"The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlöf,
1. Summary Points
1. Introduction to the Peddler:
o The story revolves around a poor peddler who sells rattraps and leads a life of poverty and loneliness.
o He views the world as a giant rattrap, where material possessions and riches are the bait.
2. Incident at the Crofter’s Cottage:
o The peddler is welcomed by a kind, lonely crofter who shares his food, shelter, and even shows him
the money he has earned.
o Despite the hospitality, the peddler steals the crofter’s money and runs away.
3. Lost in the Forest:
o While escaping, the peddler gets lost in a dense forest.
o He feels trapped, like the metaphorical rattrap he often speaks of.
4. Meeting the Ironmaster:
o The peddler seeks shelter at a foundry and encounters the ironmaster, who mistakes him for an old
friend.
o Initially hesitant, the peddler plays along, hoping to benefit from the misunderstanding.
5. Intervention by Edla Willmansson:
o The ironmaster’s daughter, Edla, persuades her father to invite the peddler home for Christmas.
o Her kindness and trust deeply affect the peddler, making him regret his dishonest actions.
6. Transformation of the Peddler:
o Inspired by Edla’s generosity, the peddler decides to reform.
o On Christmas morning, he leaves the stolen money and a letter for Edla, thanking her for treating
him with dignity and compassion.
2. Themes
1. Redemption and Transformation:
o The story highlights how compassion and kindness can bring about a change in a person’s behavior
and attitude.
2. Human Dignity:
o Emphasizes the importance of treating everyone, even those who seem undeserving, with respect and
dignity.
3. Metaphor of the Rattrap:
o The world is depicted as a rattrap where material desires act as bait, trapping people.
4. Loneliness and Isolation:
o Explores the impact of loneliness on individuals like the peddler and the crofter.
5. Power of Love and Kindness:
o Shows how acts of kindness, like Edla’s, can touch even the hardest hearts.
3. Important Characters
1. The Peddler:
o A poor, cynical man who sees the world as a giant rattrap.
o Undergoes a transformation due to Edla’s kindness.
2. Edla Willmansson:
o The ironmaster’s daughter, known for her compassionate and understanding nature.
o Plays a crucial role in the peddler’s redemption.
3. The Crofter:
o A lonely old man who shows hospitality to the peddler but becomes a victim of his betrayal.
4. The Ironmaster:
o A stern but well-meaning man who initially misunderstands the peddler’s identity.
4. Important Quotations
“The whole world is a rattrap.”
o Reflects the peddler’s cynical worldview.
“Edla had only to look at him to know with herself that he was afraid.”
o Shows Edla’s perceptiveness and ability to see through the peddler’s facade.
“Honored and noble Miss, since you have been so nice to me all day long... I want to be nice to you in
return.”
o Marks the peddler’s realization and transformation.
5. Key Questions for Practice
1. Short Answer Questions:
o Why did the peddler consider the world a rattrap?
o What made the peddler accept Edla’s invitation?
o How did the peddler express his gratitude to Edla?
2. Long Answer Questions:
o Discuss the role of Edla Willmansson in transforming the peddler.
o How does "The Rattrap" highlight the importance of compassion and human dignity?
o Explain the metaphor of the rattrap and its significance in the story.
6. Writing Tips
Focus on Character Development: Highlight the peddler’s transformation from a thief to a redeemed
individual.
Analyze the Metaphor: Explain how the world being a rattrap ties into the events and themes.
Use Examples: Refer to specific incidents, such as the crofter’s hospitality and Edla’s kindness, to support
your points.
7. Exam Tips
Understand the Title: Reflect on how the metaphor of the rattrap encapsulates the story’s central message.
Connect to Themes: Relate the events and characters to themes like kindness, redemption, and human
dignity.
Structure Answers Well: Begin with a brief introduction, expand with examples and analysis, and
conclude with the moral or significance.
