The Rattrap

Summary 

"The Rattrap" is a poignant story by Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf. Set against the backdrop of Sweden's mines, it follows a rattrap seller who ekes out a living by making rattraps from materials he either finds or steals. His harsh life fosters a bleak worldview, leading him to see the world as a giant rattrap, with nature's beauty and human desires acting as bait.

One evening, seeking shelter, the rattrap seller arrives at a small roadside cottage where an old, lonely man who was a crofter in the past warmly welcomes him with food and a place to stay. The old man shares stories of his life and proudly shows the rattrap seller his savings of thirty kronor. The next day, after leaving the cottage, the peddler returns to steal the thirty kronor. Proud of his theft, he continues his journey but soon loses his way in a forest.

Exhausted and cold, he stumbles upon an iron mill where the ironmaster mistakes him for an old friend Captain Von Stahle and invites him home for Christmas. Though the peddler initially declines, the ironmaster's daughter Edla, sensing his distress, persuades him to accept their hospitality. During dinner, the ironmaster realizes the mistake and threatens to call the sheriff. The rattrap seller admits he felt trapped by their kindness, but the daughter insists he stay for Christmas, continuing to show him compassion.

On Christmas morning, when the ironmaster and his daughter are at the church, the rattrap seller leaves, returning the stolen money along with a rattrap as a gift for the daughter. In a note, he asks her to return the money to the crofter who lives by the roadside and thanks her for the kindness that helped free him from his metaphorical rattrap.

The rattrap thus becomes a powerful motif in this story with the major themes being temptation and redemption.

Questions 

Q1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster, and his daughter?

The peddler interprets the acts of kindness and hospitality from the crofter, the ironmaster, and his daughter in different ways. He betrays the crofter, who offers him companionship in his loneliness, by stealing his money. The peddler views the ironmaster’s warmth as an opportunity to gain a few kronors, believing it’s only extended because the ironmaster mistakes him for an old acquaintance. He is genuinely surprised by the stark contrast between the ironmaster’s behaviour and that of his daughter, Edla, who touches him with her kindness, care, and efforts to make him feel comfortable.

Q2. 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 impulsive, whereas his daughter is calm, logical, kind, and considerate. The ironmaster mistakenly identifies the stranger as his old regimental comrade and invites him home, taking care of his needs. However, in the light of day, he realizes the mistake, accuses the man of dishonesty, and considers calling the sheriff. In contrast, his daughter is more perceptive; she senses the stranger's fear and suspects he might be a thief or an escaped prisoner. Despite this, she remains gentle, kind, and friendly, continuing to treat him well even after learning of her father’s mistake.

Q3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.

The peddler is taken aback by the warm reception, generous meal, and friendly company the crofter offers. Despite this, the crofter is later robbed by his guest, the peddler, in return for his hospitality. The ironmaster surprises the peddler by addressing him as "Nils Olof" and then calls him Captain von Stahle. The ironmaster assumes the peddler’s refusal of his invitation is due to embarrassment over his shabby clothing. Additionally, the peddler’s comparison of the world to a rattrap amuses the ironmaster, leading him to abandon the idea of involving the sheriff. The peddler is further astonished when Edla gives him the suit as a Christmas present and invites him to return for the next Christmas, despite knowing the mistake about his identity.

Q4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?

Edla Willmansson’s friendly and kind treatment of the tramp had a profound impact on him. She showed compassion by defending him when her father wanted to turn him away, and she continued to treat him warmly even after discovering the truth about him. Her offer of the suit as a Christmas present and her invitation to spend the next Christmas with them stirred the peddler’s conscience, awakening his innate goodness and leading him to change his ways.

Q5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?

The metaphor of the rattrap illustrates how the world entices people with various pleasures like wealth, joy, shelter, and food, much like bait in a rattrap. Once someone succumbs to these temptations, they are trapped, plagued by guilt and regret. The peddler, lured by the thirty kronor he stole from the crofter, hides and wanders through the woods, fearing capture. His peace of mind only returns when he decides to give back the money, symbolizing his release from the trap.