Flamingo: The Rattrap 77

The Rattrap
(Selma Lagerlöp)

ABOUT THE STORY

Introduction

IThe Rattrap" is a story that is entertaining as well as philosophical.

Through the metaphor of rattrap, the author highlights the human
predicament of falling into the trap of temptations. The story is agood
analysis of the emotional needs of human beings that govern their
[Link] is a subtle humour all through the story that serves

in lightening the seriousness of its tone.

Summary
living by
The story is about a poor wanderer who used to make his
selling rattraps made out of begged material. He also took to petty
stealing at times as selling rattraps alone was not enough to sustain
him. When lonely, a somber thought often crossed the rattrap-seller's
mind. He felt that all the comforts of life were nothing but baits set to
trap human beings. Thus he found the world to be similar to a rattrap
where men and women succumbed to temptations.
One day, as he moved door to door selling his rattraps, he reached a
lived
Small gray cottage and sought shelter from the owner who
alone, This man had been a crofter at RamsjðIronworks. He was
extremely kind to the peddler. He not only fed him porridge but the
two also smoked together and played cards. The crofter was so
pleased to have a guest that he disclosed his source of income to this
 78
Literature Companion
stranger. He showed him the thirty kronor which he
selling his cow's milk to the creamery and had kept had got
in a
on a nail near the window frame. pouch aftey
The next morning the rattrap seller took leave of1his
hung
half an hour later, smashed the window pane and hostbutr
that the crofter had shown himthe previous
stole ihe returned
evening. He moTey
took to the
road into the woods to avoid getting caught. He
walked
and got confused bythe maze of forest paths. Dead-tired andquite
he realized that he had fallen into a trap. Suddenly
he
heard the
hungy
regular thumping of thehammer and realized that he
was near oe
iron mill. He gathered strength and walked in the
direction of the
sound to finally reachthe RamsjoIronworks. He sneaked into the
and entered the forge. Hle sought permission from the mil
blacksmith to stay for the night. The man agreed but rather coldmaster
Still, the peddler went close to the furnace to warm himself andbed
down to sleep.
The owner of this millwas a prominent ironmaster whose ambition
was to ship out good iron. Hence he would visit his workers regulariy
to inspect their work. He came to the mill that night as well. The
rattrap seller's presence caught his attention and he moved closer
only to mistake him for his old regimental comrade Captain Nils Olof.
Overwhelmed to meet his old acquaintance and saddened by his
pitiable condition, the mill owner insisted the rattrap seller to
accomparny him to his manor house. The peddler did not reveal his
true identity but refused to go with the ironmaster. After failing to
convince the peddler to be his Christmas guest, the ironmaster lertte
mill. But, within half an hour his daughter, Edla Willmansso
arrived and invited the peddler once again. She assured him that
could leave anytime after Christmas. The peddler changed his mind
and accompanied the young girl to their manor house. On the way e
 79
Rattrap

The
Flamingo :

hadfallen into the trap from which he would never be

ifhe
feltas
released.

the manor house he was accorded a warm welcomne.

He
reaching
On
given
a,shave, arefreshing bath and change of clothes. After this
he was presented before the ironmaster who realized
was
transformation

had mistaken
this man for his old comrade. Upset by the
he
ironmaster threatened to hand him over to the
that
pretence, the
peddler insisted that he had never claimed to be
peddler's

Sheriff.
However,the
that he was thought to be. On the contrary, it
was the
comrade
the
who had refused to listen to him.
At this point Edla
i r o n m a s t e r

of the misunderstanding she wanted

intervened and said that in spite
to her
stay with them for Christmas. Her father gave in
the man to
given a hospitable stay.
wish and this unknown guest was
feast and other celebrations over the evening.
He was invited to the
between the festivities. The Christmas Eve
He slept like a log in
Edla and her father left for the church in the
passed peacefully and
sleeping guest. On reaching the church,
morning leaving behind their
crofter's and realized that
the thief's
about the theft at the
they heard homne
fitted their guest. Worried and upset, they returned
description stolen by
precious silverware to0 must have been
thinking that their
whern they reached the manor they were informed by
[Link],
that the guest had left without taking anything with him.
their valet
had left behind a parcel for Edla. She curiously opened the
Kather he
find a rattrap and the three ten kronor notes wrapped
ulpacked gift to return
accompanied this gift with the request for Edla to
nit. A note the
peddler had expressed gratitudeto
the money to its owner. The
treating him like a true Captain. The humane treatment by the
girl for
this tramp and he had
5entle woman had aroused the conscience of
the stolen
made an effortt to rise from his befallen state by returning
money.
 Literature Companign
THEME

with the trap of

material
benefits that most
deals
The story fallinto. It
also dwells on the human
hun an
beings areprone to
from dishonest ways. Focusing on
human tendency
redeem
and the
oneself
need to bond
with others, it brings out our
the society and teendency\onelines
to lon
'have-nots' of
down upon the deprive the
them of
their lives worth living.
opportunity to
make However, here
help them Come Out of and
there, are stray good souls that th e
their wretchedness and encourage them to live adignified life, deptho
GLOSSARY

" resort to : to turn to

" petty : insignificant; trivial

. thievery stealingtde
keep body and : to manage to keep existing,
soul together one has very little money
especially when
" gleamed Sio: shone
monotonous : boring
vagabond awanderer; a person without a
home who moves from place permanent
" plod to place
trudge; to walk laboriously
meditations
. baits
deep thoughts
:traps
unwonted
:unusual
cherished
: held affection for something or
" dreary someone
: dull
" Snare
: trap
trudging walking tiredly
" Supper
: the evening meal
" carved off
: cutabig
piece from
 Rattrap

Flamingo : The 81

. generoOuswith : he could easily share his secrets

with anybody
h i sc o n f i d e n c e s

. crofter
:aperson in Scotlandwho rents or owns a small
farm adjoining ahouse
. bossy
:(here) cow
. creamery : factory producing dairy products
kronor : a unit of money in Sweden
incredulous unbelievable
nodding moving head to express agreement
stuffed : pushed quickly and carelessly
ebliuc
thickets bushes
" peddler a person who sells things moving door to door
impenetrable : that cannot be entered, passed through or sen
through
descending
.

coming down
SOrroW
" gloom
disappointment
. despair
summoned (here) gathered
staggered : walked unsteadily
smelting
. smeltermo; an industrial plant for
sheets
"rolling mill : afactory that produces metal
. forge : ablacksmith's workshop
barges and scows: flat bottomed boats
" sifted separated

" Crates : big containers

chamber for intense heating by
fire
" furnace
: rawiron
" pigiron smooth,
iron or steel with a
anvil : aheavy block of
metalsareshaped by hammering
lattoponwhich
84 Literature Componn
CHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

S (tobe answered in about 40

words each)

(A) Textual Questions

Q1. Fronm where did the peddler get the idea of the world
rattrap? Or
being
Why did the peddler think tthat the worldIwas a
rattrap?
(AI CBSE 209
One day, while pondering over the traps made
peddler got the idea of the world being a by him, te
comforts of riches, shelter,,food and rattrap. To him, tie
the rattraps. Once trapped,everythingclothing were baits, just like
came to an end.
Q2. Why was the peddler amused by
the idea of the world
rattrap? being
The world had never (Delhi 2016
treated the peddler kindly
him full of bitterness and which made
malice against it. So he was
the idea of the world amused by
being a rattrap that
succumbed to temptations of the riches ensnared all those who
Q3. Did the peddler and joys of the world.
expect the kind of
from the crofter? hospitality that he received
Or
Why was the peddler
the crofter's cottage? surprised when he knocked on the door u
No, the peddler (AICBSE201)
did not expect
received from the the kind of hospitality that he
coldly by asour face crofter. Instead he expected to be greetel
was surprised by when he knocked on the door. Therefore he
crofter received [Link] kindness and warmth with which the
Q4. Why was
the crofter so
talkative and friendlyv withthepeddler?
The old (Delhi 2011:2012
crofter's life was full of
loneliness and monotony b becaus
Flamingo. Rattrap
85

he did not have a wife or a child. So, the company of even a

regs a source of joy which he expressed by
talking alot
toplease his guest.
and trying
didtthe crofterrshow the thirty kronor to the
05.
Why peddler?
(AICBSE 2016)
The crofter
excited about having earned thirty kronor
was excited
month. He had no one with whom he could share this joy. He
showed ount to the peddler to express his happiness and
| the amount
alsotoconvince him1 when he noticed the expression of disbelief
face.
on the peddler's
06. Did the
peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the
crofter? Oresto (AICBSE 2008)
How did the peddler betray the confidence reposed in him by the
crofter in "The Rattrap"?

eDriven by want, hunger and starvation, the peddler had led a

life without principles. When the crofter showed him the money,
his mind started working on how to grab it. He stole it by
breaking the window pane and thus betrayed the confidence
reposed in him by the [Link] sot inguso g
crofter's
7. Why did the peddler keep to the woods after leaving the
CBSE 2011)
cottage? How did he f e e l ? o i Orantc (AI
had indeed fallen into a
What made the peddler think that he
rattrap?
crofter's cottage
Ine peddler kept to the woods after leaving the
stealing the crofter's thirty
order to escape being caught for and this
the maze
kronor. Being nervous, he lost his way in
indeed
made him think that by giving in to temptation he had
fallen into a rattrap.
8. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite
him home?Or bate (AI CBSE 2016)
86

Literature eComporiom
How did the ironmaster react on seeing
the furnace?
the stranger
In the uncertain glow of the furnace the 1yingdl
ironmaster(AICBSE21
oel
stranger for Captain Nils Olof, his old
Overwhelmed, he spoke kindly and invited regimental mistookh
house with the intention of him to COTmrade
bringing relief to his matK
companion. his
Q9. Why did the peddler decline ironmaster's
destte
The peddler declined the ironmaster's sinvitation?(Delhi
invitation
of revelation of his true identity as well as due to
20)
the three the feat 10
bills that he had stolen from the crofter.
correct the ironmaster when he first However, he krdiodng no,
mistook
regimental officer, because he thought that hehim for an oG
might e.
get a
couple of kronor in the bargain.
Q10. Having vehemently declined the
ironmaster's invitation. wh
did the peddler accept Edla's invitation? Or
What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson's
invitation?
The peddler declined the ironmaster's
invitation for fear of
being caught for stealing the old crofter's money. However, he
accepted Edla's invitation as her warmth, friendliness ant
Compassion instilled his confidence in her. He was also touche
by the ring of sincerity in her voice.
Q11. What doubts did Edla have about the I 20159
peddler? (SamplePaper
Or
Though still quite young, Edla Willmansson had a good

psychological insight and akeen observation. Comment.

She
Edla was quick to notice the fear in the eyes the peddler.

of 0r
immediately concluded that he had either
money

stolen some n
hardly
had escaped from the jail. She also observed that he
tobe
looked educated like a Captain that his fatherrthoughthim
 87
F l a m i n g o : T h e R a t t r a p

did the
ironmaster realize his mistake of confusing the
When

Q12. p e d d l e r ' s ,
identity with the captain?
i r o n m a s t e r
realised his mistake of confusing the peddler's
The
with hiis old comrade when the peddler was presented
identity

before
himinthe broad day light after having been given a bath,
a. haircut
and fine clothes. He understood that the man
shave,
a
was actually
a tramp.
that he
What did the
peddler say in his defence when it was clear
Q13.
the person the
ironmaster hadthought he was?
was not
Or

peddler defend himself against not having

revealed
How did the
his true identity?

by telling the ironmaster that he

The peddler defended himself
Captain nor had he accepted his
had neither preternded to be the he had
invitation to come to the manor house. In fact,
host's
begged to be allowed to sleep in the forge only for
repeatedly
one night.
still entertain the peddler after she knew the truth
Q14. Why did Edla
about him?

was of the view that the peddler had agreed to be their

Edla
Upholding the Christian values of
guest only on their insistence.
wanted to offer him at least one
kindness and compassion, she
comfort and hospitality.
day in his life with rarities like warmth,
Q15. Why was Edla happyyto see the gift left by the peddler?
(AICBSE 2010; Sample Paper 2018)
the peddler as he had
ala was happy to see the gift left by
tespected the faith shown in him by her. Rather
than walking off
goodness in
with their silverware, his gesture proved that the
us heart had been awakened and he behaved like a true
dignified Captain.
88
Literature Comparion 1)
Q16. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
(AI CBSE 2009)
The peddler signed himself as Captain von Stahle because the
humane and compassionate treatment by Edla hhad
transformed
him. By returning the crofter's money he had tried toto beha
behavelike
atrue Captain. He was no longer a poor-fallen peddler
deserved the honour shown towards him. but
Q17. The reader's sympathy is with the peddler right from the
of the story. Why is it so? Is the sympathy justified? beginning
The poverty-stricken, pathetic life of the peddler moves
moves the
reader and arouses his sympathy right fromtthe
sympathy is definitely not ill-placed as the trampbeginning. This
is facing such
a life not due to his own fault but because lady luck had refusod
to smile on him.

(B) Additional Questions

Q18. How did the tramp make his living? What idea do you get about
him from the way he earned to survive?
The tramp earned his living by selling rattraps made from wires
that he begged in stores or at big farms. But since this business
was not profitable, he also took to petty stealing in order to
survive. This shows that although he was enterprising and
hard-working still he succumbed to pressures of survival.
Q19. Briefly describe the vagabond of "The Rattrap".
The vagabond had an emaciated body and his cheeks were
sunken. Hunger, want and starvation were writ large on his
face. He went about in rags witha bunch of rattraps dangling on
hischest. Unkempt hair, unshaven face and untidy body made
him look repulsive.
 89
Rattrap
The
,;
Flamingo

crofter a good host?

Why
istthe
Q20 crofter is a good host because he does not turn away the
after looking at his shabby appearance. Instead he
The
p e d d l e r ,

him kindly, feeds him porridge, shares his tobacco roll,

poor
treats

cards with
with him. Further, he repOses full faith in him
plays
and histhree ten-kronor bills.
shows s him his
and

How
did the world generally treat the tramp?
H
Q21.
great contempt. He was
The tramp was treated generally with
chased away
from wherever he went. The extent of denial was

such
that when someone granted him a favour, he failed to see

anything better than scorn or indifference in the eyes of his

benefactor.

was the peddler received by the crofter? (Delhi2015C)

Q22. How
Or
crofter?
What hospitality did the peddler receive from the
oOr arli o (Delhi 2016)
Atthe crofter's home, why did the peddler feel very happy?
(Outside 2015C)
The crofter received the peddler with warmth unlike the sour
faces that were often encountered by the peddler. He took good
care of his guest and gave him hot porridge as supper and
shared a big slice of his tobacco roll. Healso played 'mjölis', a
card game with him until bedtime. This hospitality and regard
made the peddler feel very happy.
g3. What do we learn about the crofter's nature from the story?
(AICBSE 2016)
The story Conveys that the crofter was a kind-hearted simple
ian with a clear conscience. He was a wonderful host and did
not doubt the credibility of his guest, the peddler. The hospitality
that he extended to the authenticates his good nature.
stranger
90
Literature Companon 1)2
Q24. How could the peddler enter the forge without
the blacksmith2 being noticed
by
There were many sounds to be heard in the
account of this noise made by the burning of big
(Foreign2016)Was
forge. It
of burning coal, clattering of shovelled
the roaring waterfall and whipping of rain
charcoal, bel ows,Cracking
rain by sharptogether with
cr on

that the blacksmith failed to notice the peddler north

when he wind
the forge. entered
Q25. Why did the blacksmiths glance only casually at
the intruder
the peddler? -
The peddler's appearance wasslike that of
vagabonds andand it was
not unusual for such shelter-less poor souls to
furnace to warm themselves. Hence, the approach the
blacksmiths looked at
the intruder -the peddler - casually and allowed
him access to
the furnace.
Q26. Who was the owner off the Ramsjõ iron mills?
Why did he visit fhe
mills at night? w e s (AICBSE 2012)
The owner of the Ramsjö iron mills was Mr
Willmansson, a
prominent ironmaster,whose greatest ambition was to ship out
o good iron to the market. He personally
supervised his workers
bothnight and day to see that the work was done as wellas possible.
Q27. Why didn't the stranger tell the ironmaster that he was
not Nis
Olof?iodes Orm (AICBSE 2012)
How did the peddler react when he saw that the ironmaster had
recognised him as Nils Olof, an old regimental comrade?(A2019
The peddler remained quiet when he saw that the ironmast
a had made a mistake by recognising him as Nils Olof, an old
regimental comrade. He did not reveal lhis
his true identity
because

he expected to get afew kronors and shelter ffrom the biting3 cold
under the mistaken identity of Olof.
Flamingo·The,Rattrap

91
What
didthe: ironmaster plan to do for
028.
the
The ironmaster planned to feed his so-called Captain?
get
some flesh on his
body. He alsoemaciated friend well and
something more worthwhile decided
and respectable to help him do
livingthanjustmaking gand for earning
How didIthe ironmaster selingrattraps.
interpret
his
029. the peddler's refusal to accept
hisiinvitation tothe: manor house?
The ironmaster interpreted the
invitation to the manor house
peddler's refusal to accept
as his
miserable appearance. In spite of embarrassment about his
denials from the stranger made the
assurance, the repeated
ironmaster believe that his
comrade's current dilapidated state prevented him from
acepting the invitation.
030. Edla sat and hung her head even more
Which twO reasons forced her to behave in
dejectedly than usual.
that manner?
(Foreign 2010)
The first reason was that Edla had learnt at
church that one of the
old crofters of the ironworks had been
robbed. The second and
more important reason was that she had learnt the
robbery was
committed by a man who went around selling rattraps. This
dejected her as she had served acheat thinking him to be amere
unfortunate soul.
Q31. What brought about
ta change in thelife of the peddler?
Or (Outside 2015C)
What made the
epeddler finally change his ways? (Al CBSE 2010)
The humane treatment meted out to the peddler by Edla
brought aboutachange
a in his life. Her compassion touched him
deeply and revived hissconscience. He finally changed his ways
by leaving behind the stolen money with a note requesting it to
bereturned to the crofter.
 Literature Companion 1
ONGANSWER QUESTIONS
(o be answered in about 150 words each)

(A)Textual Questions (Including Value Based

Q1. How does the peddler interpret the values of Questions)
hospitalityshown bythe crofter, thei ironmaster aand kindness
his and
Or
daughter?
Describe how the story "The Rattrap" shows that (Textual
basic
goodness can be brought out by understanding and love. human
The peddler interprets the values of kindness
(Delhi 2009)
shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his
and hospitality
differently. The peddler'slife was driven by want, daughter
starvationthat depleted him of any ,hunger and
values,"Survival
at any
governed hiss behaviour. He showed scant regard to the LCOst
hospitality and generosity, and walked off with his thirty crofter'
kronor
s
without any sense of remorse.
The ironmaster's hospitality, too, didn't touch his heart. On the
revelation of his real identity the ungrateful peddler argued that
someday the ironmaster too would be tempted by the rattrap of
greed.
But Edla's warmth, sympathy and hospitality are interpreted by
him inapositive manner. He encloses the stolen money with the
rattrap and leaves it as a Christmas gift for her. The gift also
contains a letter expressing gratitude for transforming him and
a request that the money be returned to its rightful owner. 1hus
Edla's understanding and love redeem the peddler to show tha
basic human goodness can be revived.
Q2. What are the instances in the story that show that the character of
many
the ironmaster is different from that of his daughter in
(Textual;Delhi2008)
ways? Or
Feingo:The Rattrap

93

examples from the story "The

Give
is different:
i r o n m a s t e r
Rattrap" to show how the
from his daughter.
Or (Delhi 2009)
do the
different values
What
their lives by? What
ironmaster and his daughter
conduct impact does Edla's
[Link] on the peddler? compassion and
Or (Value Based)
There a saying "Kindness pays, rudeness
is
never. In the story,
"The Rattrap", Edla's attitude towards men and
different from her father's attitude.
matters is
How are the values of
concern. and compassion brought out in the story,
"The Rattrap"?
(Value Based, AI CBSE 2013)
The ironmaster and his daughter stand in contrast
in terms of
atitude. The ironmaster is impulsive and jumps to
conclusions
without giving due thought to the problem. In the forge, he
mistakes the peddler for an old regimental comrade and
without confirming his identity he immediately invites him to
his manor house. Again, on realising hismistake, he is rude and
threatens torefer the matter to the Sheriff. Yet again, on learning
in the church about the peddler'stheft, he starts worrying about
his ownsilver ware.

His daughter Edla, on the other hand, has positive values and a
strong sense of observation. She brings the peddler home
despite judging her guest to be a tramp. Her sympathetic
attitude makes her persuade her father to let the guest stay
because they had promised him "Christmas cheer". Itis because of
her concern and
compassionthat the peddler redeems himself
from dishonesty and undergoes a thoroughnttransformation.
03. The
story has many instances of unexpected reactions from
the
characters to others' behaviour. Pick out instances of thes.
Surprises. (Textual)
94 Literature Companion 12
the tramp's request for
The old crofter's reaction to
shelter at
night is an unexpected one. Usedtto being greeted by sour
faces,
the peddler himself is surprised by this hospitality.
The
peddler's act of stealing the crofter's money is also
This breach of trust is more of a
shock because ethe surprising
philosophical
inclination of the peddler portrays him more as a victimf
fortune than of ill values. The ironmaster's sudden invitation to
the tramp comes as the next surprise. The peddler'ss vehement
refusal to accompany him earlier and Jater accepting the
invitation at Edla's request is also a surprise. The ironmaster's
hostile reaction on knowingthe true identity of the peddler and
Edla's intercession are also unexpected reactions. The most
unlikely gesture is when the peddler leaves a Christmas gift for
Edla along with aletter of thanks and the stolen money to be
returned to the old crofter.

Q4. For years together, why did the vagabond stick to a life or
dishonesty and a total disregard for his conscience? What brought
about a sudden and total transformation in his life? (Value Based)
Or
What made the peddler finally change his ways? (Textual)
Or

Edla is able to bring about a change of heart in the peddler.

Justify with reference to the story "The Rattrap". What qualities
helped her bring about this transformation? (Sample Paper 2016)
The peddler had lived a despicable (unpleasant) life as a
vagabond governed by dishonesty for years. His only aim was
to keep his body and soul together by hook or by crook. The
society had an indifferent attitude towards him, so he tou
developeda defiant attitude and flouted the social norms. e
understand,
had never come across any angelic soul who could
 T h eR a t t r a p

95

Sympathize him
love and guide him until he met Edla.
hospitality nor the That is why
n
the crofter's
herth
e i t h e r

ironmaster's friendliness
any.
impact t on him.
made
H o w e v e r ,
Edla's warmth,
total
understarnding and genuineness
brought a
sudden
and total transformation in his life, When
she
like atrue Captain, he
treated

Heredeemed
him

and emerged as ahimself

spontaneously behaved like
one.

leaving behind arattrap as aChristmas gift for

righteous person
by and the stolen
her along with
aletterof
thanks money to be restoredlto the
owner.
does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to
Q. How

humanp r e d i c a m e n t ?
highlight the
s (Textual)
r
The metaphor offrattrap revealsr man's helplessness, restlessness
andpowerlessness in the face of difficult pursuit situations that
tinrs and luxuries land him in. All aims and
ambitions of
attaining great heights remain unfulfilled and one finds oneself
incapable of wriggling out of pettiness and trivialities. Many
times, one is not even aware of having been trapped
and thus
goes on receding deeper and deeper into the trap losing all
chances of deliverance.
Just as the bait of cheese and pork tempt
and trap a rat, the
peddler yields to his temptations at the crofter's
cottage and
then runs helter-skelter to escape
being caught. The only
difference is that for the peddler the world itself
is a big rattrap.
Ihough one cannot see the bars and wires,
this rattrap ensnares
individuals like him so
Thus the securely that they cannot escape at all.
metaphor of the rattrap poignantly highlights the
numan predicamentof survival
The amidst odds.
peddler
How does thiscomes out as a person with asubtle sense of humour.
the story? serve in!lightening the seriousness of thetheme of
Does
us? Why/VWhynot?this quality of his make him more acceptable to
(Textual)
96 Literature Companion 1)
than comical humour
Ifind more of irony and satire in the
peddler. However, the foolish way in which he acts
humorous. That beinga rattrap peddler he eshould consider is
whole world a trap is entertaining. Equally funny is the
dramatic way in which he getsinvited to the ironmaster's house
his s
and the way his reality is exposed. Later, ability to regain his
equilibrium makes him comical | but I wonder if he is humorous
likeacircus clown.
His temptation followed by repentance is the main focus of the
story. His philosophy, his guilt-conscience and his evenh..
reformation make him more human than Comical which iis what
makes us empathize with him. We willingly accept him as a
victim of the ways of the world. Still, with his pessimism and
irresponsible actions he does manage to lighten the serious
of the story.
Q7. The story "The Rattrap" focuses on human loneliness and the nee
to bond with others. Comment. (Textual; Value Based; Delhi 2010)
The theme of loneliness runs throughout the story. All the
characters suffer from loneliness and desperately seek salvage
from it.

The peddler has only met sour faces, cold words and unkind
treatment. He has trudged along the path of life with no one to
share with either his depressing or his amusing thoughts. Lite
has been kinder to the crofter but in the absence of a wife and
children, the old man yearns for company. Similarly, e
ironmaster and his daughter too miss company which ggnaws
their hearts, especially on the occasion ofChristmas when the
wish to practice their Christian values.
All these characters display a strong desire for bonding
his
Bonding with the peddler givesjoy tothe crofter whoserves
 Rattray

97
The
g u e

t with
sw
t i t h
generosity.
ironmaster and his daughter
bond
with and play hosts to too are
to thepeddler. Bonding
ns thetramp too andaawakens the goodness
excited

of his
the
focus on human
loneliness and the need to heart.
othersunderscoressth
Thus
the story. bond with
O8 Thestoryis both entertaining ; and philosophical. Discuss.
(Textual; Foreign 2011)
Rattrap" is indeed both entertaining and philosophical.
The
paced third person narrative with
with
Is fast
of dialogues make it entertaining. In addition, thesprinkling
generous
graphic
description of theecharacters and scenes together with elements
ofdrama anddirony make it interesting.
The crofter's invitation to the rattrap peddler is surprising for
kim but the reader is as much surprised as the crofter when
the
neddler steals his thirty kronor. The unexpected incidents in the
forge also enhance the reader's interest. The dramatic turn of
events resulting in the reformation of the peddler make the
narrative gripping and thus entertaining. One feels as light
hearted as Edla on reading the letter left behind by the tramp.
The narrative is underscored by the philosophy that this world
is full of traps and
everybody, sOoner or later, falls into one.
DOme people fall into the abyss and get stuck forever while
SOme, like the
peddler, fight temptation and discover their
inherent goodness. Thus, besides entertaining the story also
teaches us the philosophy of
98. What life.
made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a
ratrap? Or (Textual)
How did the
Teaction reveal?peddler feel after r robbing the crofter? What does his
(Delhi 2013)
Atfirst the
rattrap peddler was quite pleased with hissmartness
98 Literature Companion 1)

in stealing the crofter's thirty kronor. But soon the stolen

amount weighed heavy on his mind and made him
guilt.
stricken. He avoided the public highwayaand ventured into the
woods lest he be caught. But the forest was so confusing that he
got lost in its labyrinth of twisted paths. That was when
realized that he had been trapped. He had been fooled by the
bait of greed and had got caught in the impenetrable prison of
the trunks, branches and thickets. He felt just like a helpless
mouse trapped in a wired maze.
This reaction of the peddler reveals his sane side. At the same
time it also reveals that greed spells a blinding charm on logical
thinking. A wise man like the tramp too could not resisk
temptation and got awakened only after all escape routes were
shut upon him.

(B) Additional Questions (Including Value Based Questions)

Q10. Why did the crofter repose confidence in the peddler? How did
thepeddler betray that and with what consequences? (Delhi 2015)
Or

How did the peddler betray the confidence reposed in him by the
crofter in "The Rattrap"? (AICBSE 2008C)

The crofter was inherently a good human being. He had aclear

conscience and hence when the strange peddler seemed
incredulous to him, he showed him the three ten-kronor bills
that he had saved. Another reason for the crofter trusting the
peddler could be his loneliness, He had no one with whom he
could share either his joys or his sorrows. By showing his little
wealth to the peddler he availed of the opportunity of'rejoicing
bysharing'
The peddler betrayed this confidence by stealing the crofter's
Gongo. he,
Rattrap
99

moneyat the first available opportunity. He broke the window

walked away with the [Link] a
pane
and

peddler took to the forest maze consequence

act the instead of the road
this
of e being caught. Eventually he lost his way and
e s c a p e

fallen into
into the rattrap of
realized
to
he
had greed with no escape in
that

sight.

peddler
declined the invitation of the ironmaster but accepted
The
Q11. from EEdla. Why? Or
(Delhi 2015)
e one
the
Edla proved to be much more persuasive than her father while

dealing
peddler. Comment.
tthe
with1 (Delhi2015)
The peddler declined the invitation of the ironmaster for fear of
revelation of Ihis true identity. He knew that the ironmaster was
extendingall the warmth because he had mistaken him to be his
ld friend, Nils Olof. Further proximity with the ironmaster
ould have certainly unveiled the error. As a consequence, the
peddler could have been denied the comfort of spending the
night closeto the furnace at the ironmaster's mill.
However, the peddler accepted the same invitation from Edla
because her convincing persuasive skills belied his
apprehensions. Unlike her father, she assured the peddler that
he wouldbe allowwed to leave just as freely as he had come. She
won his trust by showing compassion and regards towards him
which was different from the compelling action of her father.
She extended the invitation in such a friendly manner that the
peddler mustthave felt confidence in her.
q2. Why did the
invite the peddler home? Why did the
latter decline it?ironmaster (Foreign 2015)
The ironmaster
inyited the peddler home because,
in the
uncertain glow of the he mistook him to
be his old
furnace, Nils Olof. His pitiable condition
regimental comrade, Captain
100
Literature Companion 12
aroused sympathy in him. He thought of helping him to
his lost status. Thus he invited him in order to
bring relief to his
companionin distress. But the latter declined Such a
warm and
honourable invitation because he did not want his
true identity
to be revealed under any circumstances. InIn such
such a case he would
have hadto face harsh punishmenttffor being an imposter: as well
as for having stolen the crofter's money. The peddler's only
intention of coming to the iron mill was to seek shelter from
the
cold night. He had to keep himself in oblivion, for he knew
that
his crime would not go unpunished. To achieve this end, he
refused the ironmaster's invitation lest the proximity lead s
revelation of the truth.

Q13. To be grateful is a great virtue of a gentleman. How did h

peddler show his gratitude to Edla? (Value Based; Delhi 2015C)
Gratefulness is indeed the virtue of a gentleman. The peddler
showed his gratitude to Edla by behaving like one. Instead of
stealing the expensive silverware of the Willmansson's, he left
behind a rattrap as a Christmas present for Edla. He also left a
note expressing his thankfulness for the hospitality and warmth
shown by her. He acknowledged and admired the manner in
which she had been nice to him and for treating him like atrue
Captain. He also thanked her for giving him the power to clear
himself by raising him honourably and lovingly. In addition, he
admitted his past follies in that note and enclosed the thrty
kronor that he had stolen from the crofter. He requested Edla to
restore the money to its rightful owner. Thus, thej peddler upheld
the belief that to be grateful is agreat virtue of a gentlemal
Q14. On the basis of your reading of the story "The Rattrap" drafta
human
speech in about 150 words on greed and temptation in
(ValueBased)
life.
 101

r s p e e c h
y o O u
s h o u l d

chiefvices ofthe, protagonist are

the

,say
what

everyone
iss prone to these vices
Showhow
i n c u l C a t e e
good values to overcomethese vices
to
ways
sUggest

GrodMorningEveryone.
and today I would like to express my
Mname
is,

with1
rreference to thestory"The
human
n vices Rattrap".
iews
on
fthe protagonist in nthe story"The Rattrap" is hís
of
vice

The
chief
temptation,
which he finds hard to resist because of
tot
gto
sells rattraps for,
for aliving but instead of working
yrelding

greed.
He
shis Loter his lot, he resorts to stealing, lying and cheatine. In
hardtob
he deceivesthe people who trust him.
process,
the
who is smitten with greed and
character
Buti is he a stray
temptation? No. I am afraid, everyone in this world gets to
experience these
vices but people of strong characters resist
hem with their strong willand deep-rooted faith in good values.
And it is these qualities that distinguish people of character
from weaklingsand the extraordinary from the ordinary.
The question now arises is how to inculcate these values in our
characters? Well, Iwould say here that strong family values,
together with sound education and good friends can help us
lkam to resist and beat all temptation and greed. When even
these fail,remember God is always there to helpus.
Thank you!
05. What message do you draw from thesstory ofthe rattrap peddler?
The story of the rattrap peddler delivers the message that an
inherent goodness is present in each one of us. The latent spark
of human values can be inflamed back into life through love,

understanding and compassion. Each one of us

encounters
102 Literature Companion 12

weak moments which make us succumb to temptation. Our

greed can make us weak enough to touch the tempting bait laid
within the trap of life. So, we should think twice before
judging
or criticising others. The peddler in this story understarnds well
that the urge tosurvive traps us all, still he fails to resist
stealing
the thirty kronor that belonged to the crofter. However, the
kind-hearted treatment meted out to him by Edla revives hie
passivee values and he manages to relieve himself from the trap.
Thestory thus conveys a deep message that a tiny spark of love.
has the power to rejuvenate humanity and free us from a
degenerated existence.
Q16. Justifythe title of the story "The Rattrap".
Or

Do you think the title "The Rattrap" is appropriate? Give

examples from the text in support of your view. (AI2008C)
"The Rattrap" is a very well-chosen title because the story is
about arattrap peddler and about his philosophy of the world
being a rattrap. The author has used the title as a metaphor to
highlight human predicament. Just as a rat is befooled by the
bait planted in the trap, so do most human beings fall prey to the
trap of material benefits. The story revolves around the incident
of a man getting trapped due to his avarice. However, the
resilience that he exhibits by returning the stolen money and
hence relieving himself from the trap leaves ajustified messag.
The function of a title is to convey the thematic concern of the
story. Here the title not only highlights the intended theme but
also introduces the major character. Besides,it arouses curi0SI)y
in the reader to explore the life of the peddler. Selma Lagerlof,

o the writer, desired to convey a philosophical meaning andthis

title conveys it pointedly.
 103

c r e a t e d
hy the style of the narrative followed in
effect
is
Nhat
TheKattrap"?

narrated in the manner of a fairy tale where the

Thes t o r yi s
Igravityis toned down with dash of
humour and
philosophical,
impartsaa convincing tone to the story. Although
style
stillI| the weaving of the episodes arounda
This

it
cof fiction,
-it
it believable. The emphasis on revival of
work

tisa make
m e s s a g e

noble
goodness throughitrust and love may seem afar fetched
human
n o r m a l
the narrative here successfully
routine but
in
jdea
theereaders
ofsuch a possibility. The usage of words like
'stagger' highlightthe wearinesssand monotony
assures

'trudge'
plod,
hunger and
starvation causein life. Also words like
that want,
gray' sour', 'dreary' bring out the gloom of life and 'confusing
paths' and
underscore
'impenetrable prison'
forest, twisted
helplessness of life. The writer does not employ anything
the of
unnecessary to dramatize the events. The use
unwanted or
with the setting to give the
language too synchronizes perfectly
reader acredible experience.
is like a punishment? Comment
Ql8. Do you think a sense of guilt (Value Based)
with reference to the story "The Rattrap".
protagonist in the story "The Rattrap'
15
V3. Ihe chief vice of the
Would the peddler have committd
temptation. Do you agree?
impersonation, if he was
not led to
Or stealing and
emptation? Give reasons in support of your ans Wel (ValueBased)

Q0. The peddler thinks The viewof

rattrap.
that the whole world is a Comment.
thestory.
lifeistrue only of himself oneelse in
and of no e odeho Delhi2017)