The man selling rattraps was extremely poor and could not earn enough through his small trade of making and selling rattraps. His business was dull, and he struggled to survive. To meet his daily needs, he had to resort to begging for food and shelter. At times, when begging was not enough, he turned to petty thievery to save himself from starvation. His poverty and helplessness pushed him into such desperate acts, reflecting the harsh realities faced by the poor and marginalized in society.