The Rattrap | Lesson 4 | Prose | English 12th | Flamingo | Summary | Questions | Answers

 

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The Rattrap | Lesson 4 | Prose | English 12th | Flamingo | Summary | Questions | Answers

  

Short Summary

"The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlöf is a poignant story that explores human nature, redemption, and the transformative power of kindness.

The story revolves around a poor peddler who sells rattraps while living a life of poverty and loneliness. He views the world as a giant rattrap, luring people with material wealth and trapping them in misery. One day, he takes shelter at the home of an old man who shows him generosity by offering food and a place to stay. Tempted by greed, the peddler steals the old man’s money and flees.

Later, while hiding in the forest, he loses his way and seeks refuge at an ironmaster's mansion. Mistaken for an old friend by the ironmaster, he is invited to stay. However, the peddler’s ruse is discovered, and the ironmaster demands he leave. The ironmaster's daughter, Edla, shows him unexpected compassion and invites him to stay for Christmas. Touched by her kindness, the peddler experiences a change of heart.

On Christmas morning, Edla finds a small gift from the peddler. Inside, there’s a rattrap, the stolen money, and a note explaining how her generosity and trust have inspired him to reform.

The story highlights how love and empathy can bring out the best in people, breaking the metaphorical "rattrap" of selfishness and greed.

 

Think as you read

(Page No. 34)

1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?

Answer: The peddler got the idea of the world being a rattrap from his own life experiences. He saw the world as a trap where people get caught in the pursuit of wealth, power, or ambition, much like how a rat is caught in a rattrap.

2. Why was he amused by this idea?

Answer: The peddler was amused by the idea because he felt that the world was indeed full of people chasing after material gains and getting trapped in their own desires. He found the comparison between human nature and the fate of a rat to be both ironic and fitting.

3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?

Answer: No, the peddler did not expect such hospitality. He was surprised by the warmth and kindness the crofter showed him, especially considering his impoverished state.

4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?

Answer: The crofter was friendly and talkative because he was lonely. He enjoyed the company of the peddler and also wanted to share his pride about his good fortune, particularly the thirty kroner he had earned by selling his cow's milk.

5. Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?

Answer: The crofter showed the thirty kroner to the peddler to boast about his good fortune and to emphasize how he had earned the money by hard work. He also wanted to build trust and camaraderie with the peddler.

6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?

Answer: No, the peddler did not respect the confidence the crofter had in him. He took advantage of the crofter’s trust by stealing the thirty kroner when the crofter was not looking.

 

(Page No. 37)

1. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?

Answer: The peddler thought he had fallen into a rattrap when he stole the money from the crofter and then found himself trapped in a moral dilemma. The police were searching for him, and he felt cornered, realizing he had become a victim of his own greed and actions.

2. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

Answer: The ironmaster spoke kindly to the peddler because he mistakenly believed that he was an old acquaintance, a captain named von Stahle. He wanted to offer him hospitality, assuming that the peddler was a man of high rank who deserved respect.

3. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?

Answer: The peddler declined the invitation because he feared being discovered as a fraud. He was wary of getting involved with the ironmaster and preferred to avoid the situation where his true identity might be exposed.

 

(Page No. 41)

1. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?

Answer: The peddler accepted Edla Willmansson’s invitation because she was kind and persistent in her request. She showed genuine concern for him, and her gentle manner made him feel more at ease, despite his initial reluctance.

2. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?

Answer: Edla had doubts about the peddler when she noticed that his behavior did not match the dignified persona of Captain von Stahle. She also realized that he was not as sophisticated as he pretended to be, but she still chose to treat him with kindness.

3. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?

Answer: The ironmaster realized his mistake when he found out that the peddler was not the man he thought he was. After interacting with him and hearing his behavior described by Edla, the ironmaster understood that the peddler was just a poor, wandering man.

4. What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was?

Answer: The peddler explained that he had never claimed to be Captain von Stahle. He mentioned that it was a case of mistaken identity and that he had accepted the invitation out of a desire to avoid being caught and to escape his troubles.

5. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?

Answer: Edla continued to entertain the peddler despite knowing the truth because she believed in the goodness of human nature. She showed compassion, wanting to help him redeem himself and to offer him a chance at dignity, despite his past mistakes.

 

(Page No. 42)

1. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?

Answer: Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler because it was a gesture of gratitude and respect. The peddler, despite his humble situation, had left her a gift — a small token that symbolized his redemption and acknowledgment of the kindness she had shown him.

2. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

Answer: The peddler signed himself as Captain von Stahle because he wanted to honour the kindness that Edla had shown him. By using the name, he was trying to redeem himself in her eyes and leave behind a sense of dignity, perhaps as a final act of goodwill before departing.

 

Understanding the text

1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?

Answer: The peddler initially views acts of kindness through the lens of his own cynicism.

Crofter: He interprets the crofter’s hospitality as an opportunity to exploit him, leading him to steal the crofter’s money.

Ironmaster: He suspects the ironmaster's kindness as a ploy to gain some benefit, especially when the ironmaster insists on bringing him home.

Edla (the ironmaster's daughter): Her genuine compassion and respect touch him deeply. Unlike others, she shows trust and kindness without expecting anything in return. This breaks through his cynicism and inspires him to reform, making her kindness transformative.

2. What are the instances in the story that show that the character of the ironmaster is different from that of his daughter in many ways?

Answer: Ironmaster: He is impulsive and quick to judge. He mistakes the peddler for an old acquaintance and invites him home. However, when the truth is revealed, he becomes angry and wants to drive the peddler out, showing a lack of genuine empathy.

Edla: She is thoughtful, empathetic, and kind. She persuades her father to let the peddler stay for Christmas, regardless of his identity, out of compassion for his apparent hardship. Her kindness reflects a deeper understanding of human dignity.

3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.

Answer: The crofter’s generosity in sharing his food, home, and even his earnings surprise the peddler, who is used to mistrust and isolation.

The ironmaster’s reaction shifts dramatically when he realizes the peddler is not his old friend; his warmth turns into anger.

Edla’s compassionate insistence on letting the peddler stay despite knowing his true identity is unexpected and contrasts with her father’s reaction.

The peddler’s transformation is surprising, as he leaves behind the stolen money and writes a note acknowledging Edla’s kindness as the catalyst for his change.

4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?

Answer: The peddler’s transformation was driven by Edla’s genuine kindness and trust. Unlike others, she treated him with respect and dignity, seeing him as a fellow human being rather than a thief or a burden. Her compassion awakened his conscience, making him realize he could rise above his cynicism and dishonesty. The Christmas spirit and her unwavering belief in his potential for goodness inspired him to return the stolen money and start anew.

5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?

Answer: The metaphor of the rattrap symbolizes the traps of materialism, greed, and temptation that ensnare people in life. Just as a rattrap lures a rat with bait, the world lures humans with wealth, power, and comfort, only to entrap them in misery. The peddler, who views life through this cynical lens, eventually experiences the truth of his metaphor when he gets lost in the forest. However, Edla’s kindness shows that one can escape the metaphorical rattrap through compassion, trust, and redemption, highlighting the possibility of liberation from human frailties.

6. The peddler comes out as a person with a subtle sense of humour. How does this serve in lightening the seriousness of the theme of the story and also endear him to us?

Answer: The peddler’s sense of humour lightens the tone of the story and makes his character more relatable. For instance, his idea of the world as a giant rattrap is both philosophical and amusing, offering a witty yet profound critique of human nature. His remark about letting himself be caught in the ironmaster’s “trap” adds a layer of irony and self-awareness. These moments of humour make the peddler endearing, allowing the reader to empathize with him despite his flaws. His wit also balances the seriousness of the story’s themes, making it engaging and thought-provoking.

 

Talking about the text

Discuss the following in groups of four. Each group can deal with one topic. Present the views of your group to the whole class.

1. The reader’s sympathy is with the peddler right from the beginning of the story. Why is this so? Is the sympathy justified?

Answer: The reader sympathizes with the peddler because of his impoverished and lonely life. Despite his dishonest ways, he comes across as a victim of circumstances rather than a villain. His philosophy of the world being a rattrap reflects his deep cynicism, rooted in his struggles. This sympathy is justified to an extent, as the peddler's theft is not driven by malice but by desperation. However, his eventual redemption through Edla’s kindness reaffirms the reader’s belief in his inherent goodness, making the sympathy worthwhile.

2. The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.

Answer: The story highlights the universal human experience of loneliness and the desire for connection. The peddler’s cynicism stems from his isolation, while the crofter, despite his modest life, seeks companionship and shares his home with the peddler. Edla’s kindness shows how empathy can bridge the gaps of isolation. The story suggests that acts of connection and trust can help individuals find purpose and redemption.

3. Have you known/heard of an episode where a good deed or an act of kindness has changed a person’s view of the world?

Answer: Many real-life examples echo this theme, such as charitable organizations transforming the lives of underprivileged children. A famous example is Malala Yousafzai, who was inspired by her father’s encouragement to pursue education despite societal challenges. On a personal level, there are instances of people helping a stranger in need, which later motivates the stranger to "pay it forward." Such stories show how kindness can ripple outward, changing perspectives and fostering positivity.

4. The story is both entertaining and philosophical.

Answer: The story blends humour and irony with deep philosophical reflections. The peddler’s notion of the world as a rattrap is both amusing and thought-provoking, highlighting the traps of materialism and greed. The narrative is engaging, with unexpected twists, such as the peddler’s theft and eventual transformation. At the same time, the story conveys profound messages about redemption, kindness, and human connection, making it a rich and multifaceted tale.

 

Working with words

1. The man selling rattraps is referred to by many terms such as “peddler, stranger” etc. Pick out all such references to him. What does each of these labels indicate of the context or the attitude of the people around him.

Answer: The peddler in The Rattrap is referred to by various terms throughout the story, each reflecting the context or the perspective of the people around him:

Peddler: This term highlights his profession as a seller of rattraps and establishes his modest economic status.

Stranger: This label is used when he is unknown to the people he encounters, emphasizing his transient and isolated life.

Tramp: It conveys a sense of disdain or pity, reflecting his vagrant lifestyle and societal judgment of him as a drifter.

Guest: When Edla insists on hosting him, this term reflects her respectful and compassionate attitude, treating him with dignity despite his social status.

Vagabond: This term underscores his rootlessness and aligns with the suspicion or wariness others feel toward him.

Thief: After he steals the crofter’s money, this label reflects his moral failing and society’s view of him as a criminal.

Captain: This ironic reference by the ironmaster adds a layer of humor and mistaken identity, while also showing how appearances can be deceptive.

Each label sheds light on the peddler’s complex identity and how he is perceived based on circumstances and the attitudes of those around him.

2. You came across the words, plod, trudge, stagger in the story. These words indicate movement accompanied by weariness. Find five other such words with a similar meaning.

Answer: In addition to plod, trudge, and stagger, here are five other words with similar meanings:

Lumber: To move in a slow, heavy, and awkward manner.

Shuffle: To walk without lifting the feet properly, often suggesting exhaustion.

Slog: To walk or work heavily and with difficulty.

Drag: To move slowly and with effort, as if burdened.

Hobble: To walk with difficulty, often due to pain or fatigue.

These words effectively convey the physical and emotional toll of weariness in movement.

 

Noticing form

1. He made them himself at odd moments.

2. He raised himself.

3. He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught.

4. … a day may come when you yourself may want to get a big piece of pork.

Notice the way in which these reflexive pronouns have been used (pronoun + self)

• In 1 and 4 the reflexive pronouns “himself” and “yourself” are used to convey emphasis.

• In 2 and 3 the reflexive pronoun is used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it refers to the same subject in the sentence.

• Pick out other examples of the use of reflexive pronouns from the story and notice how they are used.

Answer: Examples of Reflexive Pronouns and Their Usage

1. "He laughed to himself as he went along, thinking how the world, with all its riches, was nothing but a big rattrap."

Usage: Here, himself is used reflexively to indicate that the subject (the peddler) is performing the action (laughing) on himself.

2. "To go up to the manor house would be like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion’s den."

Usage: Himself is used reflexively to show that the action refers back to the subject.

3. "The ironmaster came into the dining room and wished him good morning, but the stranger did not budge; he only sat there quietly with his eyes fixed on the table, and seemed to himself to be sitting in a trap."

Usage: Himself is used reflexively, indicating the peddler's internal realization.

4. "He had no idea where he was going. He only knew that he must not stay in the forest, but must turn back to the road. The whole forest, with its trunks and branches, its thickets and fallen logs, closed in upon him and hemmed him in. It was as if the rattrap had shut itself around him."

Usage: Itself is used reflexively to emphasize that the rattrap (symbolically the forest and his situation) has ensnared him.

5. "The stranger must have had quite a cordial reception, for the next morning the ironmaster said to his daughter that the man was a good fellow after all; but the girl only laughed to herself."

Usage: Herself is used reflexively to show the daughter’s private reaction to her father’s words

Patterns of Use

Reflexive pronouns like himself, herself, itself, yourself are used:

To indicate that the subject and the object are the same (He laughed to himself).

For emphasis to stress a point or action (She herself invited him).

To show internal thoughts or realizations (He seemed to himself to be trapped).

These examples illustrate how reflexive pronouns enrich the narrative by providing emphasis, self-awareness, or focus on internal actions.

 

Thinking about language

1. Notice the words in bold in the following sentence.

“The fire boy shovelled charcoal into the maw of the furnace with a great deal of clatter”. This is a phrase that is used in the specific context of an iron plant.

Pick out other such phrases and words from the story that are peculiar to the terminology of ironworks.

Answer: Phrases and Words Peculiar to the Terminology of Ironworks

Here are some phrases and words from the story that relate to the specific context of ironworks:

“Forge”: Refers to the workplace where metal is heated and shaped.

“The glowing coal”: Describes the heated charcoal used in the furnace.

“Hammer strokes”: The sound and action of hammering hot iron into shape.

“Maw of the furnace”: Refers to the fiery mouth of the furnace, symbolizing its heat and intensity.

“Anvil”: A metalworking tool used to shape heated metal.

These terms vividly capture the atmosphere and labour-intensive nature of the ironworks.

2. Mjolis is a card game of Sweden.

Name a few indoor games played in your region. ‘Chopar’ could be an example.

Answer: Indoor Games in Different Regions

Some common indoor games played in different regions:

Chopar (or Pachisi): A traditional board game from India.

Carrom: A popular strike-and-pocket game played across South Asia.

Ludo: A modern version of Pachisi played on a square board.

Snakes and Ladders: A board game of Indian origin.

Playing Cards: Known by various local names and variations in rules.

Chess: An ancient game originating from India (Chaturanga).

Tambola/Housie: A game similar to Bingo, widely played in social gatherings.

3. A crofter is a person who rents or owns a small farm especially in Scotland. Think of other uncommon terms for ‘a small farmer’ including those in your language.

Answer: Uncommon Terms for ‘Small Farmer’

Crofter: Refers to a small farmer, particularly in Scotland.

Sharecropper: A farmer who works on rented land and shares a portion of the produce with the landowner.

Peasant: A term for small farmers or laborers in rural areas, often used in a historical context.

Kulak: A term used historically in Russia for wealthy peasants, though sometimes referring to small farmers.

Tenant Farmer: A farmer who rents land for cultivation.

Smallholder: A British term for a person managing a small farm.

In regional languages:

Bhumihaara (Hindi): A small farmer.

Uzhavar (Tamil): A farmer, specifically one who owns or works on small plots.

Gowda (Kannada/Telugu): Refers to a small landowner or farmer in some contexts.

These terms showcase cultural and regional diversity in the identification of small-scale farmers.