Class XII (English Core) – Flamingo – Chapter 04. The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlof (Revision Notes)

"The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlof is a thought-provoking story that delves into themes of redemption, kindness, and the human capacity for change. Set in Sweden, the narrative follows a poor peddler who earns his living selling rattraps. However, tempted by greed, he resorts to thievery, which leads him into a series of events that change his outlook on life. The story highlights how an act of kindness from a young woman and her family towards the peddler, despite his deceit, prompts a profound transformation in him. Lagerlof uses the metaphor of the world as a rattrap to suggest that materialistic pursuits ensnare individuals, and it is only through generosity and compassion that one can find true liberation and redemption. "The Rattrap" is a compelling read for Class XII students, offering valuable lessons on the impact of our actions and the possibility of redemption through goodwill.

Author:

Selma Lagerlof

Source/Excerpt From:

The story is set in Sweden, amidst its mines and dense forests, and is a part of Lagerlof’s collection that explores themes of human goodness, transformation, and redemption.

Central Theme: The story revolves around the idea that the world, with its riches and joys, is like a rattrap, tempting individuals with baits of material pleasures. It narrates how kindness and generosity can redeem and transform even the most cynical individuals.

Summary: 

“The Rattrap” tells the tale of a disheartened peddler who views the world as a rattrap, offering baits to ensnare people. His life changes after stealing money from a crofter and then seeking refuge in an ironmaster’s house, where he is mistaken for a former acquaintance. Despite the initial deceit, the ironmaster’s daughter, Edla, treats him with kindness and dignity, prompting a profound change in the peddler. Moved by Edla’s compassion, he returns the stolen money and leaves a rattrap as a gift, signifying his redemption. The story highlights the potential for human transformation through generosity and understanding, suggesting that kindness can break the cycle of cynicism and despair.

Characters:

Protagonist: The peddler, who also acts as the antagonist due to his initial cynicism and despair.

Other significant characters: The crofter, the ironmaster, and his daughter Edla Willmansson.

Character Sketches:

The Peddler: Initially cynical and bitter, viewing the world as a rattrap. His encounter with kindness leads to his transformation and redemption.

Edla Willmansson: A compassionate and understanding young woman who sees the good in the peddler and treats him with kindness, leading to his transformation.

Important Quotes:

“This whole world is nothing but a big rattrap. All the good things that are offered to you are nothing but cheese rinds and bits of pork, set out to drag a poor fellow into trouble.”

“The rattrap is a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in this world’s rattrap if he had not been raised to captain, because in that way he got power to clear himself.”

Important Facts Mentioned: The story is set in Sweden, known for its iron ore mines, which play a significant role in the narrative.

Questions with Answers:

Question: What is the metaphor of the rattrap in the story? 

Answer: The rattrap symbolises the world and life’s entrapments, where every pleasure and material benefit is a bait that can lead individuals into trouble.

Question: How does the peddler’s view of the world change? 

Answer: The peddler’s view of the world changes from cynical to hopeful through the kindness and generosity of Edla Willmansson. Her compassionate treatment shows him that trust, kindness, and redemption are possible, leading him to return the stolen money and leave behind the rattrap, symbolising his release from the metaphorical trap he believed the world to be.

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