The chapter “The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf is an important story in the CBSE Class 12th NCERT English Flamingo book. It beautifully conveys themes of human compassion, redemption, and the power of kindness.
The story revolves around a poor peddler who sells rattraps and views the world itself as a giant rattrap that traps people with material possessions and greed. One day, after stealing money, he finds shelter in the house of a kind ironmaster and his daughter, Edla. While he fears being caught, Edla’s generosity and warmth transform him, making him realize that kindness can change even the hardest of hearts.
For CBSE Class 12 students, The Rattrap is crucial from an exam perspective. It often appears in long answers, character sketches, and value-based questions. Students should focus on the summary, moral, theme, and character analysis of the peddler and Edla.
The story highlights the message that goodness in human beings can bring about true transformation. It teaches the value of empathy and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to change.
