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.