Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main theme that runs through Selma Lagerlof's stories?
What is the main theme that runs through Selma Lagerlof's stories?
- Betrayal and revenge
- Trickery and deceit
- Riches and power
- The awakening of essential goodness through understanding and love (correct)
In 'The Rattrap', what does the main character come to believe about the world?
In 'The Rattrap', what does the main character come to believe about the world?
- The world is a big rattrap offering riches as bait (correct)
- The world is a dangerous place with no kindness
- The world is a happy place where everyone helps each other
- The world is full of riches waiting to be stolen
What happens when people in 'The Rattrap' touch the bait offered by the rattrap?
What happens when people in 'The Rattrap' touch the bait offered by the rattrap?
- They get trapped and lose everything (correct)
- They learn the true meaning of life
- They find true happiness
- They become wealthy beyond measure
Where does the rattrap peddler seek shelter in 'The Rattrap'?
Where does the rattrap peddler seek shelter in 'The Rattrap'?
What does the old man provide the rattrap peddler with during his stay at the cottage?
What does the old man provide the rattrap peddler with during his stay at the cottage?
'The Rattrap' suggests that essential goodness in human beings can be awakened through:
'The Rattrap' suggests that essential goodness in human beings can be awakened through:
How did the iron master react when he realized the stranger was not a captain?
How did the iron master react when he realized the stranger was not a captain?
What did the owner of Ramsjo ironworks mistake the peddler for?
What did the owner of Ramsjo ironworks mistake the peddler for?
Why did Edla Willmansson persuade the peddler to stay with them for Christmas Eve?
Why did Edla Willmansson persuade the peddler to stay with them for Christmas Eve?
What gift did the peddler leave for Edla Willmansson as a Christmas present?
What gift did the peddler leave for Edla Willmansson as a Christmas present?
What is the main theme of the story 'The Rattrap'?
What is the main theme of the story 'The Rattrap'?
How does Edla's behavior towards the peddler impact his character in 'The Rattrap'?
How does Edla's behavior towards the peddler impact his character in 'The Rattrap'?
Study Notes
Selma Lagerlof's Stories
- The main theme that runs through Selma Lagerlof's stories is not specified in the text.
The Rattrap
- The main character comes to believe that the world is a rattrap, full of traps and deceit.
- When people touch the bait offered by the rattrap, they get caught in its trap.
- The rattrap peddler seeks shelter at the ironmaster's cottage.
- The old man provides the rattrap peddler with shelter and food during his stay at the cottage.
Human Goodness
- The story 'The Rattrap' suggests that essential goodness in human beings can be awakened through kindness and compassion.
Characters and Their Actions
- When the iron master realized the stranger was not a captain, he reacted with embarrassment and shame.
- The owner of Ramsjo ironworks mistook the peddler for a captain.
- Edla Willmansson persuaded the peddler to stay with them for Christmas Eve because she felt sorry for him.
- The peddler left a Christmas present for Edla Willmansson, a small handwritten note.
Themes
- The main theme of the story 'The Rattrap' is the transformation of the peddler through kindness and compassion.
- Edla's behavior towards the peddler has a profound impact on his character, awakening his essential goodness and causing a change in his perspective and behavior.
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Description
Explore the themes, characters, and settings in Selma Lagerlof's short stories, characterized by a belief in the innate goodness of humanity and a touch of fairy tale-like storytelling. This particular story is set in the Swedish mines and involves characters like a tramp with rattraps, a crofter, and Master Smith.