RATTRAP
Theme:
The Rattrap explores the idea that the world is a trap full of material
temptations that can lead people astray.
It also emphasizes the power of kindness, compassion, and human dignity.
Through the peddler’s transformation, the story conveys that even the
most flawed individuals can change when treated with empathy and
respect.
Main character:
> Poor and homeless with sunken eyes, Sells rattraps to survive.
>often begs or does petty thievery.
> Distrusts people.
>Believes the world is a rattrap full of temptations
>shows potential for goodness and change.
> Also referred to as- vagabond, peddler, tramp, magamuffin, Nlis Olof.
Other characters:-
➢ Crofter: Kind old man, offers shelter and food. Gets robbed by the
peddler.
➢ Ironmaster: Mistakes peddler for an old friend, invites him home.
➢ Edla Willmansson: Ironmaster’s daughter; truly kind and respectful.
Her empathy leads to the peddler’s transformation.
Key events:-
> Crofter’s Kindness: Peddler is fed and sheltered, but he steals the crofter's
money.
> Iron Mill: Gets lost in forest, ends up in the iron mill.
> Mistaken Identity: Ironmaster mistakes him for an old friend and takes him
home.
> Edla’s Compassion: She treats him with dignity, despite knowing his truth.
> Moral Awakening: Her kindness makes him feel valued hence he decides to
change
> Redemption: Leaves a gift and returns the stolen money, signs letter as “Captain
von.
Symbolism:-
• Rattrap:
o Metaphor for the world → full of temptations (money, shelter, food)
o Represents how people fall into life’s traps
• Edla’s Character:
o Symbol of unconditional kindness, redemption, and hope
* MCQS:
1) Which of the following best explains the symbolism of the rattrap
in the story?
A) It symbolizes the harsh environment of the forest where the
peddler lives.
B) It represents the peddler’s physical trap when he gets lost in the
forest.
C) It is a metaphor for how people are lured by worldly temptations
and caught in their own greed.
D) It signifies the ironmaster’s wealth and power.
2) How does the author use the metaphor of the rattrap to
comment on human nature and society?
A) To show that people are naturally evil and trapped by their
instincts
B) To suggest that everyone is vulnerable to temptation and can get
caught in life’s traps
C) To imply that wealth is the only trap people should avoid
D) To emphasize that only the poor suffer from temptation and
failure
*LITERARY DEVICES:
1. Metaphor
o The world is compared to a rattrap, a trap that catches
people through temptation.
2. Symbolism
o The rattrap itself symbolizes greed and temptation.
o Elda’s kindness symbolizes hope and redemption.
3. Imagery
o Vivid descriptions of the cold forest and warm hearth
evoke strong sensory feelings.
4. Irony
o The peddler’s mistaken identity leads to his unexpected
kindness and transformation.
5. Personification (minor)
o The world or the rattrap is sometimes spoken of as if it
can “trap” people actively.
6. Allegory
o The story as a whole can be seen as a moral allegory
about life’s temptations and the power of kindness.
*THEME:
☆The essential goodness in human being can be awakened through
empathy and understanding.
☆ The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlöf uses the metaphor of a rattrap
to explore how the world tempts people with material comforts
like money, food, and shelter, which can ultimately trap them in
greed and moral downfall. The story highlights the loneliness
and isolation of the peddler, a poor and mistrustful man living
on society’s margins.
☆ The central message is one of hope and transformation
through kindness. Edla’s genuine compassion and respect
awaken the peddler’s better nature, inspiring him to change
and seek redemption.
☆This shows that no matter one’s past mistakes, everyone
deserves dignity, understanding, and a second chance.
*MESSAGE:
The moral of The Rattrap is that kindness and compassion can
transform even the hardest hearts. People who seem lost or bad can
change if they are treated with respect and understanding. The story
teaches us not to judge others by their past or social status because
everyone deserves a second chance. It also warns against greed and
materialism, showing how worldly temptations can trap people like
rats in a trap.
*TONE:
The tone of The Rattrap is compassionate and reflective. The story
carries a mood of sympathy toward the peddler, highlighting his
loneliness and struggles with a gentle understanding rather than
harsh judgment. There’s also a subtle tone of hope and warmth,
especially through the kindness shown by Edla, which contrasts with
the peddler’s initial cynicism and despair.
