Introduction of Chapter 4: The Rattrap Class 12 English (Flamingo)
“The Rattrap” is a thought-provoking short story written by Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf. This story, often included in literature curricula, explores profound themes of human nature, kindness, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of a cold and unforgiving world, it tells the tale of a vagabond who views life as a rattrap, a metaphorical trap designed to ensnare unwary souls. Through a chance encounter with a compassionate crofter, the story takes us on a journey of transformation, showing how acts of kindness can unlock the potential for change even in the most cynical of hearts. Selma Lagerlöf’s “The Rattrap” serves as a reminder of the power of empathy and human connection to lead individuals away from despair and towards hope and redemption.
Summary of Chapter 4: The Rattrap Class 12 English (Flamingo)
“The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf is a short story often included in the CBSE/RBSE Class 12 English curriculum. Here is a summary of the story:
“The Rattrap” is a story that explores themes of kindness, compassion, and the transformative power of human relationships. The story begins with a vagabond, who sees the world as a rattrap, a device designed to lure and trap unsuspecting victims. He lives a life of poverty and desperation, struggling to find shelter and sustenance.
One day, the vagabond arrives at an old crofter’s cottage seeking refuge. The crofter initially mistrusts the stranger but eventually offers him food and shelter for the night. As they sit by the fire, the crofter shares his philosophy of life, which revolves around the idea that the world is a rattrap, and people are the bait.
The crofter explains that he once received a rattrap as a gift, believing it to be a real Christmas present. He displays the rattrap on his wall as a reminder of the cruel world. The vagabond, however, sees the rattrap as more than just a symbol; he believes it is an actual rattrap and becomes obsessed with the idea of stealing the crofter’s money.
The next morning, the crofter leaves to sell his Christmas wares, leaving the vagabond alone in the cottage. The vagabond succumbs to temptation, steals the money, and flees. However, as he travels deeper into the forest, he begins to reflect on the kindness and trust the crofter showed him. He realizes that he has been treated as an honored guest and not as bait in a rattrap. Overwhelmed by guilt and remorse, he decides to return the money to the crofter.
When the crofter returns home, he discovers the theft and is deeply saddened. But to his surprise, the vagabond soon returns the stolen money and explains his change of heart. The crofter is moved by the vagabond’s honesty and invites him to stay, offering him friendship and a chance for a fresh start.
“The Rattrap” illustrates the transformative power of kindness and trust. The crofter’s genuine hospitality and compassion change the vagabond’s perspective on life. The story emphasizes that people can break free from the metaphorical rattraps of their circumstances through human connection and goodness. It teaches that even those who feel trapped by the world can find redemption and a sense of belonging when treated with kindness and understanding.
The Rattrap Think as you read
Question 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 when he was spontaneously thinking of his rattraps. The peddler made his living by selling small rattraps of wire. He thought that the whole world about him was nothing but a big rattrap.
Question 2.
Why was he amused by this idea ?
Answer:
The peddler was a vagabond whose life was sad and monotonous. Of course, the world had never been very kind to him. .That is why he was amused by this idea of thinking ill of the world-as a rattrap.
Question 3.
Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter ?
Answer:
No, the peddler had not expected the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter. It was because he would usually find harsh faces when he knocked the doors of the strangers previously to seek shelter.
Question 4.
Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler ?
Answer:
The crofter was so talkative and friendly with the peddler because he was leading a lonely life in the cottage. He was an old man who was living there without wife or child. So, he was happy to get someone to talk to in his loneliness.
In Selma Lagerlöf’s short story “The Rattrap Seller,” the central character, the rattrap seller, is a complex individual who undergoes significant transformation. Here’s a character sketch of the rattrap seller:
**1. Vagabond Lifestyle:**
– At the beginning of the story, the rattrap seller is depicted as a vagabond, a wanderer who leads a nomadic and impoverished life.
– He resorts to begging and petty thievery to make ends meet, reflecting his desperate circumstances.
**2. Cynical Outlook:**
– The rattrap seller views the world with cynicism. He believes that life is like a rattrap, designed to ensnare people in their desires and circumstances.
– He sees himself as a victim of the world’s traps and is initially suspicious of kindness.
**3. Transformation:**
– Throughout the story, the rattrap seller undergoes a profound transformation.
– His encounter with the crofter and the unexpected kindness he receives lead him to reevaluate his cynical beliefs.
– He ultimately makes a morally significant choice to return stolen money, showing that he is capable of change and redemption.
**4. Inner Conflict:**
– The rattrap seller experiences inner conflict as he grapples with his past actions and his desire to change.
– His decision to return the money is a result of this internal struggle between his old ways and a newfound desire for honesty.
**5. Capacity for Change:**
– The rattrap seller’s character highlights the potential for change and redemption in individuals, regardless of their troubled pasts.
– His willingness to break free from the metaphorical rattrap of his life’s circumstances demonstrates his capacity for transformation.
**6. Symbolism:**
– The rattrap seller serves as a symbol of the human condition, illustrating how individuals can be trapped by their own beliefs and actions but also find a way to break free through kindness and moral choices.
In “The Rattrap,” the rattrap seller evolves from a cynical and desperate wanderer into a character capable of making choices that lead to personal growth and redemption. His character emphasizes the power of empathy, kindness, and self-reflection in changing the course of one’s life.
The crofter was making his livelihood by selling milk in his old age. He told the peddler that last month he had received thirty kronor in payment. Thinking that the stranger might not believe this, he showed the wrinkled three ten-kronor bills to him from a leather pouch.
The Rattrap Think as you read
Question 1.
What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap ?
Answer:
After stealing the crofter’s money, the rattrap peddler did not think it proper to walk on the public highway. So he turned off the road, into the forost. But he got entrapped in a big and confusing forest. He tried to walk in a definite direction, but the paths twisted back and forth in a strange manner.
He walked and walked without coming to the end of the forest. Finally, he realised that he had only been walking around the same part of the forest. Then he recalled his thoughts about the world and the rattrap. Now his own turn had come. The rattrap peddler thus thought that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap from which he might not be able to escape.
Question 2.
Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and ipivite him home ?
Answer:
The ironmaster spoke kindly to the peddler because he thought that he was captain and an old regimental comrade who had resigned from the regiment. Thus the ironmaster thought that he was an old acquaintance. That is why the ironmaster invited the peddler to have his company for Christmas.
Question 3.
Why did the peddler decline the invitation ?
Answer:
The peddler declined the invitation of the ironmaster to go to his house. He had stolen thirty Kronors from the house of the crofter who lived in that area. So the peddler thought that going up to the manor house would be like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion’s den.
The Rattrap Think as you read (Page 41)
Question 1.
What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation ?
Answer:
The peddler accepted Edla Willmansson’s invitation, who was the daughter of the ironmaster. In a very compassionate and friendly manner, Edla Willmansson had won the confidence of the peddler. She told the peddler that he would be allowed to leave just as freely as he would come to their house. She requested him to stay with them only oyer Christmas Eve. Because her genuine and friendly request, the peddler accepted her invitation.
Question 2.
What doubts did Edla have about the peddler ?
Answer:
Edla had doubts about the peddler that either he had stolen something or else he had escaped from jail.
Question 3.
When did the ironmaster realise his mistake ?
Answer:
When the valet of the ironmaster’s house had bathed him, cut his hair, and shaved him and he was dressed in a good-looking suit, the ironmaster realised his mistake. The peddler was not his old regimental comrade captain. In broad daylight, it was impossible to mistake him for an old acquaintance. The peddler looked a stranger to him. That is when the ironmaster realised his mistake.
Question 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 defended himself by saying that it was not his fault. He told the ironmaster that he never pretended to be anything but a poor trader. He said further that he had pleaded and begged to be allowed to stay in the forge. Then he offered to put on his rags and go away.
Question 5.
Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him ?
Answer :
Ironmaster’s daughter Edla had known the truth about the stranger that he was not the captain his father had mistaken him to be. She said that the stranger walked and walked the whole year long, and there is probably not a single place in the whole country where he is welcomed and can feel at home.
She said that he is always afraid of being arrested and cross-examined. She said that she would like to have him enjoy a day of peace with them in their house-just one in the whole year. That is why Elda still entertained the peddler even after she knew the truth about him. She thought that they should not chase away a human being whom they had asked to come to their house.
The Rattrap Think as you read (Page 29)
Question 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 the peddler did not prove himself to be a thief and had not taken anything with him at all. He had left behind a little package which Elda was to be kind enough to accept as a Christmas present. He had also kept thirty kronor he had stolen from the crofter’s house.
Question 2.
Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain Von Stahle ?
Answer:
I think the peddler signed himself as Captain Von Stahle because they were nice to him as if he was a real captain or who would have caught in this world’s rattrap “if he had not been raised to captain”.
The Rattrap Understanding the text
Question 1.
How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter ?
Answer:
The peddler was a man who went around selling small rattraps of wire. He was leading a sad and monotonous life of a vagabond. He knocked at the door of the cottage of the crofter who turned out to be an old man without wife and children. He showed his ‘ kindness and hospitality towards him which the peddler had not expected.
But the rattrap peddler stole his thirty kronors. Thus he betrayed the confidence reposed in him by the crofter. The ironmaster, thinking him as an old acquaintance Captain Von Stahle, showed kindness to him and invited him to spend the Christmas evening with him.
But the peddler thought that if the ironmaster thought that he was an old acquaintance, he might give him a couple of kronor. That is why he did not reveal his true identity. Edla Willmansson, the daughter of the ironmaster requested him to go to her home in a very compassionate and friendly manner. He accepted to go to their home. But while he was riding to the manor house, he had “evil forebodings”.
He was feeling guilty for stealing the crofter’s money. The ironmaster, after knowing that he was not the captain, asked him to go out of the house immediately. But due to the insistence of Edla he was allowed to spend the Christmas evening in their house. The peddler wondered why she did it. But he interpreted it as her nobleness, kindness and generosity.
Question 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:
There are various instances in the story that show that the character of the ironmaster is different from his daughter in many ways. The ironmaster, mistaking the peddler as an old acquaintance, insists on inviting him to his house to spend Christmas evening. The peddler time and again declined his invitation.
Then the ironmaster sent his daughter hoping that she would have better powers of persuasion than him. With her ; compassionate and friendly behaviour, she was able to win the confidence of the peddler, whoagreed to go to her home.
But when the valet had bathed the peddler, cut his hair and shaved him and he was dressed in a good-looking suit, the ironmaster realised that he was not his old regimental comrade. The ironmaster threatened to call the sheriff and asked him to get out of his house immediately.
But his daughter said that he ought to stay with them today. She was more sympathic to “the poor hungry wretch” than her father. She thought that he should enjoy a day of peace with them just one in the whole year. She asked him to keep his father’s suit as a-Christmas gift. Thus her behaviour changed the peddler who left with her the money stolen by him.
Question 3.
The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
Answer:
The story “The Rattrap’ has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. One dark evening while walking along the road, the peddler saw a light gray cottage by the roadside. He knocked on the door to ask for shelter for the night. Usually under such circumstances he would meet “the sour faces”. But unexpectedly the owner of the house, the crofter, an old man without wife or child, welcomed him cheerfully. He showered his best hospitality by serving food, playing cards with him and taking care of him in all the possible manner.
Thereafter, the peddler was entrapped in the forest and when he thought that he might not find a way out of the forest, he sought shelter at the Ramsjo ironworks. There unexpectedly the ironmaster came and insisted him to spend the Christmas evening at his home.
The ironmaster mistook him as an old regimental comrade. When the peddler declined his offer, quite unexpectedly Edla, the ironmaster’s daughter came there and pursuaded him to go to their house. There the ironmaster realising that he had mistaken the stranger’s identity and asked him to leave his house immediately. But again unexpectedly Edla in a compassionate manner convinced her father to let him stay for the Christmas in the house.
Question 4.
What made the peddler finally change his ways ?
Answer:
The peddler besides selling small rattraps of wire was a petty thief also. He stole thirty kronors from the house of the crofter, who was kind enough to allow him to stay in his house for a night and showered his best possible hospitality on him. But it was the compassionate, kind, generous and friendly behaviour of Edla Willmansson, the ironmaster’s daughter, which finally changed him.
The ironmaster had invited him to his house thinking that he was an old regimental comrade. When he realised that the peddler was not his old acquatance, but a stranger, he asked him to leave his house immediately. But Edla showing sympathy and pity on him, pursuaded her father to’ allow him spend the Christmas with them. Thus her behaviour aroused his conscience. and he gave her gift of a rattrap and requested her to return the thirty kronors of the crofter, which he had stolen.
Question 5.
How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament ?
Answer:
In the story The Rattrap’, the peddler goes around selling small rattraps of wine. Thinking of his rattraps, he was struck by the idea that the whole world around him with its lands and seas, its cities and villages-was nothing but a big rattrap. He thought that the world had never existed for any other purpose than to set baits for people.
The world offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing, exactly as the rattrap offered cheese and pork. As soon as anyone let himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed in on him, and then everything came to an end. This is how the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament. The more we are allured by the worldly things, the more we are entrapped by them. And then there is no way out.
Question 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 was endowed with a great sense of humour. He compares the world about him with a rattrap, which sets baits for the people. As the world had never been kind to him, so it gave him “unwai d joy” to think ill of it in this way. It was his pastime to think Of the people he knew who had let themselves be caught in the dangerous snare, and of others who were still circling around the bait. It shows his sense of humour. As he walked alongwith the stolen money of crofter, he felt “quite pleased with his smartness”.
When he was entrapped in the forest he recalled about the world and the rattrap. He thought that “his own turn had come”, which also shows his sense of humour. He thought that he had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught. When the blacksmith “nodded a haughty constent” without, uttering a single word, he did not mind.- He thought that he had not come there to talk but only to warm himself and sleep.
He did not reveal his real identity to the ironmaster because he thought that thinking him as an old acquaintance, the ironmaster might perhaps “throw him a couple of kronor”. While riding up to the manor house he thought that he was sitting in the trap and will never get out of it. When the ironmaster realised that he was not his old acquaintance and threatened to call the sheriff, he told him that the whole world is nothing but a big rattrap and the ironmaster began to laugh. His letter written to Edla also shows his sense of humour. His sense of humour serves in lightening the seriousness of the theme of the story. It also endears him to us as it evoked our sympathy with him.
The Rattrap 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.
Question 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:
Though the rattrap peddler indulged in begging as well as petty thievery to keep body and soul together, yet from the beginning of the story he attracts our sympathy. His clothes were in rags, his cheeks were sunken, and hunger gleamed in his eyes. He was a vagabond whose life was sad and monotonous. His idea of comparing the world with a big rattrap in which human beings are entrapped looks so appealing to us. He evokes our sympathy also because the world has never been very kind to him.
The way he has to seek shelter at various places and has to meet usually “sour faces” also evokes the reader’s sympathy towards him. Perhaps that is why he wins the sympathy of the old crofter and Edla and to some extent of the ironmaster. Edla felt that she should do something for “the poor hungry wretch”, who walks and walks throughout the year. Wherever he turns, he is l chased away. That is why our sympathy is with the peddler. I think despite detesting him [ as a petty thief, our overall sympathy with the peddler is justified.
Question 2.
The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
Answer:
The story ‘The Rattrap’ also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others. The rattrap peddler himself leads a sad, monotonous and lonely life. The old crofter also lives in his cottage all alone without wife and children. He welcomes the peddler, a total stranger to him with all enthusiasm and happiness so that he can talk to somebody in his loneliness. He got out an old pack of cards and played ‘mjolis’, a game of cards, with his guest until bedtime.
The ironmaster is also leading more or less a lonely life. His wife had died and his sons abroad. He lives with his daughter. Mistaking the peddler as an old acquaintance, he insists that he must go with him to his home. The ironmaster tells the peddler that he and his daughter were feeling bad because they did not have any company for Christmas.
He asks the peddler to come along with him to help them make the Christmas food disappear a little faster. When the peddler declined his offer, he sends his daughter to him and she is successful in taking him to their home. She also requests him to stay with them over Christmas Eve. Even after the peddler’s true identity had been revealed, Edla makes her father agree to the stranger’s staying with them for Christmas. He does this so that he can enjoy a day of peace with them there – just one in the whole year. Thus the story rightly focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond others.
Question 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:
For self-attempt and class-room activity. You are to discuss in group of four and then present the views of your group in the class. You may discuss in your group about an episode or a story where a good deed or an act of kindness has changed a person’s view of the world. Then one of you can speak about it in the class.
Question 4.
The story is both entertaining and philosophical.
Answer:
‘The Rattrap’ is a very interesting and entertaining story about a rattrap peddler. He went round selling small rattraps of wire, which he himself made. He got the material for it by begging in the stores or at big farms. But the story is not only entertaining, but it gives us a philosophical idea also. The idea is that the whole world with its lands and seas, its cities and villages is nothing but a big rattrap. The world set baits for people.
The world offers riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing, exactly as the rattrap offered cheese and pork. As soon as anyone let himself be tempted to touch the bait, the world closed in on him. And then there is no escape. Thus the story conveys a very noble and philosophical idea that all the worldly things which fascinate us are just like the bait of the rattrap, which entraps us. The way Edla Willmansson treats the peddler we can draw a lesson that the essential goodness in a human being can be awakened through understanding and love.
Extra Question and Answer of Chapter 4: The Rattrap
- What is the significance of the title “The Rattrap” in the story? Answer: The title “The Rattrap” symbolizes the way the protagonist, the vagabond, views the world as a trap designed to ensnare unsuspecting victims. It represents his cynical perspective on life, where people are baited and trapped by their desires and circumstances.
- How does the vagabond’s outlook on life change throughout the story? Answer: The vagabond’s outlook undergoes a significant transformation in the story. Initially, he sees the world as a rattrap, viewing people as victims of their own desires and circumstances. However, his encounter with the kind crofter and the subsequent act of returning the stolen money lead him to see the world in a more positive light, emphasizing the potential for kindness, trust, and redemption.
- Why does the crofter display the rattrap on his wall, and what does it symbolize for him? Answer: The crofter displays the rattrap on his wall as a reminder of a time when he received it as a Christmas present. It symbolizes his belief that the world is a rattrap, and people are the bait. He views life as a continuous struggle and sees himself as a victim of circumstances.
- How does the crofter’s reaction to the theft of his money differ from what the vagabond expects? Answer: The vagabond expects the crofter to react with anger and resentment when he discovers the theft of his money. However, the crofter’s reaction is one of sadness rather than anger. He is deeply hurt by the betrayal but does not respond with hostility.
- What does the vagabond’s decision to return the stolen money reveal about his character? Answer: The vagabond’s decision to return the stolen money reveals his capacity for change and redemption. It shows that he is not entirely defined by his past actions and that he is capable of recognizing his mistakes and seeking forgiveness.
- Explain the theme of kindness and its role in the story. Answer: Kindness is a central theme in “The Rattrap.” It is the crofter’s kindness and trust in the vagabond that ultimately lead to the vagabond’s transformation. The story highlights how acts of kindness can have a profound impact on individuals, even those who have lost faith in the goodness of the world.
- What lesson does “The Rattrap” teach us about the potential for change and redemption in human nature? Answer: “The Rattrap” teaches us that even individuals who have fallen into despair and cynicism can change and find redemption when shown kindness, trust, and understanding. It emphasizes the transformative power of human connection and empathy.
- What does the crofter believe about the world, and why does he display the rattrap on his wall? Answer: The crofter believes the world is a rattrap, and he displays it as a reminder of life’s hardships and traps that ensnare people.
- How does the vagabond’s view of life change after his encounter with the crofter? Answer: The vagabond’s cynicism softens, and he realizes the potential for kindness and transformation in the world, leading to his change of heart.
- What does the act of returning the stolen money symbolize in the story? Answer: Returning the money symbolizes the vagabond’s redemption and his choice to break free from the metaphorical rattrap of his past actions.
- What role does empathy play in “The Rattrap,” and how does it affect the characters? Answer: Empathy, displayed by the crofter, leads to a positive change in both the crofter and the vagabond, highlighting the story’s theme of kindness.
- How does the story demonstrate the idea that people are not entirely defined by their past actions? Answer: The vagabond’s decision to return the stolen money shows that individuals can change and seek redemption, despite their past mistakes.
The Rattrap Important Questions CBSE Class 12 English
Question.1. In what sense was the world a big rattrap according to the peddler? (Compartment 2014)
or
Why did the peddler think that the world was a rattrap? (All India 2009)
Answer. The peddler was a very poor man who earned his living by selling rattraps he made himself from the materials he got by begging. His mind, thus, was always preoccupied with rattraps. One day, he suddenly thought of the whole world was a big rattrap. He felt that the shelter, food, clothes, riches and joys that the world provided were all baits set to entrap man just as a rattrap offered cheese or meat to entrap rats. As soon as one was trapped, everything came to an end.
Question.2. Why did the peddler derive pleasure from his idea of the world as a rattrap? (Delhi 2014; Modified)
Answer. The world had never been kind to the poor peddler. Wherever he went, he was greeted with sour faces and was turned or chased away. Therefore, he derived pleasure from thinking ill of the world in this way. Moreover, he perhaps envied those whose lot was better than his, and was rather amused to think that some day they too would be tempted by the bait and be caught in the rattrap.
Question.3. Why did the peddler knock on the cottage by the roadside? How was he treated by the Owner Of the cottage? (Compartment 2014)
Answer. The peddler knocked on the cottage by the roadside to seek shelter for the night. The owner of the cottage was a crofter who lived there alone. He regarded the peddler as welcome company and treated him quite hospitably. He not only put him up for the night, but also offered him food and played cards with him.
Question.4. Why did Edla plead with her father not to send the vagabond away? (All India 2014; Modified)
or
Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him? (NCERT)
Answer. Edla had always thought the peddler to be a poor, homeless tramp. Therefore, she didn’t feel cheated when his true identity was revealed. Instead, she felt very bad for him and his miserable condition, and pleaded on his behalf. She and her father had promised him Christmas cheer, and she felt that it would be wrong to send him away.
Question.5. What conclusion did the ironmaster reach when he heard that the crofter had been robbed by the peddler? (Compartment 2014)
Answer. It was at the church that the ironmaster and his daughter heard that the crofter had been robbed by a peddler, who, no doubt, was the one they had sheltered at the manor house. The ironmaster at once concluded that the peddler would probably have stolen all his silverware in their absence, and run away.
Question.6. What was the content of the letter written by the peddler to Edla? (Foreign 2014)
Answer. The peddler had written that since Edla had treated him like a captain, he wanted to be nice to her in return. He did not want her to be embarrassed at Christmas by a thief. He had requested that the crofter’s money that he had stolen be returned. He further wrote that the rattrap was a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in the world’s rattrap, if he had not been raised to the status of captain, which motivated him to reform himself.
Question.7. What were the contents of the package left by the peddler as Christmas gift for Edla Willmansson? (Compartment 2014)
Answer. The package left by the peddler as a Christmas gift for Edla Willmansson comprised a small rattrap with three wrinkled ten kronor notes in it, which the peddler had robbed from the crofter. It also contained a brief letter for Edla explaining the peddler’s conduct.
Question.8. Why did the peddler decline the invitation of the ironmaster? (Delhi 2012)
Answer. The ironmaster has mistaken the peddler for an old regimental comrade and invited him home. The peddler declined the invitation because he was carrying the money he had stolen from the crofter. He knew that if the ironmaster discovered his identity, he would hand him over to the police. Therefore, for him, going to the manor house was like walking into a lion’s den.
Question.9. Who was the owner of Ramsjo iron mills? Why did he visit the mills at night? (All India 2012)
Answer. The owner of the Ramsjo iron mills was an ex-army man and an ambitious and prominent ironmaster. He was very particular about the quality of his products, and visited the mills even at night to make sure that good iron was shipped out from his mills.
Question.10.How did the ironmaster react on seeing the stranger lying close to the furnace? (All India 2012)
Answer. When the ironmaster saw a stranger in rags lying close to the furnace, he went near him and removed his slouch hat to get a better view of his face. Due to dim light in the forge and the peddler’s dirty appearance, he mistook him to be Nils Olof, an old acquaintance of his regiment. He was delighted to see him and invited him home for Christmas.
Question.11.Why did the stranger not tell the ironmaster that he was not Nils Olof? (All India 2012)
Answer. The stranger did not tell the ironmaster that he was not Nils Olof because he thought that if the gentleman believed that he was an old friend or acquaintance of his, then he might take pity on him and help him with some money.
Question.12.Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler? (Delhi 2012)
Answer. The old crofter was lonely and leading a dreary existence as he had no wife or children. He was happy to get someone to talk to and share his thoughts with, even though it was a tramp. So he welcomed the peddler who was quite a patient listener, and extended his hospitality to him.
Question.13.Why was the peddler surprised when he knocked on the door of the cottage? (All India 2011)
Answer. The peddler had never been treated kindly by the world. He was meted out cold treatment wherever he went. He was pleasantly surprised when the crofter greeted him with warmth and hospitality. Ordinarily, he always met ‘sour faces’ when he knocked for shelter and food, and was usually turned away.
Question.14.Why did the peddler keep to the woods after leaving the crofter’s cottage? How did he feel?(All India 2011)
Answer. After stealing the money from the crofter’s, the peddler was cautious to. avoid the public, highway lest he be identified and caught. He got into the woods but finally realised that it was a big and confusing forest. The end of the forest was nowhere in sight and he felt lost. That’s when he recalled his thoughts about the world being a rattrap and he realised that he had indeed become a victim of a rattrap.
Question.15.What made the peddler finally change his ways? (All India 2010)
Answer. The peddler believed in giving back to the world what he received from it. He was always treated with contempt and hostility and so he never did anything good. However, Edla’s kind and caring behaviour finally changed him. She had treated him with love and respect befitting a captain, even after realising that he was a poor vagabond. The trust that Edla showed in him made him change his ways and he decided to live with dignity and respect.
Question.16.Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler? (All India 2010)
Answer. Edla felt very dejected when she came to know about the theft of the crofter’s money by the peddler, but the gift left behind, which consisted of a small rattrap and three wrinkled ten kronor notes, restored her faith in him. She felt happy because her trust in him had been justified. Her kindness had finally changed the peddler and brought out his essential goodness.
In Selma Lagerlöf’s short story “The Rattrap Seller,” the central character, the rattrap seller, is a complex individual who undergoes significant transformation. Here’s a character sketch of the rattrap seller:
**1. Vagabond Lifestyle:**
– At the beginning of the story, the rattrap seller is depicted as a vagabond, a wanderer who leads a nomadic and impoverished life.
– He resorts to begging and petty thievery to make ends meet, reflecting his desperate circumstances.
**2. Cynical Outlook:**
– The rattrap seller views the world with cynicism. He believes that life is like a rattrap, designed to ensnare people in their desires and circumstances.
– He sees himself as a victim of the world’s traps and is initially suspicious of kindness.
**3. Transformation:**
– Throughout the story, the rattrap seller undergoes a profound transformation.
– His encounter with the crofter and the unexpected kindness he receives lead him to reevaluate his cynical beliefs.
– He ultimately makes a morally significant choice to return stolen money, showing that he is capable of change and redemption.
**4. Inner Conflict:**
– The rattrap seller experiences inner conflict as he grapples with his past actions and his desire to change.
– His decision to return the money is a result of this internal struggle between his old ways and a newfound desire for honesty.
**5. Capacity for Change:**
– The rattrap seller’s character highlights the potential for change and redemption in individuals, regardless of their troubled pasts.
– His willingness to break free from the metaphorical rattrap of his life’s circumstances demonstrates his capacity for transformation.
**6. Symbolism:**
– The rattrap seller serves as a symbol of the human condition, illustrating how individuals can be trapped by their own beliefs and actions but also find a way to break free through kindness and moral choices.
In “The Rattrap,” the rattrap seller evolves from a cynical and desperate wanderer into a character capable of making choices that lead to personal growth and redemption. His character emphasizes the power of empathy, kindness, and self-reflection in changing the course of one’s life.
Edla had shown kindness to the peddler even after knowing that he was not a captain. This wasthe reason why she felt all the more dejected when she came to know that the peddler whom she had sheltered was actually a thief, who had recently robbed a crofter. Secondly, she also felt bad because the peddler had disproved the faith which she had shown in him.
Question.18. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle? (All India 2009)
Answer. The peddler owed his transformation to the kind treatment meted out to him by Edla. In spite of knowing the truth about him, she had honoured and treated him like a captain. She had awakened the latent goodness in his heart. He wanted to repay Edla for her kindness. His signing himself as Captain von Stahle shows that he wanted to retain the dignity and respect accorded to him.
Long Answer Type Questions (6 Marks, 120-150 words)
Question.1. How did the peddler feel after robbing the crofter? What course did he adopt and how did he react to the new situation? What does his reaction reveal? (Delhi 2013)
Answer. The crofter had treated the peddler with hospitality, and had even reposed his trust in the poor vagabond. Still the peddler robbed him and was quite pleased with his smartness. However, the fear of getting caught haunted him. So, he avoided the public highway and turned into the woods. It was a big and confusing forest, and due to the approaching darkness, the peddler lost his way. He got exhausted moving around the same place, and was filled with despair. He began to feel that the forest was like a big rattrap and the thirty kronor he had stolen were like a bait set to tempt him. His reaction reveals that he was feeling guilty for having stolen the crofter’s money. His , heart was filled with remorse and self-loathing for his act of weakness. However, his thoughts are perhaps also a way of justifying his crime.
Question.2. The story, The Rattrap’ is both entertaining and philosophical. Do you agree with this statement? Why/Why not? (Foreign 2011)
Answer. The story, ‘The Rattrap’ is indeed, both entertaining and philosophical. The fast-paced narrative in the third person, generous use of dialogue by the author and different characters belonging to different mind-sets and locales make the story interesting and entertaining. Besides, the author has managed to keep up the suspense till the end. The incidents in the forge, with the ironmaster coming at midnight, hold our attention. The peddler’s incessant refusals to the ironmaster to accompany him, but his accepting Edla’s invitation in one go, the ironmaster’s realisation of his mistake, and Edla’s sympathy and generosity, all make the story quite gripping. While all the above events make the story interesting, there is also an element of philosophy in the story. Somewhere, the peddler’s theory of the world being a rattrap is true. One feels caught up like a rat in the entrappings of the world. Some people fall into this trap never to come out of it again. The story teaches us that, as human beings, we are not above temptations.
Question.3. The story focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others. Explain. (Delhi 2010)
Answer. All. the characters in the story suffer from loneliness and are dreary souls. First of all, the tramp appears to lead a sad, monotonous existence, left to his own musings. He is always greeted by sour faces and cold words.The old crofter’s fate has been somewhat kinder to him. Bereft of his wife and children, he lives all alone in a cottage by the roadside, and is rather happy to have visitors around. We also have the ironmaster and his daughter, Edla, who have no company for Christmas. The ironmaster’s wife is dead and his sons are settled abroad. He, with his daughter, are happy to play hosts for his friend. Thus, all of them have a strong desire for bonding and comradeship. The crofter is happy to be friends with the peddler, although only for a night. It is the bonding with the ironmaster’s daughter that transforms the peddler. The love, understanding and dignity that he gets from the girl makes him leave his dishonest ways and redeem himself.
Question.4. Give examples from the story, The Rattrap’ to show how the ironmaster is different from his daughter. (Delhi 2009) or Compare and contrast the character of the ironmaster with that of his daughter. (Delhi 2008)
Answer. The character of the ironmaster was very different from that of his daughter. He was an ambitious and arrogant man. When he saw the peddler, he mistook him for his old regimental comrade, and invited him home, but this was more out of his sense of pride than out of sympathy or generosity. When the ironmaster realised that he had been mistaken, he called the peddler dishonest and threatened to call the Sheriff. When he learnt that the peddler was a thief, he was ‘ worried about his own silverware. On the other hand, Edla, the ironmaster’s daughter, was a kind and compassionate lady who was really sympathetic and considerate towards the peddler right from the beginning. She treated him with respect and dignity even after knowing that he was not a captain. It was her generous attitude which finally changed the peddler, bringing out the essential goodness of his nature.
Extract based Questions and Answers of the Rattrap
Passage:
“Once upon a time, there was a man who went around selling small rattraps of wire. He made them himself at odd moments, from the material he got by begging in the stores or at the big farms. But even so, the business was not especially profitable, so he had to resort to both begging and petty thievery to keep body and soul together. Even so, his clothes were in rags, his cheeks were sunken, and hunger gleamed in his eyes.”
Q1. Who is the author of this passage?
Answer: The author of the passage is Selma Lagerlof.
Q2. What was the man selling?
Answer: The man was selling small rattraps made of wire.
Q3. What were the small rattraps made of?
Answer: The small rattraps were made of wire.
Q4. What does the phrase “at odd moments” in the passage mean?
Answer: “At odd moments” means during irregular or spare times.
Q5. How was the man’s business of selling rattraps described in the passage?
Answer: The passage describes the man’s business as not especially profitable.
Q6. What is the significance of the word “rags” in the passage?
Answer: The word “rags” indicates that the man’s clothes were in very poor condition.
Passage:
“The old man went up to the great house with a heavy heart. But once again he was shown a warmth that he hadn’t experienced in a long time. The young woman invited him in and offered him coffee. The captain gave him tobacco and matches and inquired about his journey.”
Q1. How did the old man feel when he went up to the great house?
Answer: The old man felt heavy-hearted when he went up to the great house.
Q2. How did the young woman at the great house treat the old man?
Answer: The young woman treated the old man with warmth and invited him in, offering him coffee.
Q3. What did the captain give to the old man, and what did he inquire about?
Answer: The captain gave the old man tobacco and matches. He also inquired about the old man’s journey.
Passage:
“The old man was seated at the table with his host and hostess, but he could not eat or drink. He was filled with anxiety, for he had recognized the house. It was the Ramsjo Ironworks, and he had once served a prison sentence for theft.”
Q1. How did the old man feel while seated at the table with his host and hostess?
Answer: The old man felt anxious and could not eat or drink.
Q2. What realization did the old man have about the house where he was?
Answer: The old man recognized the house as the Ramsjo Ironworks, and he realized that he had once served a prison sentence for theft.
Q3. How does the old man’s recognition of the house add to the tension in the story?
Answer: The old man’s recognition of the house adds tension because it suggests that his past actions and criminal history may catch up with him, creating a sense of impending trouble.
Certainly, here’s another passage from “The Rattrap Seller” by Selma Lagerlof, along with questions and answers:
Passage:
“As the night wore on, the old man grew more and more uneasy. He was afraid that the ironmaster would return home and recognize him. To avoid this, he decided to leave quietly.”
Q1. How did the old man’s feelings change as the night progressed?
Answer: As the night wore on, the old man grew more and more uneasy.
Q2. Why was the old man afraid of the ironmaster’s return home?
Answer: The old man was afraid that the ironmaster would return home and recognize him, potentially revealing his past criminal history.
Q3. What decision did the old man make to avoid being recognized by the ironmaster?
Answer: To avoid being recognized, the old man decided to leave quietly.
Passage:
“The old man had hardly taken a few steps when he saw something glittering on the path. It was a five-kronor bill. A strange joy filled him. For the first time in his life, he had come into possession of so much money.”
Q1. What did the old man see on the path as he took a few steps?
Answer: The old man saw a five-kronor bill glittering on the path.
Q2. How did the old man feel upon finding the five-kronor bill?
Answer: The old man felt a strange joy, and it was the first time in his life that he had come into possession of so much money.
Q3. Why is the discovery of the five-kronor bill significant in the story?
Answer: The discovery of the five-kronor bill is significant because it represents a turning point in the old man’s fortunes, offering him a rare opportunity for financial security.
Q4. How might this newfound money impact the old man’s future?
Answer: The newfound money might provide the old man with a chance for a better life and a means to escape his vagabond existence.
Q5. What does the glittering five-kronor bill symbolize in the story?
Answer: The glittering five-kronor bill symbolizes unexpected hope and a potential way out of the old man’s difficult life.
Q6. How does the discovery of the money contrast with the old man’s previous experiences of begging and thievery?
Answer: The discovery of the money contrasts with the old man’s previous experiences of hardship and illegal activities. It represents a legitimate opportunity for improvement and a break from his criminal past.
Character Sketch of Rattrap Seller
Certainly, here’s a character sketch of the Rattrap Seller from Selma Lagerlöf’s “The Rattrap”:
**Name:** The Rattrap Seller (The Vagabond)
**Background and Appearance:**
– The Rattrap Seller is a wandering and itinerant man with a haggard appearance. His clothes are described as ragged, and his cheeks are sunken, indicating a life of hardship and destitution. His physical appearance reflects the struggles he faces while living a vagabond lifestyle.
**Cynical Outlook:**
– He holds a cynical and pessimistic view of the world. He sees life as a rattrap, where people are lured into traps by their desires and circumstances. This perspective stems from his own experiences of poverty and desperation.
**Survival Tactics:**
– To make ends meet, the Rattrap Seller engages in various survival tactics, including making and selling small rattraps made of wire. He resorts to begging and petty thievery to sustain himself. These actions demonstrate his resourcefulness and adaptability in challenging circumstances.
**Transformation and Redemption:**
– The Rattrap Seller undergoes a significant transformation over the course of the story. His encounter with the kind-hearted crofter and the act of returning stolen money lead him to question his cynical worldview. He experiences a change of heart and demonstrates the capacity for redemption.
**Desire for Change:**
– As the story progresses, the Rattrap Seller’s character evolves from a disillusioned vagabond to someone seeking a fresh start in life. His desire for change and hope for a better future are evident in his actions.
**Symbol of Hope:**
– In the story, the Rattrap Seller represents the potential for positive change and the transformative power of kindness. His character serves as a symbol of hope, illustrating that even individuals who have made mistakes can find redemption and a path to a more promising life.
Overall, the Rattrap Seller’s character in “The Rattrap” is a dynamic figure who undergoes a significant internal transformation, highlighting the story’s central themes of compassion, redemption, and the potential for change in human nature.