The story, ‘The Rattrap’ is both entertaining and philosophical. Do you agree with this statement? Why/Why not?

 

The story, ‘The Rattrap’ is both entertaining and philosophical. Do you agree with this statement? Why/Why not?

 

Answer – 

‘The Rattrap,’ the story, is both entertaining and philosophical. The fast-paced narrative in the third person, the author’s generous use of dialogue, and the various characters from various mindsets and locales make the story interesting and entertaining. Furthermore, the author has managed to keep the reader guessing until the very end.

The events in the forge, particularly the arrival of the ironmaster at midnight, keep our attention. The peddler’s repeated refusals to accompany him, but his acceptance of Edla’s invitation in one go, the ironmaster’s realization of his error, and Edla’s sympathy and generosity all contribute to the story’s suspense. While the events described above make the story interesting, there is also an element of philosophy in it.

The peddler’s theory of the world being a rattrap is correct somewhere. One feels trapped in the trappings of the world, like a rat. Some people fall into this trap and never get out. The story teaches us that as humans, we are not immune to temptation.

 

Check out more Questions and Answers from The Rattrap

 

Give examples from the story, “The Rattrap” to show how the iron master is different from his daughter. 

Explain the metaphor of the rattrap in context of the story by Selma Lagerlöf. 

Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?

The story has many instances of unexpected reactions from the characters to others’ behaviour. Pick out instances of these surprises?

Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap’ shows that basic human goodness can be brought out by understanding and love.

How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the ironmaster and his daughter?