THE RATTRAP BY SELMA LAGERLOF
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Transcript THE RATTRAP BY SELMA LAGERLOF
THE RATTRAP
BY SELMA LAGERLOF
PREPARED BY
LAPITA DAS
THEME
The story upholds the belief that
the essential goodness of a
human being can be awakened
through love and understanding.
It brings into focus the idea that
the world is a rattrap. Riches,
joys, shelter and food are all
lucrative baits to trap mankind.
TITLE
‘The Rattrap’ is a metaphor to
highlight the human
predicament. Just as a rat is
fooled by a bait and gets
trapped, most human beings
are likely to fall into the trap of
material benefits.
SYNOPSIS
The story begins like a fairytale. The
central character is a beggar and a
petty thief who goes about selling
rattraps of wire to make a small living.
He finds it difficult to make both ends
meet. It makes him reflect about his
own condition and the world at large.
He fancies that the whole world is
nothing but a big rattrap.
SYNOPSIS (CONT.)
It offers rich and varied baits to people
who bite on them and get trapped in
the rattrap.
The storyline unfolds gradually with
the various baits being offered to the
beggar.
The old man that the tramp meets is
generous with his hospitality but the
bait of the three ten-kronor bills is
enough to tempt him.
SYNOPSIS
Next at the Ramsjo ironworks, while
seeking shelter for the night, the
tramp bites the bait offered to him by
the owner, the ironmaster, of mistaken
identity.
Edla, the ironmaster’s daughter, offers
yet another bait of full-hearted
generosity, comfortable living and a
magically peaceful Christmas for the
tramp.
CONCLUSION
Finally, the bitter truth dawns on the
hosts. Edla is downcast when she
learns that the peddler is a thief.
The tramp undergoes a change of
heart after experiencing her kindness.
He returns the stolen money and
writes a letter to her thanking her for
helping him escape the rattrap.
He attains nobility of spirit and
‘becomes’ Captain Von Stahle. The
story ends with the victory of human
goodness.
QUESTIONS
Short Questions:
Why is the peddler amused with the
idea that the world is a rattrap?
Why did the peddler sign himself as
Captain Von Stahle?
Long Questions:
Compare and contrast the characters
of the ironmaster and his daughter.
What is the dramatic twist in the story
and how does it come about?