The Rattrap

Chapter Summary

The story “The Rattrap” revolves around a peddler of rat traps who is on the brink of death himself. His overall outfit is mere rags and a generic look of shabbiness. He does not have a family therefore, he leads a nomadic life selling traps and finding shelter. On a cold night, he asked for shelter from an old man who gladly gave him one. He fed the peddler with a bowl of warm food and played cards with him. Later the peddler stole the money this old man had with him, hence he ran away. Some days later he acted as a fraud to befriend an ironmaster who thought the peddler to be his old friend. Hence, he gave him a place to stay in his home but his cover was blown before Christmas. Edla, the daughter of the ironmaster, asked her father to let him stay. Later they learned he was a thief who stole from an old man. When they rushed to their home, the peddler was already gone leaving the old man’s money and a note thanking Edla for her kindness.

From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rattrap?

The peddler had very little things to do as he was a homeless man who had no one in the world. The thought of riches and extravagant lifestyle was the source of the peddler thinking of this world as a rattrap. He came to the conclusion that baits in the world lie in anything that entices someone to get more. This materialistic pleasure is the cause of sudden demise for anyone who cannot put on a check on their greed. This is the thought that crossed the mind of the peddler.

Why was he amused by this idea?

The world for this homeless miser was cruel and harsh since the day he was born. Due to poor luck, he never got the basic touch of love in his life. All he could think of was hate, batting of eyes, and the rude comments from the passers-by. This is why he started to hate the world for the poor treatment it gave him. Therefore, he always wanted to see the end of the world which is running behind items of materialistic pleasure. After the thought came to his end, he got the pleasure to think about how someone meets their demise.

What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?

The man had fallen into rattrap himself as he was failing to lead a life of minimalism. This is the reason why he was not able to contain his greediness he had in him. To survive this controlled onslaught on him, he tried to get his hands dirty. The homeless peddler started to steal money to ensure he was surviving somehow in this wretched world. His business of peddling rattraps was not helping him to get a comfortable life. This is the reason why instead of turning his business into a profitable venture, he started to steal. Therefore, he fell into the rattrap as it was the easy way of making a lot of money.

Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

The reason for such a kind gesture and warm welcome was a mistaken identity. The ironmaster was serving in the armed forces before opening the ironworks. This is the reason why he made friends with many soldiers in the unit. When the hungry peddler ran to the woods, he came in front of the ironmaster. This man thought him to be Captain Von Stahle, seeing the way he was currently, he was offered shelter from the harsh world. Therefore, the ironmasters used such kind words to help his old friend get a decent look, warm mean, and proper lodging.

What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought he was?

The hungry and homeless peddler of rattraps said this humble family a smart thing after his true identity was revealed. He said to the owner of this ironwork that he was not planning to accept the invitation. In fact, he emphasized, how he was denying the invitation several times. Over this repeated denial, he never mentioned being Captain Von Stahle from the regiment. This is the way he put forth the defence after the ironmaster was able to find out the true identity of this homeless man. It was a smart way to handle the situation without getting arrested by the local law enforcement officers.

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

Edla Willmansson was a young woman who was the daughter of the ironmaster. She had a heart of compassion despite the amount of cruelty surrounding her in the world. This is the reason why she was there to entertain this hungry peddler even after he was caught for an act of fraudulence. She was there to insist her father let this homeless man stay with them until the day of Christmas was over. All she wanted to do was to give this man a taste of the comfortable life he never got in his whole life.

Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?

The love and warmth radiating from the kindness of Edla’s hospitality was enough to change the crooked nature of the peddler. He was there, feeling very sorry for the old man whose possession of life was stolen a few days back. This is the reason why he wanted to amend the wrongs he had done to the woman. He left a note and a rattrap along with the money he had stolen from the old man.

Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?

The hungry peddler regarded himself to be Captain von Stahle as he saw Edla Wilmansson addressing him with that name. This is the reason why he was the soldier and old friend of her father.

FAQs

Q1. Who was the old man who gave shelter to this hungry peddler?

Ans. The old man was an employee working for Ramsjo Ironworks as the master blacksmith. Due to his old age, he was not able to work anymore. Therefore, he had a cow that became his source of income.

Q2. Why did the old man allow a stranger into his home?

Ans. The man was poor and had little left in the world. This is why he was lonely all the time. Hence he invited the peddler of rattraps into his home.

Q3. What is the event mentioned in the story The Rattrap?

Ans. The festival mentioned in the story The Rattrap was Christmas.