“The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf tells the story of a peddler who lives a lonely, impoverished life, selling rattraps. He sees the world as a giant rattrap, where people are lured by “baits” like wealth and possessions. One day, seeking shelter, he is welcomed into the home of an old, kind-hearted crofter, whom he repays by stealing his thirty kronor.
He then wanders into the woods, feeling trapped by his own actions. Lost and remorseful, he stumbles upon the Ramsjö Ironworks. Mistaken for an old acquaintance, Captain von Ståhle, he is invited to the home of the ironmaster. The ironmaster’s daughter, Edla Willmansson, treats him with kindness and compassion, sensing his distress.
Edla’s genuine goodness and understanding inspire a transformation in the peddler. On Christmas morning, he leaves a package for Edla, revealing his true identity and returning the stolen money. He leaves a letter requesting her to return the money to the crofter.
The story highlights the power of human kindness and compassion to redeem a lost soul. It explores themes of loneliness, redemption, and the inherent goodness that can be found in even the most hardened individuals.
Exercise
Think as you read
1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?
Ans:
The peddler’s concept of the world as a giant rattrap originated from his own difficult existence and observations of society. He, a solitary and impoverished individual, earned a meager living selling rattraps, and his life was marked by hardship, leaving him feeling confined by his circumstances.
While reflecting on his situation, he perceived a similarity between the world’s workings and the rattraps he sold. He noticed people were constantly drawn to “baits” like riches, possessions, and fleeting pleasures, only to become ensnared in the “rattrap” of life’s struggles and disappointments. This metaphor became a lens through which he viewed his own life and the world surrounding him.
2. Why was he amused by this idea?
Ans:
The peddler was amused by the idea of the world as a rattrap because it provided him with a cynical yet satisfying explanation for his own misfortunes and the perceived foolishness of others. In his impoverished and lonely state, the world often seemed cruel and unfair.
The idea that everyone, even the wealthy and powerful, were ultimately caught in a giant rattrap offered a sense of perverse satisfaction. It leveled the playing field, suggesting that no one could truly escape the traps laid by greed and desire. He found a dark humor in the thought that those who seemed to have it all were just as susceptible to being lured by “baits” as he was. It allowed him to rationalize his own failures and find a twisted sense of justice in the shared vulnerability of humanity. Essentially, it was a coping mechanism, a way to make sense of a world that seemed stacked against him.
3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality that he received from the crofter?
Ans:
The peddler was completely unprepared for the welcoming treatment he received from the crofter. He, a tired and isolated individual, was used to being viewed with suspicion and scorn. He frequently sought refuge and sustenance, but typically encountered coldness or indifference.
Consequently, he experienced surprise and gratitude when the elderly crofter invited him into his warm and comfortable home. The crofter’s generosity and candidness were unexpected and stood in stark contrast to the peddler’s typical encounters. The crofter’s immediate warmth and willingness to share his meals, tobacco, and even personal stories were a pleasant, yet unforeseen, departure from the peddler’s usual experiences.
4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
Ans:
The crofter was so talkative and friendly with the peddler primarily due to his loneliness and his desire for companionship. He was an old man living alone in a secluded cottage, and he longed for someone to break the monotony of his solitary existence.
Furthermore, he was naturally a generous and trusting person. He saw no reason to be suspicious or reserved with the peddler, whom he perceived as a harmless wanderer. He was eager to share his stories and experiences, likely to alleviate his own isolation. Also the crofter was very proud of his cow, and the money he had earned from selling her milk. He wished to share this good fortune with someone.
5. Why did he show the thirty kroner to the peddler?
Ans:
The crofter showed the thirty kronor to the peddler out of a combination of naivety and a desire to share his prosperity. Living a solitary life, he likely craved human interaction and saw the peddler as a temporary companion. He was proud of his earnings, a tangible sign of his hard work and the success of his cow. In his eagerness to connect, he perhaps overestimated the peddler’s trustworthiness. He wanted to share his good fortune and perhaps impress the peddler with his financial success, not realizing the potential danger in revealing his wealth to a stranger who was clearly down on his luck.
6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in him by the crofter?
Ans:
The peddler did not honor the trust placed in him by the crofter. The crofter, driven by solitude and generosity, had extended kindness to the peddler, providing him with sustenance, lodging, and even sharing personal narratives and financial details. The crofter’s trust was evident when he revealed the location of his thirty kronor.
Nevertheless, the peddler violated this trust by misappropriating the money. He yielded to the allure of the “bait” presented by the crofter’s financial resources, displaying a complete disregard for the hospitality and confidence bestowed upon him.
7. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
Ans:
The peddler realized he had fallen into a rattrap when he became lost in the dense, confusing woods after stealing the crofter’s money. The forest’s winding paths and thick undergrowth disoriented him, and he found himself walking in circles, unable to find his way out.
The growing darkness and the oppressive silence of the woods intensified his anxiety. He began to feel trapped, both physically and metaphorically. The stolen money, which he had initially seen as a means of escape from his miserable existence, now became the “bait” that had ensnared him. He understood that by giving in to the temptation, he had walked right into the “rattrap” of his own greed and poor judgment. The forest, in its confusing and inescapable nature, became a physical manifestation of his trapped state, reinforcing his belief that he was caught in the world’s metaphorical rattrap.
8. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
Ans:
The ironmaster spoke kindly to the peddler and invited him home because he mistook the peddler for an old regimental comrade, Captain Nils Olof von Ståhle. The ironmaster had seen the peddler in the dim light of the forge and, with his poor eyesight and hopeful expectation, believed he recognized an old friend.
He was eager to reconnect with someone from his past and offer him hospitality, especially during the Christmas season. He likely felt a sense of loneliness and a desire for companionship, and he saw the peddler’s arrival as a fortuitous opportunity to alleviate that. Therefore, it was a case of mistaken identity and a desire for companionship that prompted the ironmaster’s kind invitation.
9. Why did the peddler decline the invitation?
Ans:
The peddler declined the ironmaster’s invitation because he knew he was not Captain Nils Olof von Ståhle and feared that his true identity would be discovered. He was aware that he had stolen money and was essentially a fugitive.
He was also wary of the ironmaster’s grand manner and the potential consequences of accepting his hospitality under false pretenses. He likely anticipated that the comfortable and luxurious setting of the ironmaster’s home would eventually expose his deception, leading to trouble. He felt safer remaining in the shadows and avoiding any situation that could bring him unwanted attention from the authorities.
10. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation?
Ans:
The peddler accepted Edla Willmansson’s invitation primarily due to her kindness and persuasive nature. Unlike her father, who was brusque and authoritative, Edla approached the peddler with genuine warmth and empathy. She spoke to him in a gentle, reassuring manner, conveying a sense of understanding and compassion that the peddler had rarely experienced.
Edla’s invitation was not a command but a request, framed with a sincere desire to offer him comfort and companionship during the Christmas season. She expressed her hope that he would stay and enjoy the festive spirit, promising him good food and a warm atmosphere. The peddler, weary and vulnerable, was touched by her sincerity and found himself unable to resist her gentle persuasion. He was also likely swayed by the promise of a warm, safe place to spend the Christmas holidays, a stark contrast to his usual life of hardship and wandering. Furthermore, he probably felt a sense of guilt, and Edla’s kindness seemed to offer a chance at redemption.
In short, Edla’s gentle persuasion, her genuine kindness, and the promise of warmth and companionship during Christmas persuaded the peddler to accept her invitation.
12. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?
Ans:
Edla Willmansson had several doubts about the peddler, stemming from her keen observation and empathetic nature. She noticed inconsistencies between his demeanor and the image her father had painted of an old regimental comrade.
Firstly, she observed his frightened and anxious behavior. He seemed ill at ease and nervous, which she found odd for a supposed army officer. She noted his rough appearance and his lack of social graces, which didn’t align with her expectations of a former soldier.
Secondly, she sensed a deep sadness and weariness in him, as if he were carrying a heavy burden. She recognized that he was likely a troubled and desperate man, rather than a respected captain.
Finally, she doubted his honesty. His reluctance to accept their invitation and his general air of mystery made her suspicious. She was not entirely convinced by his story and suspected that he was hiding something. Essentially, Edla’s empathy and intuition allowed her to see beyond the facade and recognize the peddler’s true state.
13. When did the ironmaster realise his mistake?
Ans:
The ironmaster realized his mistake the morning after inviting the peddler home. When the peddler was clean-shaven and dressed in the ironmaster’s clothes, in the daylight, the ironmaster could clearly see that he was not Captain Nils Olof von Ståhle. The change in the peddler’s appearance, combined with the clear light of day, revealed the man’s true, common appearance, and it became obvious that the ironmaster had been mistaken.
14. What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was?
Ans:
When it became clear that he was not Captain Nils Olof von Ståhle, the peddler defended himself by asserting that he had never pretended to be anyone other than himself. He argued that he had not lied or tried to deceive the ironmaster.
He pointed out that he had never claimed to be the captain, and he had consistently refused the ironmaster’s invitations to stay. He emphasized that the mistake was entirely the ironmaster’s, due to his poor eyesight and preconceived notions. The peddler essentially shifted the blame, stating that he was simply a poor, wandering peddler who had been treated kindly, and that he was not responsible for the ironmaster’s misinterpretation. He also reminded the ironmaster that he had repeatedly said that he just wanted to sleep in the warm forge.
15. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?
Ans:
Edla Willmansson continued to entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him because she possessed a genuine sense of compassion and empathy. She saw the peddler not as a criminal or a fraud, but as a troubled and vulnerable human being in need of kindness.
Firstly, she recognized his evident fear and distress. She understood that he was likely driven to his desperate circumstances by hardship and loneliness. Secondly, she had already extended her hospitality and felt a sense of responsibility to ensure he had a peaceful Christmas. She believed in the power of human goodness to redeem even the most lost souls.
Furthermore, she had a strong belief in the transformative power of kindness and believed that offering him warmth and acceptance could potentially change his life. She wanted to give him a chance to experience genuine human connection and perhaps inspire him to choose a better path. In essence, Edla’s inherent goodness and her belief in redemption motivated her to continue treating the peddler with kindness, despite his deception.
16. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
Ans:
Edla was happy to see the gift left by the peddler for several significant reasons. Firstly, the gift, a small rattrap containing the stolen thirty kronor and a letter, was a tangible sign of the peddler’s transformation. It proved that her kindness and trust had not been misplaced. He had, in fact, been touched by her goodness and had chosen to return the stolen money.
Secondly, the gift was a validation of her belief in the inherent goodness of people. She had seen the peddler as a human being in need of compassion, and his actions confirmed her belief that even a seemingly hardened individual could be redeemed.
Thirdly, the letter accompanying the gift, in which the peddler signed himself as “Captain von Stahle,” was a gesture of gratitude and respect. It showed that he had not only returned the money but also acknowledged her kindness by assuming the identity she had bestowed upon him.
Finally, the gift relieved her father of the potential legal trouble he would have faced for harboring a thief. It brought a sense of closure and peace to the household. In essence, the gift symbolized the triumph of human kindness and the possibility of redemption, making Edla profoundly happy.
17. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
Ans:
The peddler signed himself as Captain von Ståhle in his letter to Edla as a gesture of gratitude and a symbolic acknowledgement of her kindness. By assuming the identity she and her father had mistakenly given him, he was essentially thanking her for treating him with respect and dignity, something he had rarely experienced.
He wanted to honor the “captain” persona she had created for him, showing that her belief in his potential for goodness had touched him deeply. It was also a way for him to express his remorse for his past actions and to show that he was capable of change. In essence, it was a symbolic act of redemption and a heartfelt thank you for the transformative power of her compassion.
Understanding the text
1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?
Ans:
The peddler initially interprets the acts of kindness and hospitality shown to him with a mixture of suspicion and opportunism, filtered through his cynical “rattrap” worldview. The crofter’s open generosity, revealing his earnings and offering warm shelter, is seen as a naive, tempting “bait,” which the peddler quickly exploits. Similarly, the ironmaster’s initial welcome is viewed as a potentially dangerous trap, a luxurious snare he fears will expose his true identity. However, Edla’s genuine empathy and persistent kindness gradually challenge his hardened perspective. Her unwavering belief in his potential for goodness, even after learning his true nature, begins to chip away at his cynicism. Ultimately, he interprets her kindness as a transformative force, a genuine act of human connection that awakens a sense of remorse and redemption within him. He sees her kindness as a chance to escape his metaphorical rattrap, and he responds by acting with unexpected honesty and gratitude.
2. 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?
Ans:
The ironmaster and Edla Willmansson exhibit distinct differences in their character throughout “The Rattrap.” The ironmaster acts impulsively based on first impressions, mistaking the peddler and then becoming angry upon realizing his error. He values social standing and is quick to judge, threatening to involve the authorities. Edla, on the other hand, is thoughtful and empathetic, seeing beyond appearances to the peddler’s distress. She is gentle and persuasive, prioritizing kindness and believing in the possibility of redemption, even after learning the truth. Her compassion stands in stark contrast to her father’s reactive and status-conscious behavior.
Instances highlighting this include: the ironmaster’s immediate welcome based on a mistaken identity versus Edla’s cautious yet kind invitation; the ironmaster’s abrupt shift to anger and threats upon discovering the truth versus Edla’s continued hospitality and understanding; and finally, the ironmaster’s concern for his reputation versus Edla’s genuine joy at the peddler’s transformation.
3. The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises.
Ans:
Several instances in “The Rattrap” showcase unexpected reactions. The peddler is surprised by the crofter’s immediate and trusting hospitality, a stark contrast to his usual cold receptions. He is further taken aback by the ironmaster’s mistaken identity and warm invitation, which he initially fears. The ironmaster’s sudden shift to anger and desire to hand the peddler over to the sheriff, after realizing his mistake, is also unexpected, especially after his initial enthusiasm. However, the most significant surprise is Edla’s unwavering kindness and continued hospitality towards the peddler even after learning his true, impoverished, and potentially criminal nature. This act of selfless generosity is entirely unexpected, both for the reader and for the hardened peddler himself, ultimately leading to his transformation and another unexpected reaction: his leaving the stolen money and a note of gratitude.
4. What made the peddler finally change his ways?
Ans:
The peddler finally changed his ways due to the profound and unexpected kindness and empathy shown to him by Edla Willmansson. While the crofter’s hospitality was generous but ultimately betrayed by the peddler’s greed, and the ironmaster’s welcome was based on a mistaken identity followed by harsh rejection, Edla’s actions were different.
Edla’s genuine belief in his potential for good, even after learning his true identity and his past as a thief, deeply touched him. She treated him with respect and dignity, offering him not just shelter and food, but also a sense of belonging and the possibility of redemption. Her unwavering kindness during the Christmas season, her gentle persuasion, and her expressed disappointment at the thought of him being chased away, all contributed to a shift in his hardened heart.
For the first time, someone had seen beyond his ragged appearance and treated him like a human being worthy of respect. This unexpected goodness created a sense of shame for his past actions and awakened a dormant sense of conscience within him. Edla’s compassion provided him with the motivation and the opportunity to escape the metaphorical “rattrap” he had been living in, leading him to return the stolen money and leave a note of gratitude, signing himself as “Captain von Ståhle” as a testament to the person she had believed he could be.
5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
Ans:
The metaphor of the rattrap effectively highlights the human predicament by illustrating how easily individuals can be lured into life’s traps by various “baits” such as wealth, possessions, and fleeting pleasures. Just as a rat is tempted by cheese only to be caught, humans are often drawn by desires that ultimately lead to hardship, moral compromise, and a feeling of being ensnared by their circumstances. The story shows how the peddler, caught in his own cycle of poverty and petty crime, sees the world this way. However, it also suggests that just as a rattrap can be avoided or even escaped through unexpected kindness, the human predicament is not entirely hopeless. Genuine compassion and empathy can offer a way out, breaking the cycle of greed and self-interest, and revealing the inherent goodness that can free individuals from their self-imposed traps.
6. The peddler comes out as a person with a subtle sense of humour. How does this serve in lightening the seriousness of the theme of the story and also endear him to us?
Ans:
The peddler’s subtle sense of humor acts as a crucial element in “The Rattrap,” serving to both lighten the inherent seriousness of its themes and make him a more relatable and endearing character. His initial conceptualization of the world as a giant rattrap, while cynical, possesses a dark, almost whimsical quality. This isn’t a bitter rant, but rather a detached observation delivered with a certain wryness. This underlying humor prevents the story from becoming overly bleak or preachy about poverty and societal injustice.
Furthermore, his internal musings and occasional understated remarks reveal a sharp, if somewhat jaded, wit. When the ironmaster mistakes him for Captain von Ståhle, the peddler’s internal struggle between the temptation of comfort and the fear of exposure is tinged with a humorous irony. He plays along cautiously, and the reader can sense his amusement at the absurdity of the situation. This subtle humor makes him more human and less of a stereotypical down-and-out. It suggests an intelligence and a capacity for observation that transcends his impoverished circumstances. Even his eventual act of leaving the thirty kronor and the letter, signing off as “Captain von Ståhle,” has a touch of playful irony, a final, quiet joke that underscores his transformation while acknowledging the initial misunderstanding. This blend of cynicism and understated humor makes him a more complex and ultimately sympathetic character, drawing us in despite his initial transgression.
Talking about the text
Discuss the following in groups of four. Each group can deal with one topic. Present the views of your group to the whole class.
1. The reader’s sympathy is with the peddler right from the beginning of the story. Why is this so? Is the sympathy justified?
Ans:
The reader’s sympathy for the peddler begins early in the story due to several factors that paint a picture of a marginalized and struggling individual. Firstly, his impoverished condition is immediately apparent. He is described as wearing rags, having a hungry look, and resorting to selling rattraps, a meager and often unsuccessful trade, and even petty thievery to survive. This evokes an immediate sense of pity for his hardship.
Secondly, his loneliness is palpable. He is portrayed as a solitary wanderer, unwelcome in most places, carrying the burden of his existence on his own. This isolation makes him appear vulnerable and underscores his lack of social support. The world, as he perceives it – a giant rattrap – further emphasizes his feelings of being trapped and victimized by a harsh reality. This cynical worldview, born out of his own experiences, resonates with a sense of injustice that many readers can identify with.
Thirdly, the initial acts of kindness he receives, particularly from the crofter, highlight his desperation and the rarity of such treatment in his life. When he betrays the crofter’s trust, the reader might feel a pang of disappointment, but this is often tempered by an understanding of his desperate circumstances and the ingrained survival instincts of someone living in poverty.
The sympathy is arguably justified. While the peddler engages in theft, his actions are presented within the context of his extreme poverty and societal neglect. The story doesn’t excuse his crime, but it offers a compelling explanation for it. His subsequent transformation, triggered by Edla’s unexpected kindness, further validates this initial sympathy. It suggests that beneath the hardened exterior shaped by hardship, there is a capacity for goodness. The reader’s early sympathy stems from recognizing the peddler’s fundamental humanity and the difficult circumstances that have shaped his life, making his eventual redemption all the more meaningful.
2. The story also focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
Ans:
The theme of human loneliness and the fundamental need for connection is a significant undercurrent in “The Rattrap.” The peddler’s solitary existence is starkly depicted from the outset. He wanders alone, his rattraps his only companions, and his interactions with others are typically brief and often unwelcoming. This isolation breeds a cynicism, reflected in his rattrap theory of the world.
The crofter’s overwhelming joy at having someone to talk to, even a stranger, highlights the deep human longing for companionship, especially in old age and solitude. He readily shares his stories and his meager wealth, simply for the sake of having someone listen.
Even the ironmaster, despite his higher social standing, reveals a desire for connection when he mistakes the peddler for an old comrade. His eagerness to bring the “captain” home for Christmas underscores a potential loneliness in his life as well.
However, it is Edla’s unwavering kindness and her genuine desire to offer the peddler warmth and belonging that most powerfully emphasizes this theme. She sees beyond his appearance and recognizes his need for human connection. Her insistence on him staying for Christmas and treating him with respect, despite knowing his true identity, ultimately breaks through the peddler’s isolation and triggers his transformation. The story suggests that this fundamental human need to bond with others has the power to overcome cynicism and inspire even the most hardened hearts towards redemption.
3. Have you known/heard of an episode where a good deed or an act of kindness has changed a person’s view of the world?
Ans:
Yes, I have encountered numerous accounts, both real and fictional, where a single act of kindness has profoundly shifted a person’s worldview. One particularly compelling story I processed involved a woman who had grown deeply cynical and distrustful after experiencing repeated betrayals. She had come to believe that everyone was motivated by self-interest. However, one day, she unexpectedly collapsed in a public place. Instead of being ignored or taken advantage of, as she had come to expect, a stranger rushed to her aid, called for help, and stayed with her until paramedics arrived, offering genuine concern and support without asking for anything in return. This selfless act shattered her deeply ingrained cynicism. She realized that despite the hardships she had faced, genuine goodness and compassion still existed in the world. This single episode transformed her outlook, making her more open to trusting others and inspiring her to perform her own acts of kindness in return. It demonstrated the powerful ripple effect that a simple good deed can have, not only on the recipient but also on their perception of humanity as a whole.
4. The story is both entertaining and philosophical.
Ans:
“The Rattrap” skillfully interweaves an engaging narrative with significant philosophical ideas. On the surface, the tale of a poor peddler, a case of mistaken identity, and an unexpected act of redemption offers a captivating and suspenseful plot with surprising developments. The characters, from the cynical peddler to the kind-hearted Edla, are vividly portrayed, and their interactions maintain the reader’s interest in the unfolding events, making the story both enjoyable and easy to follow.
Yet, beneath this appealing exterior lie deep philosophical contemplations on human nature, ethics, and the potential for change. The core metaphor of the world as a rattrap encourages readers to ponder the allurements and pitfalls that society sets for people, especially those who are vulnerable. The story delves into themes of isolation, the fundamental human desire for connection, and the transformative impact of empathy and compassion. Edla’s selfless deeds question traditional ideas of fairness and emphasize the capacity for inherent goodness to emerge even in those who appear to be lost. In the end, “The Rattrap” not only entertains through its storyline but also stimulates thought about essential human values and the possibility of positive transformation, making it a story that stays with the reader long after completion.
Working with words
1. The man selling rattraps is referred to by many terms such as “peddler, stranger” etc. Pick out all such references to him. What does each of these labels indicate of the context or the attitude of the people around him.
Ans:
The man selling rattraps is referred to by various terms throughout the story, each revealing aspects of his social standing and the attitudes of those around him.
- Peddler: This is his primary identifier, emphasizing his occupation and his rootless, wandering existence. It suggests someone of low social status, making a meager living by selling small, inexpensive items. It often carries a connotation of someone on the fringes of society.
- Tramp/Vagabond: These terms, used by the narrator and potentially in the thoughts of other characters, highlight his lack of a permanent home and his poverty. They suggest someone who is considered an outsider, perhaps even a nuisance or a burden on society.
- Stranger: This label is used when he encounters new people, like the crofter and the ironmaster initially. It emphasizes his unfamiliarity and the lack of any established relationship. It can imply a degree of caution or distance in the initial interactions.
- Poor fellow/Wretch: These terms, particularly used by Edla, reveal a sense of pity and compassion for his plight. They indicate an understanding of his hardship and a more empathetic attitude towards his situation.
- Our old comrade, Captain von Stahle: This is the label mistakenly assigned by the ironmaster. It reflects the ironmaster’s wishful thinking and his desire to connect with someone from his past, temporarily elevating the peddler’s perceived status and eliciting a warmer reception based on a false premise.
- Thief/Rascal: These are the terms used by the ironmaster when his mistake is discovered and the peddler’s theft from the crofter is revealed. They reflect anger, disappointment, and a harsh judgment of his actions, stripping away the temporary respect he had been given.
- Guest: Edla’s insistence on treating him as a guest, even after knowing his true identity, signifies her exceptional kindness and her desire to offer him dignity and belonging, challenging the negative labels others might apply.
- Captain: This is the name he adopts in his farewell letter, a symbolic acknowledgment of Edla’s belief in his potential for good and a reflection of the transformative impact of her kindness. It represents a newfound sense of self-worth, bestowed upon him by her generous spirit.
2. You came across the words, plod, trudge, stagger in the story. These words indicate movement accompanied by weariness. Find five other such words with a similar meaning.
Ans:
Yes, “plod,” “trudge,” and “stagger” all describe heavy, tired movement. Five other similar words are:
- Lumber: Slow, heavy, awkward movement, often due to size or exhaustion.
- Shuffle: Walking with dragging feet, suggesting tiredness or reluctance.
- Slog: Moving with great effort through difficulty or exhaustion.
- Drag: Moving slowly and with effort, as if weighed down by fatigue.
- Wade: Metaphorically, moving slowly and laboriously through obstacles, including weariness.
Noticing form
1. He made them himself at odd moments.
2. He raised himself.
3. He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught.
4. … a day may come when you yourself may want to get a big piece of pork.
Notice the way in which these reflexive pronouns have been used (pronoun+self)
• In 1 and 4 the reflexive pronouns “himself” and “yourself” are used to convey emphasis.
• In 2 and 3 the reflexive pronoun is used in place of personal pronoun to signal that it refers to the same subject in the sentence.
• Pick out other examples of the use of reflexive pronouns from the story and notice how they are used.
Ans:
Here are other examples of reflexive pronouns from “The Rattrap” and how they are used:
- “He had never expected that she would show herself so nice…” – “herself” is used for emphasis, highlighting the unexpected nature of Edla’s kindness.
- “…he must not make himself conspicuous.” – “himself” is used in place of a personal pronoun, referring back to the subject “he.”
- “He had, by his own account, gone from door to door…” – “himself” is used for emphasis, stressing that it was his own story.
- “He was only a poor peddler and he had persuaded himself that if only he could get out of the place…” – “himself” is used in place of a personal pronoun, referring back to the subject “he.”
- “…he had never troubled himself much about her.” – “himself” is used in place of a personal pronoun, referring back to the subject “he.”
These examples mirror the uses you noted: sometimes for emphasis to highlight a particular action or quality related to the subject, and other times as a reflexive pronoun where the action of the verb reflects back onto the subject of the sentence.
Thinking about language
1. Notice the words in bold in the following sentence.
“The fire boy shovelled charcoal into the maw of the furnace with a great deal of clatter”. This is a phrase that is used in the specific context of an iron plant. Pick out other such phrases and words from the story that are peculiar to the terminology of ironworks.
Ans:
Several words and phrases in “The Rattrap” are specific to the terminology of ironworks, immersing the reader in that particular industrial setting:
- Ironworks/Works: These terms themselves refer to the industrial establishment where iron is produced.
- Forge: This is the specific area within the ironworks where metal is heated and shaped.
- Hammer strokes: This evokes the sound and action of shaping hot iron using heavy hammers.
- Anvil: This is the heavy iron block on which metal is hammered and shaped.
- Charcoal: This was a common fuel used in older iron furnaces.
- Pig iron: This is the raw iron produced from a blast furnace, often in the shape of oblong blocks called “pigs.” While not explicitly used, the context of an ironworks implies its presence in the production process.
- Bellows: These were used to force air into the furnace to increase the heat.
- Maw of the furnace: As highlighted, this metaphor uses a visceral image to describe the opening of the furnace where fuel is fed.
These terms collectively create an authentic atmosphere of the ironworks, grounding the story in a specific industrial locale and contributing to the reader’s understanding of the environment in which part of the narrative unfolds.
2. Mjolis is a card game of Sweden. Name a few indoor games played in your region. ‘Chopar’ could be an example.
Ans:
As I am currently located in Pune, Maharashtra, India, some popular indoor games played in this region include:
- Carrom: A tabletop strike-and-pocket game very popular in households and clubs.
- Ludo: A classic board game based on the ancient Indian game of Pachisi, enjoyed by people of all ages.
- Chess: A strategy board game that has a dedicated following.
- Scrabble: A word game that is both entertaining and educational.
- Card games: Various card games like Rummy, Teen Patti, and Bridge are commonly played.
‘Chopar’, also known as Chaupar or Chausar, is indeed a traditional Indian board game similar to Pachisi and Ludo, and it would have been played in this region as well.
3. A crofter is a person who rents or owns a small farm especially in Scotland. Think of other uncommon terms for ‘a small farmer’ including those in your language.
Ans:
Here are a few uncommon terms for a small farmer, including one in Marathi, spoken in Pune, Maharashtra, India:
- Yeoman: Historically in England, a yeoman was a freeholder who cultivated his own land, often a small farm.
- Husbandman: This is an older English term for a farmer who cultivates the land, often on a small scale.
- Smallholder: This term is used in various English-speaking countries to describe someone who farms a small amount of land, often part-time or as a supplement to other income.
- Ryot (in British India): Historically, this term referred to a peasant or cultivator, often a tenant farmer on a small plot of land.
- अल्पभूधारक (Alpabhudharak) (Marathi): This literally translates to “small landholder” and is a common term in Marathi for a small farmer.
