"The Rattrap" is a short story written by Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf. It revolves around the theme of human compassion and the power of kindness to transform lives. The story follows a vagabond who resorts to trickery to survive but experiences a change of heart after a series of events.
Introduction to CBSE Solutions for Class 12 English Chapter: The Rattrap
“The Rattrap” begins with the introduction of a vagabond who travels around selling rat traps made from old newspapers. He sees the world as a rattrap, luring people with riches and then ensnaring them in misfortune. One evening, the vagabond reaches a manor house and is welcomed by the owner, believing him to be an old acquaintance. The vagabond enjoys a warm meal and a comfortable bed, feeling a sense of belonging he has long missed.
However, the next morning, the vagabond discovers that he was mistaken for someone else and is thrown out of the house. Feeling betrayed and despondent, he returns to his old ways, stealing money from a peddler. As he seeks refuge in an abandoned ironworks, he reflects on his actions and his life. He realizes that he has been trapped by his own cynical view of the world, much like the victims of his rattraps.
Soon, the vagabond encounters the ironmaster, who mistakes him for an old friend. The ironmaster invites him to stay and offers him a job, treating him with kindness and respect. Overwhelmed by this gesture, the vagabond decides to turn his life around, embracing the opportunity for redemption and a fresh start.
Assignments and Activities for CBSE Class 12 English Chapter: The Rattrap
- Character Analysis: Analyze the characters of the vagabond and the ironmaster, discussing their motivations and transformations.
- Theme Exploration: Explore the theme of human compassion in the story, citing examples to support your analysis.
- Plot Summary: Write a brief summary of the plot, highlighting the key events and turning points.
- Setting Description: Describe the setting of the story and its significance to the narrative.
- Moral Dilemma: Discuss the moral dilemma faced by the vagabond and how it influences his decisions.
- Symbolism: Identify and analyze the symbolic elements in the story, such as the rattrap and the ironworks.
- Conflict Resolution: Describe how the conflict in the story is resolved and its impact on the characters.
- Character Comparison: Compare and contrast the vagabond’s character at the beginning and end of the story.
- Narrative Perspective: Discuss the narrative perspective of the story and its effect on the reader’s understanding.
- Personal Reflection: Write a reflective piece on a time when kindness or compassion changed your perspective or behavior.
Conclusion : The Rattrap
“The Rattrap” is a heartwarming tale that reminds us of the power of kindness and compassion to change lives. Through the story of the vagabond and the ironmaster, Selma Lagerlöf shows us that everyone has the capacity for goodness, no matter their circumstances. It serves as a poignant reminder to look beyond appearances and to treat others with empathy and understanding.
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Questions and Answers for CBSE Class 12 English Chapter: The Rattrap
Q1. Who is the protagonist of “The Rattrap”?
ANS: The protagonist of “The Rattrap” is the vagabond.
Q2. What is the central theme of the story?
ANS: The central theme of the story is the transformative power of kindness and compassion.
Q3. How does the vagabond’s perception of the world change throughout the story?
ANS: The vagabond begins the story with a cynical view of the world but undergoes a transformation after experiencing kindness from the ironmaster.
Q4. Why does the ironmaster mistake the vagabond for an old friend?
ANS: The ironmaster mistakes the vagabond for an old friend due to a resemblance in appearance or demeanor.
Q5. How does the vagabond’s encounter with the ironmaster change him?
ANS: The vagabond’s encounter with the ironmaster changes him by giving him a sense of belonging and a chance for redemption.
Q6. What is the significance of the rattrap in the story?
ANS: The rattrap symbolizes the traps that people create for themselves through their actions and beliefs.
Q7. How does Selma Lagerlöf use irony in “The Rattrap”?
ANS: Selma Lagerlöf uses irony to highlight the unexpected kindness shown to the vagabond by the ironmaster.
Q8. What role does forgiveness play in the story?
ANS: Forgiveness plays a key role in the story as the vagabond seeks forgiveness for his past actions and finds redemption through the ironmaster’s kindness.
Q9. How does the setting contribute to the mood of the story?
ANS: The setting, with its bleak and desolate landscapes, reflects the vagabond’s initial despair but also serves as a backdrop for his eventual transformation.
Q10. What does “The Rattrap” teach us about human nature?
ANS: “The Rattrap” teaches us that kindness and compassion can change a person’s perspective and behavior, no matter how cynical they may have become.
