The Wild Swans at Coole — Complete Guide (NCERT Solution | Class 12 Elective English | Kaleidoscope)

This guide is a simple, exam-ready tutorial on The Wild Swans at Coole by W. B. Yeats. It follows the CBSE pattern for Class 12 Elective English (Kaleidoscope). You will find a summary, theme, word meanings, line-by-line help, NCERT Solution-style Q&A, extract-based MCQs, and important questions for practice. The aim is clear, quick learning.

Table of Contents

1. Post Excerpt
2. Quick Facts about the Poem & Poet
3. Summary of “The Wild Swans at Coole” by W. B. Yeats
4. Theme of “The Wild Swans at Coole” by W. B. Yeats
5. Stanza-wise Explanation (Simple Notes)
6. Line-by-line Explanation (Easy Gloss)
7. Word Meaning (Table)
8. Literary & Poetic Devices
9. Form, Rhyme Scheme & Tone
10. Imagery, Symbolism & Motifs
11. Questions and Answers (NCERT-style)
12. Extract Based MCQs (5 Sets)
13. Important Questions with Answers
14. Exam Tips & How to Answer
15. Vocabulary Boost & Usage
16. Practice Set (Short & Very Short)
17. Answer Frames & Templates
18. Quick Recap (One-page Notes)
19. FAQs for Class 12 Poetry (Kaleidoscope)
20. About the Poet & References

Post Excerpt

The Wild Swans at Coole by W. B. Yeats is a prescribed poem in Kaleidoscope, Class 12 Elective English. It is part of the NCERT syllabus and is often asked in exams. This post provides a complete NCERT Solution including summary, explanation, theme, stanza-wise notes, and exam-style questions with answers. Students preparing for Class 12 Poetry will find it useful for revision and practice. The focus is to explain the poem in simple words so that even difficult ideas about ageing, love, and change can be understood easily. Along with line-by-line explanation, you will also get word meanings, extract-based MCQs, and important questions that are likely to come in the examination. This will help you prepare well and score better in Class 12 Elective English.

Quick Facts about the Poem & Poet

• Poem: The Wild Swans at Coole
• Poet: William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)
• Year of Publication: 1919
• Collection: The Wild Swans at Coole
• Setting: Coole Park, Ireland
• Main Idea: Yeats contrasts his own ageing and sadness with the beauty and timeless energy of the swans.
• Exam Weightage: Important for Class 12 Elective English, both short and long answer questions are often set from this poem.

Summary of “The Wild Swans at Coole” by W. B. Yeats

The poem The Wild Swans at Coole by W. B. Yeats captures the poet’s feelings of change and loss as he observes swans at Coole Park. It is autumn, and the trees and sky reflect the calm of nature. The poet counts fifty-nine swans, the same birds he had first seen nineteen years earlier. At that time, they flew suddenly into the air, full of energy and freedom. The poet feels sad because his own life has changed since then. He has grown older, and his heart feels heavy. But the swans remain strong, youthful, and full of passion. They stay in pairs, unwearied, whether on water or in the sky. Yeats admires their beauty and constancy, but also fears the day when he may wake up to find them gone. The poem reflects on human ageing and change, set against the timeless beauty and freedom of nature.

Theme of “The Wild Swans at Coole” by W. B. Yeats

The main theme of The Wild Swans at Coole by W. B. Yeats is the contrast between human life and the timeless beauty of nature. Yeats shows how people grow old, face change, and lose energy, while the swans remain youthful, strong, and full of passion. The poem speaks about ageing, loss, and sadness, but also highlights constancy, companionship, and beauty. The swans stand as a symbol of love, freedom, and eternal spirit. Yeats feels the pain of change in his own life, but he also admires the swans for their unchanging strength and their power to inspire delight. Thus, the poem deals with human weakness on one side and the everlasting charm of nature on the other.

Stanza-wise Explanation (Simple Notes)

Stanza 1

The poet describes the scene of Coole Park in autumn. The trees are colourful, the paths are dry, and the calm water reflects the twilight sky. On the water, the poet sees fifty-nine swans resting together.

Stanza 2

Yeats recalls that it has been nineteen years since he first counted these swans. Back then, as soon as he saw them, they suddenly rose into the sky, flying in wide circles with noisy wings. This memory shows their energy and freedom.

Stanza 3

The poet says he has always admired these beautiful creatures, but now he feels sorrow. Time has changed him since the first time he heard their wings at twilight. In those days, he was younger and happier.

Stanza 4

The swans, however, remain unchanged. They are still full of life. Moving in pairs, they swim in the cold water or fly in the air. They do not grow old and are always guided by passion and energy.

Stanza 5

The poet reflects that the swans now float peacefully on the water, looking mysterious and beautiful. He wonders where they will go next to build nests or bring joy to new people. He fears waking up one day to find that they have flown away.

Line-by-line Explanation (Easy Gloss)

Stanza 1

The trees are in their autumn beauty, – The poet notices the trees filled with autumn colours.
The woodland paths are dry, – The forest paths are dry as the season has changed.
Under the October twilight the water / Mirrors a still sky; – The calm water reflects the quiet evening sky of October.
Upon the brimming water among the stones / Are nine-and-fifty swans. – On the full water near stones, the poet counts fifty-nine swans.

Stanza 2

The nineteenth autumn has come upon me / Since I first made my count; – It has been nineteen years since the poet first counted the swans.
I saw, before I had well finished, / All suddenly mount – Before he could finish counting, the swans rose into the air.
And scatter wheeling in great broken rings / Upon their clamorous wings. – They flew around in large circles, making loud sounds with their wings.

Stanza 3

I have looked upon those brilliant creatures, / And now my heart is sore. – The poet admired the swans, but now he feels pain and sadness.
All’s changed since I, hearing at twilight, / The first time on this shore, – Everything has changed since the first time he heard their wings at this place.
The bell-beat of their wings above my head, / Trod with a lighter tread. – Back then, hearing their wingbeats made him feel young and cheerful.

Stanza 4

Unwearied still, lover by lover, / They paddle in the cold – The swans are still tireless and swim in pairs in the cold water.
Companionable streams or climb the air; – They move together in streams or rise into the sky.
Their hearts have not grown old; – They remain full of youth and energy.
Passion or conquest, wander where they will, / Attend upon them still. – Wherever they go, they carry passion, love, and the spirit of adventure.

Stanza 5

But now they drift on the still water, / Mysterious, beautiful; – At present, they float calmly, looking beautiful and mysterious.
Among what rushes will they build, / By what lake’s edge or pool – The poet wonders where they will settle next, by which lake or stream.
Delight men’s eyes when I awake some day / To find they have flown away? – He fears that one day he will wake up to find the swans gone, bringing joy to other people elsewhere.

Word Meaning (Table)

Word Meaning — The Wild Swans at Coole

Word / Phrase	Meaning (Simple)
autumn beauty	lovely colours and look of trees in autumn
woodland	area covered with trees; a small forest
twilight	soft light after sunset or before sunrise
mirrors	reflects like a mirror
brimming	full to the top
nine-and-fifty	fifty-nine (59)
mount (verb)	rise up; take off into the air
scatter	move apart in many directions
wheeling	flying or turning in circles
(broken) rings	not perfect circles; shifting loops in the sky
clamorous	loud; noisy
brilliant creatures	very bright and beautiful birds
sore (heart is sore)	painful; full of sadness
bell-beat (of wings)	steady, ringing rhythm like a bell
trod	walked
lighter tread	walked with a light, happy step
unwearied	not tired; full of energy
lover by lover	in pairs like mates
paddle	move the feet in water to swim
companionable	friendly; easy to be with
climb the air	rise high while flying
hearts have not grown old	spirit is still young
passion	strong feeling of love or desire
conquest	winning; victory; triumph
wander	move about without a fixed path
attend upon	follow; go with
drift	float slowly with the water
rushes	tall grass-like plants near water
pool	small body of still water
delight	great joy or pleasure
flown away	gone by flying; left the place

Literary & Poetic Devices in The Wild Swans at Coole 

W. B. Yeats uses many poetic devices in this poem. These devices give rhythm, beauty, and deeper meaning to his words. Here are the main ones:

1. Imagery

The poem is full of visual pictures such as “trees are in their autumn beauty”, “October twilight”, and “nine-and-fifty swans”. These images help us see and feel the scene at Coole Park.

2. Symbolism

The swans symbolise youth, love, passion, and eternity. They stand for all that is strong and unchanged, unlike human life which ages and weakens.

3. Alliteration

The sound of letters is repeated to create music, for example, “bell-beat of their wings” and “brimming water among the stones”.

4. Repetition

The word “still” is repeated to show the calmness of water and the unchanging nature of the swans.

5. Personification

Human qualities are given to the swans. Their “hearts have not grown old” and they are described as being “unwearied” and “lover by lover”.

6. Metaphor

The “bell-beat of their wings” compares the steady rhythm of wings to the ringing of a bell, without using “like” or “as”.

7. Contrast

A strong contrast is drawn between the poet’s ageing life and the ageless beauty of the swans. This deepens the sorrowful tone of the poem.

8. Tone

The tone shifts from admiration to sadness. At first, the poet praises the swans, but later he expresses his fear of loss and loneliness.

9. Rhyme Scheme

The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme of ababcc in each stanza. This gives balance and order to the verses.

Form, Rhyme Scheme & Tone of The Wild Swans at Coole

Form

The poem is written in five stanzas, each having six lines. This type of stanza is called a sexain. Yeats uses a simple and balanced structure. The form allows him to move from description of nature to personal reflection.

Rhyme Scheme

Each stanza follows the rhyme scheme ababcc. The first and third lines rhyme, the second and fourth rhyme, and the last two lines form a rhyming couplet. This gives the poem a steady rhythm and a musical flow.

Tone

The tone is calm, reflective, and sorrowful. At first, the poet admires the beauty of autumn and the swans. Soon the tone turns wistful and sad as he feels the changes brought by age and the passing of time. The contrast between the unchanging swans and his own ageing life adds a touch of melancholy.

Imagery, Symbolism & Motifs in The Wild Swans at Coole

Imagery

Yeats uses strong pictures to bring the scene alive. The autumn trees, October twilight, and still sky give us a clear sense of season and mood. The swans flying in “great broken rings” and the sound of the “bell-beat of their wings” create visual and auditory images. These images make the poem rich and memorable.

Symbolism

The swans are a central symbol. They stand for youth, love, passion, and eternity. While human life changes with age and loss, the swans remain constant and full of energy. The autumn season symbolises decline and ageing, contrasting with the vitality of the swans. The still water reflects both peace and the silence of time passing.

Motifs

The repeated ideas or motifs in the poem include time, ageing, love, and change. The poet’s nineteen-year gap since first seeing the swans shows the passing of time. His sadness at growing old contrasts with the ageless swans. The motif of pairs of swans highlights companionship and lasting love. Another motif is the fear of loss — the worry that one day the swans will fly away forever.

Questions and Answers (NCERT-style)

Understanding the Poem

Q1. How do the ‘trees in their autumn beauty’, ‘dry woodland paths’, ‘October twilight’, ‘still sky’ connect to the poet’s own life?

These images of autumn reflect decline and fading life. They connect to the poet’s own ageing and sense of loss. Just as nature moves into autumn, Yeats feels he has entered the later stage of his life.

Q2. What do ‘the light tread’ and ‘the sore heart’ refer to?

‘The light tread’ refers to the poet’s youthful days when he was carefree and joyful. ‘The sore heart’ refers to his present state of sadness and pain as he feels the burden of age and change.

Q3. What is the contrast between the liveliness of the swans and human life?

The swans remain young, tireless, and full of passion, while human life grows weak, old, and sorrowful with time. Yeats shows how the swans stay the same, but humans cannot escape change and ageing.

Q4. What contributes to the beauty and mystery of the swans’ lives?

The swans live in pairs, move gracefully on water, and rise freely into the air. Their constancy, strength, and freedom make them mysterious and beautiful, unlike the fragile human life bound by time.

Extract Based MCQs (5 Sets)

Extract Based MCQs

Set 1

“The trees are in their autumn beauty, The woodland paths are dry, Under the October twilight the water Mirrors a still sky.”

1. Which season is described in the lines?
   a) Summer
   b) Autumn
   c) Winter
   d) Spring
2. What does the “still sky” reflect?
   a) The poet’s joy
   b) The poet’s calm mood
   c) The water’s calmness
   d) The swans’ movement
3. The tone in these lines is—
   a) Energetic
   b) Sad
   c) Peaceful
   d) Angry

Answer Key: 1-b, 2-c, 3-c

Set 2

“Upon the brimming water among the stones Are nine-and-fifty swans.”

1. How many swans does the poet count?
   a) 59
   b) 60
   c) 49
   d) 50
2. Where are the swans seen?
   a) In the air
   b) On the still water
   c) On dry paths
   d) Near the twilight sky
3. The word “brimming” suggests—
   a) Fullness
   b) Emptiness
   c) Shallow water
   d) Movement

Answer Key: 1-a, 2-b, 3-a

Set 3

“All’s changed since I, hearing at twilight, The first time on this shore, The bell-beat of their wings above my head, Trod with a lighter tread.”

1. What has changed according to the poet?
   a) His love for nature
   b) His feelings and life
   c) The number of swans
   d) The lake itself
2. What does “lighter tread” mean?
   a) Weak steps
   b) Joyful and carefree walk
   c) Strong steps
   d) Fearful walk
3. The phrase “bell-beat of their wings” is an example of—
   a) Metaphor
   b) Simile
   c) Personification
   d) Alliteration

Answer Key: 1-b, 2-b, 3-a

Set 4

“Unwearied still, lover by lover, They paddle in the cold Companionable streams or climb the air; Their hearts have not grown old.”

1. What does “unwearied” suggest about the swans?
   a) They are tired
   b) They remain energetic
   c) They are weak
   d) They are resting
2. How do the swans move?
   a) Alone
   b) In pairs
   c) In groups of three
   d) Without order
3. What quality of the swans is highlighted in “their hearts have not grown old”?
   a) Constancy
   b) Weakness
   c) Change
   d) Silence

Answer Key: 1-b, 2-b, 3-a

Set 5

“Delight men’s eyes when I awake some day To find they have flown away?”

1. What does the poet fear here?
   a) He will not see swans again
   b) The swans will live forever
   c) He will forget the lake
   d) The lake will dry up
2. What do the swans bring to others?
   a) Fear
   b) Delight
   c) Anger
   d) Sadness
3. The tone in these lines is—
   a) Hopeful
   b) Doubtful
   c) Fearful and sad
   d) Playful

Answer Key: 1-a, 2-b, 3-c

Important Questions with Answers

Short Answer Questions (30–40 words)

Q1. Why does Yeats feel sorrow when he sees the swans?

Yeats feels sorrow because he has grown old and changed, while the swans remain youthful, full of passion, and unchanged. Their permanence reminds him of his own ageing and the loss of joy in his life.

Q2. How does Yeats contrast the swans with human life?

Swans are tireless, constant, and full of love and energy. Human life, on the other hand, changes with time, age, and loss. This contrast brings out the sadness Yeats feels about human weakness.

Q3. Why does the poet fear waking up one day to find the swans gone?

For Yeats, the swans symbolise beauty, love, and constancy. If they disappear, he will lose the last source of joy and stability in his life. His fear shows his deep sense of emptiness.

Long Answer Questions (120–150 words)

Q4. Discuss the use of imagery in “The Wild Swans at Coole”.

Yeats paints the scene with rich visual and sound images. He describes the autumn trees, dry woodland paths, and still sky, creating a quiet, reflective mood. The swans are shown through the image of “great broken rings” as they fly and the “bell-beat of their wings” as they rise. These images contrast the calm setting with the energy of the swans. The imagery not only brings the scene alive but also reflects the poet’s emotions—his sorrow, nostalgia, and awe. It helps readers see the contrast between the changing human life and the unchanging swans.

Q5. How does the poem reflect Yeats’s personal concerns?

The poem reflects Yeats’s struggle with ageing, loss, and the search for permanence. The nineteen years since he first saw the swans remind him of how time has changed him. He is no longer youthful or carefree, but full of sorrow and weariness. The swans, however, remain unchanged—strong, passionate, and graceful. Yeats’s fear of their disappearance reflects his fear of losing beauty and joy forever. Thus, the poem mirrors his personal longing for constancy in a world of change.

Value-based Question

Q6. What lesson about life can young readers learn from “The Wild Swans at Coole”?

The poem teaches that human life is bound by time and change, but beauty and love can be lasting. It reminds readers to cherish moments of joy and value the constancy of nature. It also suggests that youth and passion can be an inspiration even when life becomes difficult.

Exam Tips & How to Answer

1. Use of Keywords

Always include important keywords in your answers such as: autumn, twilight, sore heart, unwearied swans, passion, constancy, ageing, change. These words show that you understand the poem and its central ideas.

2. Quoting Lines

Support your answers with short quotes from the text. For example: • To show Yeats’s sadness, you can quote “my heart is sore.” • To explain the energy of swans, use “unwearied still, lover by lover.” Do not write long lines. Use only a few words and fit them into your own sentence.

3. Time Planning

• Reading time: Spend 2–3 minutes reading the question carefully.
• Short answers: Keep them 25–40 words. Spend 3–4 minutes on each.
• Long answers: Write 120–150 words. Use 7–9 minutes for each. Begin with an introduction, explain with examples, and close with a clear conclusion.
• Revision: Save 5 minutes at the end to read and correct mistakes.

4. Structuring Answers

• Begin with a clear point. • Explain using simple language. • Add a short quote for support. • End with a link to the theme of the poem. This method keeps your answer neat and examiners find it easy to mark.

5. Common Pitfalls

• Do not memorise answers blindly. Focus on ideas and key points.
• Avoid writing long quotes. Only use short phrases.
• Do not skip the conclusion in long answers.
• Avoid vague words like “nice”, “good”, “bad”. Use exact terms like “imagery”, “symbol”, “tone”.

Vocabulary Boost & Usage

Here are some useful words from The Wild Swans at Coole with simple sample sentences to help you in exams and writing tasks.

Word	Meaning	Sample Sentence
Autumn	Season between summer and winter	The trees turn golden in autumn.
Twilight	Soft light just before night	We went for a walk in the twilight.
Clamorous	Loud and noisy	The clamorous crowd cheered the players.
Unwearied	Not tired	She remained unwearied even after a long walk.
Companionable	Friendly and sociable	He enjoyed the companionable company of his classmates.
Conquest	The act of winning or gaining	The king celebrated his conquest of new lands.
Passion	Strong emotion or love	She spoke about the project with great passion.
Mystery	Something difficult to explain	The old house was full of mystery.
Delight	Great pleasure or joy	The children screamed in delight when the gifts arrived.
Sore	Painful or aching	His sore leg made it hard to walk.
Constancy	Quality of being unchanging	The constancy of the stars comforts many poets.

Practice Set (Short & Very Short)

Very Short Answer Questions (1 mark each)

1. How many swans does the poet see at Coole Park?
2. What season is described at the beginning of the poem?
3. How long has it been since Yeats first counted the swans?
4. Which sound does Yeats compare to a “bell-beat”?
5. What fear does the poet express at the end of the poem?

Short Answer Questions (2–3 marks each)

1. What is the mood of the poet in the opening stanza? Support your answer with one image.
2. Why does Yeats feel his heart has grown sore while the swans remain unwearied?
3. How does Yeats present the swans as symbols of love and companionship?
4. Explain how nature adds to the beauty and mystery of the swans’ presence.
5. What contrast does Yeats draw between the constancy of the swans and the changes in human life?

Answer Frames & Templates

These frames will help you shape answers in exams. Fill in the blanks with details from the poem.

1. Theme-based Answer Frame

The main theme of the poem “The Wild Swans at Coole” is ___________. Yeats shows that while human life ___________, the swans remain ___________. The poet uses the image of ___________ to express his feelings of ___________. Thus, the theme reflects ___________.

2. Imagery-based Answer Frame

Yeats makes use of striking imagery in the poem. For example, he describes ___________ which creates a picture of ___________. Another image is ___________ that symbolises ___________. These images help readers feel ___________ and highlight the contrast between ___________.

3. Symbolism-based Answer Frame

In the poem, the swans symbolise ___________. Their constancy represents ___________, while their passion shows ___________. Yeats contrasts this symbol with ___________ to underline ___________. Thus, symbolism strengthens the central message of the poem.

4. Poetic Device-based Answer Frame

Yeats uses the device of ___________ in the line “___________”. This device helps to ___________. Another device is ___________ in “___________”, which adds ___________. Together, these poetic devices make the poem more ___________ and effective.

5. Value-based Answer Frame

The poem teaches us the value of ___________. Through the swans, Yeats conveys that ___________, whereas human life ___________. The reader learns that even in times of ___________, one can find inspiration in ___________.

Quick Recap (One-page Notes)

• Poem: The Wild Swans at Coole by W. B. Yeats
• Setting: Coole Park, Ireland, in autumn at twilight
• Swans: 59 swans (nine-and-fifty)
• Time Gap: Nineteen years since Yeats first saw the swans
• Poet’s Mood: Sad, reflective, feels the change of age
• Contrast: Poet is ageing and weary; swans remain young and full of energy
• Key Symbols:
  • Swans → permanence, passion, constancy
  • Autumn → ageing, decline, change
  • Twilight → end of a phase, nearing death
• Main Theme: The contrast between fleeting human life and the timeless beauty of nature
• Tone: Reflective, sorrowful, yet admiring of the swans
• Important Lines to Quote:
  • “My heart is sore” → poet’s sadness
  • “Unwearied still, lover by lover” → swans’ constancy
  • “Delight men’s eyes” → timeless charm of swans
• Poetic Devices: Imagery, symbolism, alliteration, repetition
• Exam Tip: Always show contrast between poet’s ageing and swans’ timelessness

FAQs for Class 12 Poetry (Kaleidoscope)

1. What is the central idea of “The Wild Swans at Coole”?

The poem shows Yeats’s sadness at growing old while the swans remain youthful, lively, and constant.

2. Why are the swans important in the poem?

The swans symbolise love, constancy, and timeless beauty. They contrast with human life, which changes with age.

3. What feelings does Yeats express in the poem?

He feels sorrow, loss, and nostalgia, but also admiration for the swans’ vitality.

4. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?

The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme of ababcc in each stanza.

5. How does nature contribute to the poem’s mood?

The autumn trees, twilight sky, and still water create a calm but sad background that mirrors Yeats’s feelings.

6. What does “my heart is sore” mean?

It means the poet feels deep sadness and emotional pain.

7. Why does Yeats fear the swans may fly away?

He worries that one day they may leave, and he will lose the only constant source of beauty in his life.

8. How should I write answers in the exam?

Use key words like “symbolism”, “contrast”, and “constancy”. Quote short lines to support your points.

9. What literary devices are important to mention?

Imagery, symbolism, repetition, and alliteration are most important.

10. What lesson can we learn from the poem?

The poem teaches us to accept change in life but also to admire the timeless beauty of nature.

About the Poet & References

About W. B. Yeats

William Butler Yeats (1865–1939) was an Irish poet, playwright, and one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923. Yeats was deeply influenced by Irish mythology, folklore, and the nationalist movement. His works often blend personal emotions with larger cultural and political themes. The Wild Swans at Coole, written in 1916 and published in 1919, reflects his feelings of ageing and loss, set against the timeless beauty of nature.

References

• NCERT, Kaleidoscope: Elective English for Class XII, Poetry Section
• Yeats, W. B. The Wild Swans at Coole (1919)
• Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms
• Critical essays and notes on Yeats’s poetry (public domain sources)

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The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlöf - NCERT Solutions & Notes

Introduction

Looking for The Rattrap chapter solutions, summary, and notes? This post offers easy and detailed explanations for Class 10 English students. Here, you will find NCERT solutions, meanings of difficult words, and important questions and answers from the chapter The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlöf. Whether you want to understand the story better or prepare for exams, this guide covers everything in simple language.

Table of Contents

• 1. Summary of The Rattrap
• 2. About the Author: Selma Lagerlöf
• 3. Detailed Explanation of the Story
• 4. Character Analysis
• 5. Important Themes and Motifs
• 6. Summary of Important Events
• 7. NCERT Solutions
• Answers to In-text Questions
• Understanding the text
• 8. Key Vocabulary and Phrases Explained
• 9. Words and Meanings of The Rattrap
• 10. Literary Devices Used in The Rattrap
• 11. Important Quotes and Their Meanings
• 12. Lesson and Moral of the Story
• 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Summary of The Rattrap

The story "The Rattrap" begins by introducing a man who makes and sells small rattraps. His life is hard and lonely, filled with hunger and poverty. He sometimes steals and begs to survive. One day, as he walks along the road, he thinks about the world and decides it is like a big rattrap. Just like a rattrap offers bait to catch rats, the world offers riches and pleasure as bait to trap people. This idea amuses him because the world had not been kind to him.

As the story continues, the man finds shelter with a kind old crofter who shares food and company. Despite the trust shown, the man steals thirty kronor from the crofter but soon finds himself lost in a dark forest. He realizes he too is caught in a trap, like the rats caught in the rattrap.

The story explores themes of human nature, loneliness, kindness, and redemption through the experiences of the man with the rattraps and the people he meets. It is both philosophical and thought-provoking, highlighting how life’s temptations can trap people but also how kindness can change lives.

2. About the Author: Selma Lagerlöf

The author of "The Rattrap," Selma Lagerlöf, was a famous Swedish writer born in 1858. She was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909. Lagerlöf's stories often carry a deep belief in the essential goodness of human beings, showing how love and understanding can bring out that goodness.

Her writing draws heavily from Swedish culture and folklore, including the history of the iron mines where this story is set. "The Rattrap" is told partly like a fairy tale, blending simple storytelling with strong moral lessons.

Her works have been translated into many languages and continue to inspire readers worldwide.

3. Detailed Explanation of the Story

The story “The Rattrap” unfolds in a detailed and engaging manner. It follows the journey of a man who sells rattraps to make a living. Despite his efforts, life is harsh, and he sometimes steals to survive. One evening, he thinks about the world as a great rattrap, set with tempting bait to catch people. This idea reflects his bitter view of life.

He finds shelter with a lonely crofter, who warmly welcomes him, sharing food and companionship. But the man betrays this kindness by stealing money. Soon, lost in a dense forest, he realizes he has fallen into a trap like the ones he sells.

Later the man reaches the forge of a wealthy ironmaster. Here, he is almost chased away but is kindly invited home after the ironmaster mistakenly thinks he is an old acquaintance. The man rejects the invitation out of fear and distrust.

The ironmaster then sends his daughter, Edla Willmson, who gently persuades him to stay at their home for Christmas. She shows empathy, and the man experiences kindness that touches his heart.

The narrative explores human loneliness, kindness, and the idea that everyone can fall into traps but also might find redemption. Each encounter reveals a different side of humanity, making the tale both entertaining and full of deep meaning.

4. Character Analysis

• The Peddler

The Peddler in "The Rattrap" is a man who makes and sells small rattraps. His life is very hard and full of loneliness. He dresses in rags, looks hungry, and struggles to earn enough to survive. The peddler is a clever but sad man. He believes the whole world is a trap, like the rattraps he sells—offering tempting things that catch people and cause their downfall.

Though he resorts to petty theft and begging to keep going, the story reveals a deeper side of him. His thoughts about the world being a rattrap show his bitterness but also his deep understanding of human nature. Throughout the story, he changes as he meets different people who show him kindness, which eventually awakens the good in him. He has a subtle sense of humor and is able to reflect on life in a way that makes readers sympathize with him despite his flaws. The peddler’s character teaches us about the possibility of change and the effect of human kindness.

• The Crofter

The Crofter in "The Rattrap" is a kind and generous old man who lives alone near the ironworks. Despite his modest means, he warmly welcomes the peddler into his home, offering food, tobacco, and companionship. The crofter’s friendliness stems from his own loneliness and desire for human connection. He openly shares stories of his past prosperity when he worked as a crofter at the Ramsjö Ironworks and speaks with pride about his cow, which supports him now by providing milk.

He trusts the peddler enough to show him three wrinkled ten-kronor bills, a clear sign of his honesty and goodwill. This act of generosity highlights the crofter’s simple, good-hearted nature, which contrasts deeply with the peddler’s initial distrust. The crofter’s willingness to share what little he has and his open hospitality emphasize themes of kindness and human warmth in the story.

• The Ironmaster

The Ironmaster in "The Rattrap" is a wealthy and influential man who owns the Ramsjö ironworks. Despite his high social status, he shows a surprising kindness and understanding when he encounters the peddler. Unlike the blacksmiths who barely acknowledge the stranger, the ironmaster recognizes the man and treats him with respect, mistaking him for an old acquaintance.

The ironmaster invites the peddler to his home and expresses regret for the harsh turn his life has taken, attributing it to the decision to resign from the regiment. Although the peddler declines the invitation out of fear and distrust, the ironmaster’s gesture reveals a humane side beneath his authoritative role.

Later, the ironmaster supports his daughter Edla Willliamson’s compassionate decision to keep the peddler as a guest over Christmas, demonstrating a blend of social responsibility and personal warmth. His character contrasts with the peddler’s rough exterior, highlighting themes of dignity, forgiveness, and the power of kindness in the story.

• Edla Willmansson

Edla Willsonson is the daughter of the wealthy Ironmaster in the story “The Rattrap.” She is portrayed as a kind-hearted and compassionate young woman. Unlike her father and the workmen at the forge, Edla treats the ragged and suspicious-looking peddler with warmth and respect. She senses his fear and loneliness and persuades him gently to stay at their home for Christmas. Edla’s empathy and genuine concern for the peddler’s wellbeing ultimately touch his heart and contribute to his awakening. Her actions highlight the themes of kindness and human connection in the story, showing how simple gestures of goodwill can inspire change in even the most hardened individuals.

5. Key Themes and Motifs in "The Rattrap"

1. The Trap of Materialism

The central metaphor of the story is the rattrap, symbolizing the worldly temptation that lures people with promises of riches and pleasures but ultimately traps them. This theme highlights the dangers of greed and how people often fall into traps of material benefit, leading to their downfall.

2. Loneliness and Isolation

The story portrays deep human loneliness through the characters of the peddler, the crofter, and even the Ironmaster’s household. Their experiences reflect the universal need for companionship and understanding.

3. Redemption Through Kindness

Acts of kindness and compassion, as exhibited by the crofter, the Ironmaster, and especially his daughter Edla Willson, play a transformative role in the story. These gestures awaken the innate goodness in the peddler, leading to his moral awakening and redemption.

4. Appearance versus Reality

The contrast between the appearance of the peddler—his ragged clothes and suspicious behavior—and his inner nature explores the motif of not judging people by their outward looks. The story suggests that everyone has a good side that can surface through love and understanding.

5. The Power of Moral Strength

The peddler’s reflection on his own life and his acceptance of the warmth offered to him reveal the theme of moral strength. Despite his weaknesses, he shows humor and learns to appreciate human kindness, revealing his potential for change.

6. The Symbolism of the Rattrap

The rattrap itself is a powerful motif symbolizing life’s entrapments. Just as a rat is caught by simple bait, humans are often caught by the lure of material wealth and worldly pleasures, which can imprison their souls.

These themes together provide a rich philosophical underpinning to what appears to be a simple fairy-tale-like story about a poor peddler. Through symbolism and character development, the story conveys profound messages about human nature, society, and redemption.

6. Summary of Important Events in "The Rattrap"

Introduction of the Peddler

The story begins by introducing a poor and lonely peddler who makes and sells small rattraps. His life is full of hardship, hunger, and loneliness. He often resorts to begging and petty theft to survive and reflects bitterly on life.

The Peddler’s Reflection on Life

While traveling, the peddler imagines the world as a large rattrap, set with bait to trap people. This metaphor captures his cynical view of the world’s temptations and dangers.

Encounter with the Crofter

The peddler finds shelter with a kind old crofter who shares his humble home, food, and companionship. Despite this generosity, the peddler betrays his host’s trust by stealing his money.

Lost in the Forest

After stealing, the peddler becomes lost in a confusing forest. He realizes that he himself has been caught in a metaphorical trap, just like the rattraps he sells.

Arrival at the Iron Forge

The peddler reaches the forge of the local ironmaster and is initially shunned by the workers. The ironmaster comes upon him and mistakes him for an old acquaintance, inviting him home, which the peddler refuses out of fear and distrust.

Edla Willson’s Compassion

The ironmaster’s daughter, Edla, persuades the peddler to stay and share Christmas with their family. Her kindness and respect inspire trust and warmth in the peddler.

The Transformation

The peddler is cleaned and dressed in fine clothes given by the ironmaster. Despite his outward transformation, he remains humble and grateful.

The Parting Gift

Before leaving, the peddler leaves a cleaned rattrap with the money he stole and a letter expressing his gratitude and hinting at his inner change.

Resolution

The story closes with a note of hope, showing the redemptive power of kindness and human compassion, despite past mistakes.

7. NCERT Solutions

• Answers to In-text Questions

Think As You Read (Part 1)

1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
   The peddler got the idea while thinking about the rattraps he was selling, imagining that the whole world was like a huge rattrap, set to catch people with tempting bait.
   
   
2. Why was he amused by the idea?
   He was amused because the world had been unkind to him, so he took some comfort in thinking that everyone else was also caught in a trap, not just himself.
   
   
3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality he received from the crofter?
   No, the peddler did not expect such kindness and hospitality, as he was used to being shunned and treated harshly.
   
   
4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly?
   The crofter was lonely and welcomed the company of the stranger, so he was generous and talkative.
   
   
5. Why did the crofter show the thirty kronor to the peddler?
   He showed the money to demonstrate his financial situation and trust, sharing openly with the stranger.
   
   
6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?
   No, the peddler betrayed the crofter’s trust by stealing the money.

Think As You Read (Part 2)

1. What made the peddler think he had fallen into a rattrap?
   After stealing the money, the peddler got lost in the forest and realized that he was trapped by his own actions, just like a rat caught in a rattrap.
   
   
2. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
   The ironmaster thought the peddler was an old acquaintance and wanted to help him out of kindness, remembering their past association.
   
   
3. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
   He declined because he was suspicious and fearful of being trapped or arrested, especially given his appearance and past.

Think As You Read (Part 3)

1. What made the peddler accept Edla Willson’s invitation?
   Edla’s gentle and sincere kindness won his trust, encouraging him to accept hospitality he did not expect.
   
   
2. What doubts did Edla have?
   She doubted the peddler’s identity and feared he might be a thief or fugitive.
   
   
3. When did the ironmaster realize his mistake?
   He realized the peddler was not his old acquaintance after the peddler was dressed and appeared presentable, which revealed his true identity.
   
   
4. What did the peddler say in his defense?
   He admitted to being a poor trader and not pretending to be anyone else, explaining that he only wanted shelter and had done no harm.
   
   
5. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler?
   Despite knowing his true identity, Edla felt compassion for his loneliness and hardships and wanted him to experience kindness and peace.

Think As You Read (Part 4)

1. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
   She was happy because the peddler returned the money he had stolen, showing his gratitude and change of heart.
2. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
   He used the name sarcastically, referring to the kindness shown to him as if he were a noble captain, which made him feel dignified despite his lowly status.

Answers to Exercise Questions

Understanding the text

1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?
   The peddler is surprised and moved by their kindness, which contrasts sharply with his cynical view of the world as a trap. Their generosity awakens a sense of trust and hope in him.
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?
   The ironmaster is initially skeptical and judgmental, while his daughter shows compassion and warmth. He doubts the peddler’s worth, but she advocates for kindness and acceptance.
3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
   Examples include the crofter’s warm hospitality to a stranger, the peddler stealing from the crofter despite this kindness, and the daughter’s insistence on caring for the peddler despite his rough appearance and past.
4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?
   Experiencing genuine kindness and trust from the crofter, the ironmaster, and Edla made the peddler reflect on his life and feel a desire to change.
5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
   It illustrates how people are often trapped by worldly desires and temptations, leading to hardship and moral challenges that are difficult to escape from.
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?
   His humour provides relief from the story’s heavier themes and makes him a more relatable, human character, encouraging readers to empathize with him.

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.

1. The reader’s sympathy is with the peddler right from the beginning of the story. Why is this so? Is the sympathy justified?
2. The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
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?
4. The story is both entertaining and philosophical.

Working with words

1. The man selling rattraps is referred to by many terms such as “peddler, stranger” etc. Pick out all such references to him. What does each of these labels indicate of the context or the attitude of the people around him?
2. You came across the words, plod, trudge, stagger in the story. These words indicate movement accompanied by weariness. Find five other such words with a similar meaning.

Noticing form

1. He made them himself at odd moments.
2. He raised himself.
3. He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught.
4. … a day may come when you yourself may want to get a big piece of pork.

Notice the way in which these reflexive pronouns have been used (pronoun+self):

• In 1 and 4 the reflexive pronouns “himself” and “yourself” are used to convey emphasis.
• In 2 and 3 the reflexive pronoun is used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it refers to the same subject in the sentence.
• Pick out other examples of the use of reflexive pronouns from the story and notice how they are used.

Thinking about language

1. Notice the words in bold in the following sentence: “The fire boy shovelled charcoal into the maw of the furnace with a great deal of clatter.” This is a phrase that is used in the specific context of an iron plant. Pick out other such phrases and words from the story that are peculiar to the terminology of ironworks.
2. Mjolis is a card game of Sweden. Name a few indoor games played in your region. ‘Chopar’ could be an example.
3. A crofter is a person who rents or owns a small farm especially in Scotland. Think of other uncommon terms for ‘a small farmer’ including those in your language.

8. Key Vocabulary and Phrases Explained

• Keep body and soul together: To survive or to maintain basic living necessities like food and shelter.
• Plods along: Walks slowly and heavily, often reflecting tiredness or sadness.
• Impenetrable prison: A place from which escape is almost impossible; used metaphorically for the forest in the story.
• Eased his way: Moved carefully or cautiously, making progress without difficulty.
• Things have gone downhill: Situation has worsened or deteriorated.
• Hunger gleamed in his eyes: The expression of intense hunger, showing in a person's eyes.
• Unwonted joy: Unexpected or unusual happiness.
• Nodded a haughty consent: Agreeing in a proud or disdainful manner.
• Fallen into a line of thought: Become absorbed in thinking about something.
• Moot point: An issue open to debate or uncertain.
• Mjolis: A card game mentioned in the story, popular in Sweden.
• Rags: Torn or worn-out clothes.
• Ragamuffin: A person, often a child, wearing dirty or ragged clothes.
• Trodden: Walked on heavily.
• Dispelled: Scattered or eliminated feelings or thoughts.

9. Words and Meanings of The Rattrap

Word/Phrase	Meaning (in simple English)
Keep body and soul together	To have enough food and money to survive
Plods along	Walks slowly and heavily
Impenetrable prison	A place or situation impossible to escape from
Eased his way	Moved carefully without difficulty
Things have gone downhill	Things have gotten worse
Hunger gleamed in his eyes	His eyes showed how hungry he was
Unwonted joy	Unexpected happiness
Nodded a haughty consent	Gave a proud or arrogant agreement
Fallen into a line of thought	Started thinking deeply
Rags	Old, torn clothes
Ragamuffin	A person in dirty, badly worn clothes
Mjolis	A Swedish card game mentioned in the story
Bossy (referring to a cow)	The name of the crofter’s cow
Valet	A servant who helps with clothes and personal tasks

10. Literary Devices Used in The Rattrap

1. Metaphor:

- The entire story revolves around the metaphor of the "rattrap", symbolizing the traps of worldly temptations and materialism that capture human beings.

2. Symbolism:

- The rattrap symbolizes the dangers and deceptions of life. - The crofter’s hospitality represents kindness and human goodness. - The ironmaster’s house symbolizes societal status and judgment. - The cleaned-up appearance of the peddler symbolizes transformation and redemption.

3. Irony:

- Situational irony appears when the peddler steals from the trusting crofter but later realizes he himself is trapped by his own greed. - Dramatic irony is evident as the readers know the true nature of the peddler before other characters do.

4. Imagery:

- Vivid descriptions of the forest, the ironworks, and the interior of the forge help create a realistic and immersive setting.

5. Allegory:

- The story serves as an allegory about human life, moral choices, and the potential for redemption through compassion.

6. Dialogue:

- Conversations between the characters reveal their personalities and the central themes of trust, suspicion, and kindness.

7. Characterization:

- The transformation of the peddler from a cynical thief to a grateful guest illustrates the theme of innate human goodness.

8. Tone:

- The narrative tone fluctuates between cynicism, melancholy, and hope, reinforcing the story’s philosophical depth. These devices collectively enrich the narrative, conveying profound moral and philosophical messages through a simple tale.

11. Important Quotes and Their Meanings

• The whole world about him— the whole world with its lands and seas, its cities and villages was nothing but a big rattrap.
  Meaning: The peddler sees the world as a trap that lures people with riches and comforts, only to catch them in trouble and difficulties.
  
  
• All the good things that are offered to you are nothing but cheese rinds and bits of pork, set out to drag a poor fellow into trouble.
  Meaning: The pleasures and material benefits of life are mere bait, often leading people into danger or moral ruin.
  
  
• Now his own turn had come. He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught.
  Meaning: The peddler realizes he himself has fallen victim to the trap he once mocked, reflecting on how easily anyone can be deceived.
  
  
• It is queer that things have gone downhill with him as badly as that.
  Meaning: This expresses sorrow and surprise over the peddler’s fall from grace, indicating his past was better than his present state.
  
  
• You must have patience, my little girl. As soon as he gets clean and dressed up, you will see something different.
  Meaning: The ironmaster suggests that external appearances can hide true identity and character, encouraging patience before judgment.
  
  
• This whole world is nothing but a big rattrap.
  Meaning: The peddler’s central philosophy reminding us that life is full of temptations and deceptions.
  
  
• I think he ought to stay with us today. I don’t want him to go.
  Meaning: Edla’s compassionate plea reflects the theme of human kindness and the power of empathy.
  
  
• The rattrap is a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in this world's rattrap if he had not been raised to captain.
  Meaning: The peddler’s letter signifies his gratitude and suggests that his earlier upbringing gave him the strength to escape the traps of life.

12. Lesson and Moral of the Story The Rattrap

• Lesson: The story teaches that despite human weaknesses and mistakes, everyone possesses an essential goodness that can be awakened through kindness, understanding, and compassion.
  
  
• Moral: Life is full of traps and temptations—like the rattrap—that lure people with promises of material wealth and comfort, but true happiness and redemption come from human warmth, trust, and forgiveness.
  
  
• The story encourages us to look beyond outward appearances, to be compassionate toward others, and to believe in the possibility of change and redemption.
  
  
• It also warns against judging others harshly and reminds us that everyone can fall into traps but can also find their way out through human connection and kindness.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about The Rattrap

• Q1: Who is the main character in “The Rattrap”?
  A: The main character is a man who sells rattraps and struggles with poverty and moral dilemmas.
  
  
• Q2: What does the metaphor of the rattrap represent?
  A: It represents the traps of worldly temptations and materialism that lure people into trouble.
  
  
• Q3: How does the peddler view the world at the beginning of the story?
  A: He views the world as a rattrap that entices and traps people with promises of riches and comfort.
  
  
• Q4: Why does the peddler steal the thirty kronor from the crofter?
  A: Out of habit and desperation, despite the crofter’s kindness.
  
  
• Q5: What kind of hospitality does the crofter show the peddler?
  A: The crofter welcomes him warmly, shares food and company, and trusts him completely.
  
  
• Q6: How do the ironmaster and his daughter treat the peddler?
  A: The daughter shows great compassion and invites him home, while the ironmaster is initially skeptical but later kind.
  
  
• Q7: What causes the peddler to feel trapped in the forest?
  A: He gets lost in a confusing forest after stealing money and realizes he has fallen into a rattrap himself.
  
  
• Q8: What is the peddler’s reaction after being treated with kindness?
  A: He feels amazed and begins to reconsider his cynical view of the world.
  
  
• Q9: Why does the peddler sign himself as "Captain von Stahle"?
  A: To reclaim some dignity and to acknowledge his past, showing a desire for self-respect and honor.
  
  
• Q10: What is the moral lesson of the story?
  A: It teaches that everyone can be trapped by worldly temptations, but kindness, trust, and compassion can awaken the goodness within people and lead to redemption.
  
  
• Q11: How does the story portray the theme of loneliness?
  A: The story shows the deep loneliness experienced by the peddler and the crofter and how connection can bring warmth and change.
  
  
• Q12: What role does forgiveness play in the narrative?
  A: Forgiveness is vital as characters forgive the peddler’s thefts and welcome him, which facilitates his transformation.

Master Direct and Indirect Speech: A Practice Quiz with Solutions

Direct and Indirect Speech Quiz

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