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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate12 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter 'The Rattrap' by Selma Lagerlöf focuses on a peddler who sells rattraps and views the world as a metaphorical rattrap, where people are lured by various baits into inevitable traps. One Christmas Eve, he finds himself in a predicament, staying with a kind ironmaster and his daughter, Edla, who takes him in, mistaking him for an old acquaintance. The kindness shown by Edla transforms the peddler, causing him to return stolen money and leave a note signed as 'Captain von Stahle', demonstrating the potential for human redemption through compassion and understanding.
Key Topics
- •Metaphor of the rattrap
- •Transformation and redemption
- •Kindness and empathy
- •Human fallibility
- •Misidentification and mistaken identity
- •Impositions of social class
- •Role of sympathy in moral change
- •Impact of unexpected compassion
Learning Objectives
- ✓To understand the metaphorical significance of the rattrap in human life.
- ✓To analyze character development, particularly the peddler's transformation.
- ✓To explore themes of kindness, empathy, and redemption.
- ✓To examine the narrative methods used to present the human condition.
- ✓To discuss the influence of background and environment on individual behavior.
- ✓To identify core moral messages conveyed through the storyline.
Questions in Chapter
How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?
Answer: The peddler initially views kindness as a potential opportunity for exploitation but is later redeemed by Edla's compassion.
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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?
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The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
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What made the peddler finally change his ways?
Answer: Edla's insistence on treating him with respect and ensuring he had a peaceful Christmas made the peddler reconsider his actions and return the money.
Page 43
How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
Answer: The rattrap metaphor illustrates how human beings can become entangled in worldly traps of temptation and sin, yet the story also highlights the possibility of redemption.
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Additional Practice Questions
Explain the significance of the title 'The Rattrap'.
mediumAnswer: The title 'The Rattrap' symbolizes the snare of materialism and greed that entangle humans, just as a rattrap entices and traps its victims.
Discuss how the theme of redemption is portrayed through the character of the peddler.
hardAnswer: The theme of redemption is portrayed through the peddler's transformation from a deceitful vagabond to a person who values kindness and returns stolen money after being treated with compassion by Edla.
What role does Edla Willmansson play in changing the peddler's perspective?
easyAnswer: Edla's unwavering kindness and hospitality foster a sense of dignity and humanity in the peddler, ultimately leading him to repentance and honesty.
Analyze the differences in the perspectives of the ironmaster and Edla regarding the peddler.
mediumAnswer: The ironmaster views the peddler as a deceitful individual to be treated with suspicion, whereas Edla sees him as a human being deserving of empathy and a chance to reform.
What does the letter left by the peddler signify?
hardAnswer: The letter signifies the peddler's acknowledgment of Edla's kindness as transformative, motivating him to return the stolen money and change his ways, marking his redemption.