The Rattrap Summery

 THE RATTRAP

By  Selma Lagerlöf

Introduction

The Rattrap' is a story that gives us a psychological insight into human nature. The author highlights how greed for material things entraps human beings. 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

Theme

The chapter, "The Rattrap' covers the theme of the basic human need for companionship, and shows the negative effects of loneliness. The story stresses on the fact that most human beings are prone to fall into the trap of material benefit. The author targets the materialistic approach of the people. The worldly riches have disillusioned them, and they are running after the things which are temporary.

Main Characters

The peddler

He is the protagonist and central character of the story. He is an unnamed man who lives as a tramp, wandering the countryside and selling rattraps. As he does not make enough money from this to survive, the rattrap peddler also engages in petty thievery and begging. Characteristics of peddler: Vagabond, thief, beggar, witty, philosopher, pragmatist and humorous.

Edla Willmansson

Edla is the daughter of the ironmaster. She is described as 'not at all pretty, but modest and quite shy. She is also exceptionally kind. She convinces the peddler to come to her house and then convinces her father to let the peddler stay for Christmas Eve. She is the most positive figure in the story, and her compassion and generosity are the reasons for the peddler's transformation Characteristics of Edla Willmansson: Kind, compassionate, friendly, charming, modest, shy, persuasive, sensitive, understanding, hospitable, honest and innocent.Ironmaster

Ironmaster is Edla Willmansson's father and the man who owns Ramsjo Ironworks. He is a very prominent ironmaster. He steps by at his forge every day and night to watch the work, and verets the quality of his products. In his younger days, was to watch the work, and the peddler for his 'old regimental comrade' Captain von Stanlei

Characteristics of Ironmaster: Greedy, cautious, hospitable, suspicious, unkind and raskmaster.

The Crofter

This is an old man who lets the peddler spend the night at his house. As the old man is lonely, he is glad to have a company and provides the peddler with food, tobacco and conversation. He is a very kind, and generous old man, but the peddler repays his generosity by stealing thirty kronors from him.

Characteristics of Crofter: Lonely, happy, friendly, gullible, generous and hospitable.

Summary

The story begins like a fairy tale. 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 realises the at the whole world is nothing but a big rattrap. 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. Next at the Ramsjö Ironworks, while seeking shelter for the night, the tramp bites the bait offered to him by the owner (though he initially refuses it), the ironmaster, based on 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. 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.