Summary of the lesson “The Rattrap”
The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlöf is a short story about a poor peddler who sells rattraps and lives a lonely, impoverished life. The story is an allegory of human nature, focusing on themes of temptation, redemption, and the inherent goodness in people.
The peddler, who is cynical about the world, believes that life itself is a giant rattrap, filled with temptations that lure people into a trap of misery. One day, after being treated kindly by an old crofter, he steals the crofter's money and escapes into the forest. Lost in the woods, he comes across an ironworks where he is mistaken for an old friend by the ironmaster. The ironmaster invites him to his home for Christmas, but the peddler declines, fearing he will be recognized as a thief. However, the ironmaster's daughter, Edla, persuades him to come along, showing him great compassion and trust.
At the ironmaster's home, the peddler feels guilty but is treated with dignity by Edla. This kindness transforms him. On Christmas morning, the ironmaster realizes the peddler's true identity, but Edla continues to show him respect. Moved by her generosity, the peddler leaves behind a rattrap as a gift and a letter explaining his actions, returning the stolen money to the crofter. He also admits that Edla's kindness helped him escape the metaphorical "rattrap" of life.
In the end, the story highlights how human kindness can bring about personal transformation and redemption, even in those who seem lost.
Specific Learning outcomes
Students will be able to summarize the key events of the story, including the encounter of the peddler with the ironmaster and his daughter, Edla.
Students will identify and describe the traits, motivations, and transformations of key characters, especially the peddler, the ironmaster, and Edla.
Students will be able to identify and explain the central themes of the story such as kindness and compassion which can change even the worst person to a man of virtues.