ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOL BARRACKPORE

STUDY MATERIAL
ENGLISH CORE
CLASS XII D, F
THE RATTRAP

​INTRODUCTION TO THE CHAPTER (NOT TO BE WRITTEN IN COPY)

‘The Rattrap’ is a story that gives us a psychological insight into human nature. The
author highlights how greed for material things entraps human beings. The story
upholds the belief that the essential goodness of a human being can be awakened
through love and understanding. It brings into focus the idea that the world is a
rattrap. Riches, joys, shelter and food are all lucrative baits to trap mankind.

​THEME (NOT TO BE WRITTEN IN COPY)

The chapter, ‘The Rattrap’ covers the theme of the basic human need for
companionship, and shows the negative effects of loneliness. The story stresses on
the fact that most human beings are prone to fall into the trap of material benefit. The
author targets the materialistic approach of the people. The worldly riches have
disillusioned them, and they are running after the things which are temporary.

​STORY AT A GLANCE (NOT TO BE WRITTEN IN COPY)

The story begins like a fairy tale. The central character is a beggar and a petty thief
who goes about selling rattraps of wire to make a small living. He finds it difficult to
make both ends meet. It makes him reflect about his own condition and the world at
large. He realises that the whole world is nothing but a big rattrap. It offers rich and
varied baits to people who bite on them and get trapped in the rattrap.

The storyline unfolds gradually with the various baits being offered to the beggar.
The old man that the tramp meets is generous with his hospitality but the bait of the
three ten-kronor bills is enough to tempt him. Next at the Ramsjo ironworks, while
seeking shelter for the night, the tramp bites the bait offered to him by the owner
(though he initially refuses it), the ironmaster, of mistaken identity. Edla, the
ironmaster’s daughter, offers yet another bait of full-hearted generosity, comfortable
living and a magically peaceful Christmas for the tramp. Finally, the bitter truth dawns
on the hosts.

Edla is downcast when she learns that the peddler is a thief. The tramp undergoes a
change of heart after experiencing her kindness. He returns the stolen money and
writes a letter to her, thanking her for helping him escape the rattrap. He attains
nobility of spirit and ‘becomes’ Captain Von Stahle. The story ends with the victory of
human goodness.
 ​MAIN CHARACTERS (NOT TO BE WRITTEN IN COPY)

The peddler

He is the protagonist and central character of the story. He is an unnamed man who
lives as a tramp wandering the countryside and selling rattraps. As he does not
make enough money from this to survive, the rattrap peddler also engages in petty
thievery and begging.

Characteristics of peddler: Vagabond, thief, beggar, witty, philosopher, pragmatist

and humorous.

Edla Willmansson

Edla is the daughter of the ironmaster. He is described as ‘not at all pretty, but
modest and quite shy’. She is exceptionally kind. She convinces the peddler to come
to her house and then convinces her father to let the peddler stay for Christmas Eve.
She is the most positive figure in the story, and her compassion and generosity are
the reasons for the peddler’s transformation.

Characteristics of Edla Willmansson: Kind, compassionate, friendly, charming,

modest, shy, persuasive, sensitive, understanding, hospitable, honest and innocent.

Ironmaster

Ironmaster is Edla Willmansson’s father and the man who owns Ramsjo Ironworks.
He is a very prominent ironmaster. He steps by at his forge every day and night to
watch the work, and inspects the quality of his products. In his younger days, he was
in the military, so he mistakes the peddler for his ‘old regimental comrade’ Captain
von Stahle.

Characteristics of Ironmaster: Greedy, cautious, hospitable, suspicious, unkind and

taskmaster.

The Crofter

This is an old man who lets the peddler spend the night at his house. As the old man
is lonely, he is glad to have company and provides the peddler with food, tobacco
and conversation. He is a very kind, and generous old man, but the peddler repays
his generosity by stealing thirty kronors from him.

Characteristics of Crofter: Lonely, happy, friendly, gullible, generous and hospitable.

​QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (TO BE WRITTEN IN COPY)

THINK AS YOU READ

Q1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?

Ans: The peddler had been thinking of his rat traps when suddenly he was struck by
the idea that the whole world was nothing but a big rattrap. It existed only to set baits
for people. It offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing in the same
manner as the rattrap offered cheese and pork. As soon as someone let himself be
tempted to touch the bait, it closed in on him, and then everything came to an end.

Q2. Why was he amused by this idea?

Ans: His own life was sad and monotonous. He walked laboriously from place to
place. The world had never been kind to him. So, during his gloomy plodding, this
idea became his favourite pastime. He was amused how people let themselves be
caught in the dangerous snare and how others were still circling around the bait.

Q3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the
crofter?

Ans: The crofter served him porridge for supper and tobacco for his pipe. He also
played a game of cards with him till bedtime. This hospitality was unexpected as
people usually made sour faces when the peddler asked for shelter.

Q4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler? (Delhi 2012)

Ans: The crofter’s circumstances and temperament made him so talkative and
friendly with the peddler. Since he had no wife or child, he was happy to get
someone to talk to in his loneliness.

Q5. Why did he show the thirty kronor to the peddler?

Ans: The crofter had told the peddler that by supplying his cow’s milk to the
creamery, he had received thirty kronor in payment. The peddler seemed to doubt it.
So, in order to assure his guest of the truth he showed the thirty kronor to the
peddler.

Q6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?

Ans: No, the peddler did not respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter. At
the very first opportunity that he got, he smashed the window pane, took out the
money and hung the leather pouch back in its place. Then he went away.

THINK AS YOU READ

Q1. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?

Ans: The peddler realised that he must not walk on the public highway with the
stolen money in his pocket. He went into the woods. He kept walking without coming
to the end of the wood. Then he realised that he had fallen in the rattrap. He had let
himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught in.

Q2. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

Ans: The ironmaster walked closely up to the peddler. In the uncertain reflection from
the furnace, he mistook the man as his old regimental comrade, Captain Von Stahle.
He addressed the stranger as Nils Olof, spoke very kindly and invited him home.

Q3. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?

Ans: The peddler knew that the ironmaster had mistaken him for his old regimental
comrade. Secondly, he had robbed the crofter of his thirty kronor. Going to the
ironmaster’s residence would be like entering the lion’s den. So, he declined the
invitation.

THINK AS YOU READ

Q1. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?

Ans: Miss Edla Willmansson looked at the peddler quite compassionately. She
noticed that the man was afraid. She assured him that he would be allowed to leave
just as freely as he came. She requested him to stay with them over Christmas Eve.
Her friendly manner made the peddler feel confidence in her and accept her
invitation.

Q2. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?

Ans: As Edla lifted the peddler’s hat, he jumped up abruptly and seemed to be quite
frightened. Even her kind looks, disclosure of her name and purpose of visit failed to
calm him. From his fear, she thought that either he had stolen something or he had
escaped from jail.

Q3. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?

Ans: Next morning, the stranger was cleaned and well-dressed. The valet had
bathed him, cut his hair and shaved him. He was led to the dining room for breakfast.
The ironmaster saw him in broad daylight. It was impossible to mistake him for an
old acquaintance now. Then the ironmaster realised his mistake and threatened to
call the Sheriff.
Q4. How did the peddler defend himself against not having revealed his true
identity?

Ans: The peddler explained that he had not tried to pretend to be his acquaintance.
He was not at fault. All along he had maintained that he was a poor trader. He had
pleaded and begged to be allowed to stay in the forge. No harm had been done by
his stay. He was willing to put on his rags again and go away.

Q5. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about
him?

Ans: Edla did not think it proper on their part to chase away a human being whom
they had asked to come to their house and had promised him Christmas cheer. She
understood the reality of the peddler’s life and wanted him to enjoy a day of peace
with them. Hence, she still entertained the peddler even after knowing the truth about
him.

THINK AS YOU READ

Q1. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler? (All India 2010)

Ans: As soon as Edla opened the package of the gift, the contents came into view.
She found a small rattrap with three wrinkled ten kronor notes and a letter addressed
to her. The peddler wanted to be nice in return as she had been so nice to him all
day long. He did not want her to be embarrassed at the Christmas season by a thief.

Q2.Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

Ans: The ironmaster has invited the peddler to his house mistaking him for Captain
von Stahle. He was welcomed there and looked after as captain even after the reality
became known. The peddler got a chance to redeem himself from dishonest ways by
acting as an honourable Captain. He wanted to repay Edla for her kind just as a real
captain would have done. It was an indication that he wanted to retain the dignity
and respect accorded to him.

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

Q1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown
by the crofter, the iron master and his daughter?

Ans: The peddler interprets the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter,
the iron master and his daughter differently. He cheats the crofter as he provides him
company in his loneliness and helps him pass time. He wants to get a couple of
kronors from the iron master and is surprised at the contrasting style of behaviour of
father and daughter. He is touched by the kindness, care and intervention of Edla on
his behalf.

Q2. 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?

Ans: The ironmaster is impulsive whereas his daughter is cool, logical, kind and
thoughtful. In an uncertain light he mistakes the stranger as his old regimental
comrade. He invites him home and takes care of his feeding, clothing, etc. When he
sees him in broad daylight he calls the man dishonest, demands an explanation and
is ready to call in the sheriff. His daughter is more observant. She notices the fear of
the stranger and thinks that either he is a thief or a runaway prisoner. In spite of that
she is gentle, kind and friendly to him. She treats him nicely even after knowing the
mistake in identity.

Q3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters
to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.

Ans: The peddler is surprised at the warm welcome, generous supper, cheerful
company and intimacy shown by the crofter. The peddler's act of robbing him of his
hard-earned money is unexpected. The ironmaster addresses the peddler as
Captain von Stahle. He is surprised when the ironmaster calls him Nils Olof. The
ironmaster assumes his declining the invitation is a result of embarrassment caused
by his miserable clothing. The peddler’s comparison of the world to a rattrap makes
the ironmaster laugh and he drops the idea of calling in the sheriff.

The peddler looks at Edla in boundless amazement when she tells him that the suit
is a Christmas present. She also invites him to spend next Christmas with them. She
does all this even after knowing the mistake about his identity. The peddler’s writing
the letter to Edla and signing himself as Captain von Stahle comes as a pleasant
surprise in the end suggesting his eventual transformation.

Q4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?

Ans: Edla Willmansson treated the tramp in a friendly manner. She was nice and
kind to her. She interceded on his behalf when her father was about to turn him out.
She still entertained the peddler even after knowing the truth about him. She offered
him the suit as a Christmas present and invited him to spend the next Christmas with
them. Her love and understanding aroused the essential goodness in the peddler
and finally he changed his ways.

Q5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human
predicament?

Ans: The world entices a person through the various good things of life such as
riches and joy, shelter and food, heat and clothing. These are just like the baits in the
rattrap. Once someone is tempted by the bait, the world closes on him.The peddler
is tempted by thirty kronor of the crofter. It makes him hide himself. He walks through
the woods. He is afraid to go to the Manor house. He gets peace only after returning
the bait.

Q6. 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?

Ans: The peddler has a subtle sense of humour, which is revealed during his
interactions with the ironmaster and his daughter after the truth about him becomes
known. He is neither afraid of being turned out in cold rags nor of being sent to
prison. He makes the ironmaster laugh with his metaphor of the rattrap. His letter
with the Christmas present to Edla is a fine example of his capacity to make others
laugh at him. Thus, he lightens the seriousness of the theme of the story and also
endears himself to us.

●​ Competency Based Question

Q. Despite his philosophical insights, the vagabond fails to resist temptations.

What would you attribute this to? Explain with reference to any one instance
from the text.

In Selma Lagerlof’s short story “The Rattrap,” the vagabond, who sells rattraps and
wanders the roads, indeed possesses philosophical insights. However, he ultimately
succumbs to temptations.

One evening in late December, the vagabond arrives at a crofter’s cabin seeking
shelter. The crofter, despite being poor, treats him kindly and offers him hospitality.
The vagabond, who had been wandering alone, is drawn to the warmth of the fire,
the smell of food, and the prospect of companionship. Despite his philosophical
insights about the world’s traps, he accepts the crofter’s invitation and enters the
cottage. However, the next morning, he robs the crofter of his 30 kronors and
escapes through the forest.

The vagabond’s inability to resist temptations stems from his inherent humanness.
His vulnerability to basic needs and the allure of companionship override his
philosophical outlook. Thus, he becomes a part of the very rattrap he warned
against.

​PYQ/ EBQ (TO BE WRITTEN IN COPY)

Question: How does the rattrap seller’s transformation embody the theme of
redemption in the story?
Answer: The protagonist’s transformation from a cynical thief to a man touched by
kindness illustrates the power of compassion in inspiring redemption. The turning
point occurs when he is treated with respect at the ironmaster's home, leading him to
leave behind his deceitful ways and return the stolen money. This act of redemption
highlights the story's message that every individual, no matter how morally
compromised, can change if given empathy and understanding.

Source: CBSE Sample Paper 2024

EXTRACT. “I am thinking of this stranger here,” said Edla “He walks and walks the
whole year long, and there is probably not a single place in the whole country where
he is welcome and can feel at home. Wherever he turns he is chased away. Always
he is afraid of being arrested and cross-examined. I should like to have him enjoy a
day of peace with us here-just one in the whole year.”

(i) Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate option :

Edla wished the peddler to have a peaceful day because ______

(a) the peddler had worked for Edla.

(b) the peddler had not been released from jail.

(c) the peddler had been staying at the forge.

(d) the peddler had always been looked at with suspicion.

(ii) Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the analogy.

single : multiple :: abroad : _________

(iii) In the above extract, Edla comes across as

(a) conscientious (b) pretentions (c) compassionate (d) selfless

(iv) Based on the above extract, choose the statement which is true.

(a) relationships are rattraps.

(b) money is important in the world.

(c) criminals are not born but made.

(d) christmas is a time of charity

(v) In the context of the given extract, which day is referred to in the expression ‘just
one in the whole year’ ?

(vi) What does the expression ‘he is cross examined’ suggest ?

Answer Key

(i) (d) the peddler had always been looked at with suspicion.

(ii) home

(iii) (c) compassionate/ (d) selfless

(iv) (d) Christmas is a time of charity

(v) Christmas

(vi) questioned / interrogated