Question

What does the metaphor Rattrap in the lesson signify?

• A. Humans
• B. Thieves
• C. Attraction
• D. Human greed and distraction

Hint:

The rattrap metaphor in Selma Lagerlöf's story signifies that the world with all its temptations is a trap—human greed and desire for material pleasures lead people into trouble, just as bait leads rats into rattraps.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

This question refers to the short story "The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlöf, which is included in the Flamingo textbook for Class 12 English.

About the Story:
"The Rattrap" is a philosophical story about a poor rattrap seller who wanders through Sweden, selling rattraps he makes from materials he collects. Through his experiences and encounters, the story explores deeper themes about human nature.

The Rattrap Metaphor:

The Peddler's Philosophy:
The peddler (the rattrap seller) develops a philosophical idea that the world is a giant rattrap.
He observes that just as a rattrap offers bait (cheese or pork) to lure rats, the world offers riches, joys, shelter, food, and luxuries to tempt humans.
Those who succumb to these temptations and reach out for the bait get caught in the trap — losing their freedom, happiness, and sometimes their very integrity.

Significance of the Metaphor:
Human Greed: The primary significance is that human greed leads people into trouble. The bait represents material desires and temptations.
Distraction: The metaphor also signifies how humans are distracted from true values such as kindness, honesty, and contentment by worldly attractions.
Universal Application: The peddler believes that no one is immune to this trap — everyone is tempted by something.

Evidence from the Story:
The peddler himself falls into the trap when he steals money from the kind crofter who sheltered him.
His greed leads him into trouble — he gets lost in the forest and fears being caught.
The ironmaster's daughter, Edla, shows him kindness, which ultimately transforms him, suggesting that goodness can help people escape the trap.

Author's Message:
Through this metaphor, Selma Lagerlöf suggests that worldly temptations are indeed traps that can ensnare people.
However, the story also offers hope — through human kindness, understanding, and redemption, one can escape these traps.
The peddler's transformation at the end shows that even those caught in greed can find a way out.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

(A) Humans:
The rattrap symbolizes the world that traps humans, not humans themselves.

(B) Thieves:
While the peddler becomes a thief, the metaphor has a broader philosophical meaning beyond thievery.

(C) Attraction:
Attraction (the bait) is only one part of the metaphor; the full significance includes both greed (the bait) and distraction (the trap).

Final Answer: Human greed and distraction