Class 12 Chapter 4(Flamingo)

Chapter 4

Rattrap🐀

Author: Selma Lagerlöf

✍Introduction About the Author:

Selma Lagerlöf (1858–1940) was a Swedish author and the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature (1909). She is known for her simple yet powerful storytelling that often includes elements of compassion, morality, and human values. “The Rattrap” is a meaningful story that reflects her belief in the power of love and kindness to change a person.

📖Chapter Summary:

“The Rattrap” is a short story with a strong moral message. It revolves around a poor, homeless man who makes and sells small rattraps. He has a cynical view of the world, believing that life itself is a rattrap that tempts people with riches and pleasure, only to trap them forever.

One day, he steals money from an old crofter who had kindly given him food and shelter. Later, while trying to hide in a forest, he loses his way. He ends up at the ironworks where he meets the ironmaster, who mistakes him for an old army friend and invites him home.

Though the man is about to be exposed, the ironmaster’s daughter, Edla, treats him with compassion and dignity. Her kindness transforms him. He leaves behind a note and a rattrap as a Christmas gift, returning the stolen money and signing himself as “Captain von Stahle” — the identity given to him by the ironmaster. This shows his desire to live up to the respect he was shown.

📚Key Themes:

a) Redemption and Transformation:

The story shows that even the worst person can change if treated with kindness and respect.

b) Power of Human Kindness:

Edla’s compassion brings out the goodness in the rattrap seller, proving that love can change people.

c) The World as a Rattrap:

The metaphor of the world as a trap of desires highlights how people often fall for material temptations and lose their way.

🙇Character Sketches:

The Rattrap Man (Peddler):

• Poor, homeless, cynical about life

• Initially a petty thief, steals out of desperation

• Feels trapped after stealing and becomes hopeless

• Deeply moved by Edla’s kindness

• Changes for the better and returns the stolen money

Edla Willmansson:

• Daughter of the ironmaster

• Gentle, understanding, and generous

• Treats the peddler like a guest, despite knowing the truth

• Her trust and goodness inspire the man’s transformation

The Ironmaster:

• Wealthy owner of the iron mill

• Proud and impulsive, quickly changes his opinion

• Lacks Edla’s compassion but respects her judgment

💭Important Quotations:

• “The whole world is nothing but a big rattrap.”
  → Symbolic of how materialism and greed can trap people.

• “If only I could have kept myself out of it.”
  → The peddler realizes he has fallen into life’s trap after stealing.

• “Edla had to bring out the Christmas spirit in him.”
  → Her kindness awakens his conscience.

• “It was not so bad after all to have a human being behave like that.”
  → Reflects the peddler’s appreciation for Edla’s goodness.

⛅Message of the Chapter:

The story teaches us that no one is beyond redemption. A little compassion and understanding can awaken goodness even in the most hopeless individuals. True human dignity lies in the ability to forgive and uplift others.