave a little cry of joy upon opening the package because, inside, she found a small rattrap. In it were three wrinkled ten kronor notes and a letter written in large, jagged characters. The peddler had returned the money he had stolen from the crofter and left a heartfelt gift, showing his change of heart.

Question: Why did the peddler leave a Christmas gift for Edla?
Answer: The peddler left a Christmas gift for Edla because he was deeply touched by her kindness and compassion, which transformed his cynical view of the world. Her generosity helped him rediscover his humanity, and he wanted to express his gratitude and repentance by returning the stolen money and offering a small gift.

Question: What does the peddler’s gift to Edla symbolize?
Answer: The peddler’s gift symbolizes his journey from cynicism to redemption. The rattrap represents the metaphorical trap he had lived in, and his decision to return the stolen money and leave a gift symbolizes his acknowledgment of past mistakes and his desire for a fresh start. It also reflects his gratitude toward Edla for offering him a second chance and showing him a path out of the trap he had created for himself.

Question: What was written by the peddler in the letter addressed to Edla?
Answer: The peddler wrote: "Honoured and noble Miss... Since she had been kind to him all day long and had treated him as if he were a captain, he wanted to be nice to her in return and behave as though he were a real captain. He did not want to embarrass her by being a thief during this Christmas season. He asked her to return the stolen money to the old man. The peddler also wrote that the rattrap was a Christmas gift from a rat who would have been caught in a trap if he had not been raised to captain. By surrendering the money to the crofter, he realized he had raised himself to captain. He signed the letter with the words 'with friendship and high regard,' addressing himself as Captain von Stahle."

Question: Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

Answer: The peddler signed himself as "Captain von Stahle" in the letter because he adopted the identity the ironmaster had initially given him, symbolizing his transformation and newfound sense of honor. This act reflects the peddler’s internal change, influenced by Edla's compassion and the kindness he received. It signifies that by returning the stolen money and reflecting on his actions, he felt as though he had elevated himself to a higher moral standing, embracing a new, honorable self.

Question: What was the significance of the letter left by the peddler?

Answer: The significance of the letter left by the peddler lies in its expression of gratitude toward Edla for her kindness, acknowledging her role in transforming him into a better person. It symbolizes the power of human goodness to inspire change, even in the most cynical individuals. The letter also reflects the peddler's realization of his past mistakes and his attempt to redeem himself, showing that compassion and understanding can lead to profound personal growth.

Question: Why is Edla’s treatment of the peddler significant in the story?

Answer: Edla’s treatment of the peddler is significant because her kindness and trust helped him see the world in a new light, ultimately leading to his reformation. Unlike others who judged him harshly, Edla showed empathy, offering him a safe haven without questioning his past. Her actions contrast sharply with the judgmental behavior of others, emphasizing the transformative power of empathy. Edla’s compassionate approach allowed the peddler to experience a change of heart, highlighting the story’s theme of redemption through understanding and kindness.

Question: What lesson does Edla’s character teach?

Answer: Edla’s character teaches that empathy and kindness have the power to transform even the most hardened individuals. She exemplifies the idea that treating others with dignity, without judgment, can bring out their better nature. Through her compassion, she shows that understanding and caring for others can lead to positive change, highlighting the importance of showing kindness, even when faced with difficult or troubled individuals.

Question: How does the story reflect the concept of redemption?

Answer: The story reflects the concept of redemption through the peddler's transformation. Initially a thief, he begins his journey of redemption after experiencing Edla’s kindness and compassion. Her treatment of him as a person of worth, without judgment, prompts him to reflect on his life and actions. By returning the stolen money and leaving a heartfelt letter, he seeks to repay Edla’s kindness and make amends for his past. The peddler’s actions show that even the most flawed individuals can find a path to redemption through self-reflection, empathy, and the desire to change.

Question: What does the story reveal about human nature?

Answer: The story conveys that compassion and understanding have the power to transform individuals. Through Edla's kindness and empathy, the peddler, a hardened man, finds a path to redemption and change. It emphasizes that treating others with dignity and compassion can bring out their better nature. Additionally, the story warns against material greed, illustrating how it can trap individuals, as seen in the metaphor of the rattrap, which represents the entangling effects of selfish desires and wrongdoings.