The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlöf is the fourth chapter in the Class 12 English Flamingo textbook. This short story revolves around a poor man who sells rattraps for a living and ends up learning a life-changing lesson about kindness, trust, and redemption. The author uses the idea of the world being like a rattrap to explain how temptations can trap people, but compassion and a second chance can change someone’s life completely. It’s a story that beautifully blends suspense, humanity, and a strong moral message.
I wanted to cover this chapter because it’s not just important from an exam point of view, but also because it has a deeper meaning that many students can relate to. In today’s fast world, we often judge people without knowing their stories. But this chapter reminds us that even someone who has done wrong can change if given a chance. While preparing for my boards, I found this story quite emotional and different from others—it sticks with you. That’s why I thought writing about The Rattrap could help other students understand it better and connect with the message behind the story.
Summary of The Rattrap
This story is set in Sweden and follows a peddler who makes and sells rattraps. He’s poor, homeless, and survives mostly by begging or stealing. The story explores what happens when this man is unexpectedly shown kindness by a few strangers and how that kindness transforms him.
Main Points:
- The World as a Rattrap:
The peddler believed that the world was like a rattrap. Just like rats get tempted by cheese and get trapped, humans get tempted by money, fame, and luxuries and get caught in the trap of life. - The Ironmaster and the Daughter:
One night, the peddler takes shelter at a cottage of a kind old man who shares his food and even shows him his savings. The next day, the peddler steals the money and runs. Later, he is mistaken for an old friend by an Ironmaster and taken to his home. When they find out the truth, the daughter, Edla, still lets him stay and treats him kindly. - The Change:
Touched by Edla’s kindness, the peddler feels ashamed and decides to change. He leaves a letter for Edla along with the stolen money, asking her to return it to the rightful owner. - The Message:
The story ends with a strong message—no one is born bad. People do wrong sometimes out of helplessness, but with compassion, they can be guided back to the right path.
Download PDF – NCERT Class 12 Flamingo Chapter 4
You can download the full chapter The Rattrap from this website. It’s free and useful for reading on your phone or taking a printout before exams.
