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
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)
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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)
-
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.
-
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.
-
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)
-
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.
-
What doubts did Edla have?
She doubted the peddler’s identity and feared he might be a thief or
fugitive.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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)
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
The reader’s sympathy is with the peddler right from the beginning of the
story. Why is this so? Is the sympathy justified?
-
The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with
others.
-
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?
- The story is both entertaining and philosophical.
Working with words
-
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?
-
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
- He made them himself at odd moments.
- He raised himself.
- He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught.
-
… 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
-
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.
-
Mjolis is a card game of Sweden. Name a few indoor games played in your
region. ‘Chopar’ could be an example.
-
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.
