The Rattrap
Selma Lagerlöf’s short story The Rattrap is a touching tale of human loneliness, temptation, kindness, and redemption. Using the metaphor of a rattrap, the author conveys that the world is full of temptations that can trap human beings, but compassion and love can bring about transformation.
The story begins with a poor peddler who wandered about selling rattraps of wire. His earnings were meagre, and often he had to beg or steal for survival. While thinking about his rattraps, he conceived the idea that the whole world is nothing but a rattrap. Just as rats are lured by food into traps, people are lured by riches, shelter, and comfort, only to be caught in the web of greed. This thought amused him, as life had never been kind to him.
One evening, seeking shelter, the peddler knocked at the door of an old crofter who lived alone. The crofter welcomed him warmly, shared food, conversation, and even showed him thirty kronor that he had earned from his cow’s milk. The next morning, when the crofter left for work, the peddler stole the money and ran away. Soon he lost his way in the forest. Realising he was trapped by his own greed, he thought of his philosophy that the world is truly a rattrap.
At last, he reached the ironworks where he was mistaken by the ironmaster for his old friend, Captain von Stahle. The ironmaster invited him home for Christmas. Fearing discovery, the peddler refused, but later his daughter Edla Willmansson persuaded him with her gentle and compassionate words. Unlike others, she treated him with dignity and trust.
The next day, the ironmaster realised his mistake and wanted to throw him out. But Edla insisted on keeping him as a guest for Christmas, respecting his need for kindness. She gave him food, clothes, and a place to rest. Her empathy touched the peddler’s heart.
The following morning, the family found a small packet left by the peddler. Inside was the stolen thirty kronor, a rattrap, and a letter. The letter stated that Edla’s goodness had transformed him from a petty thief into a man worthy of trust. He signed it “Captain von Stahle,” the name mistakenly given to him earlier, symbolising his inner rebirth and dignity.
Through this story, Lagerlöf highlights the theme of human redemption. The crofter’s generosity was betrayed, the ironmaster’s kindness was based on mistaken identity, but Edla’s unconditional compassion succeeded in awakening the peddler’s conscience. The metaphor of the rattrap powerfully illustrates that life’s temptations can trap anyone, but it is kindness and respect that can release a person from the trap.
In conclusion, The Rattrap is both entertaining and philosophical. It shows how even a thief can be reformed by love and empathy. It reminds us of the essential goodness in every human heart and the transformative power of compassion.
Word Count: ~502