KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA ONGC
PANVEL
SESSION 2025-26
ENGLISH PROJECT
NAME:- VEDANT MUNISH KUMAR
CLASS:- XII-D
ROLL NO.:-
SUBMITTED TO:- MRS. ANJU BK
INTERNAL PRINCIPAL
EXTERNAL
A STUDY OF
TEMPTATIONS AS BAIT
WITH REFERENCE TO THE
RATTRAP
BY SELMA LAGERLÖF
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Vedant
Munish Kumar of Class XII – D has
completed the English project
titled “Temptations as Bait with
Reference to the Rattrap By
Selma Lagerlöf” in partial
fulfilment of curriculum of Central
Board of Secondary Education
(CBSE). This project is under the
guidance of Mrs. Anju Binu Kumar
for the academic year 2025-26.
INTERNAL PRINCIPAL
EXTERNAL
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I Vedant Munish Kumar of class XII-D,
would like to express my gratitude
towards my school principal Mr. Vijay
Kumar Garg and my English teacher
Mrs. Anju Binu Kumar who gave me
this golden opportunity to explore
my skills and imagination towards
the project entitled as “
Temptations as Bait with
Reference to the Rattrap by Selma
Lagerlöf ” ,without her motivation
and help the successful completion
of this project would not have been
possible. And my almighty of course
my parents.
Index
[Link] Title Page.N
. o.
1 Objectives 6
2 Introduction 8
3 Personal Take On 12
Chapter
4 A peek into Authors 15
Life & Mind
5 Method Of Study 17
6 Results 18
7 Analysis of the survey 22
8 Conclusion 23
9 Bibliography 24
OBJECTIVES
1. To analyse the symbolic significance of the
rattrap metaphor:
In The Rattrap, the rattrap serves as a powerful metaphor for the
world , symbolizing how life’s temptations—like wealth, food,
and shelter—act as bait to trap people in greed and selfishness.
The peddler’s journey reflects how one can get caught in this
trap but also how compassion and kindness, as shown by Edla,
led to moral awakening and escape from this figurative prison.
2. To explore the theme of material temptation
versus moral awakening:
In The Rattrap, the contrast between material temptation and
moral awakening is central. The peddler is initially driven by
greed and survival, tempted by worldly comforts and wealth.
However, through Edla’s kindness and trust, he experiences a
deep moral transformation. The story highlights that genuine
compassion can lead one away from selfish desires and toward
redemption and self-respect.
3. To identify the various forms of temptation
shown in the story:
In The Rattrap, various forms of temptation lure the peddler,
symbolizing life’s traps. These include the lure of money, seen
when he steals the crofter’s thirty kronor, and the appeal of food,
warmth, and shelter offered by the ironmaster’s home. According
to the peddler each comfort represents bait in the metaphorical
rattrap, tempting him away from morality until he is touched by
genuine kindness and begins to change.
4. To connect the literary theme to real-life
situations:
The Rattrap reflects how, in real life, people often fall into traps
set by greed, ambition, or the desire for comfort. Just like the
peddler, individuals may lose their moral path chasing material
gains. However, the story also shows that kindness and empathy
can inspire change, reminding us that even those who
go astray can find redemption through compassion and second
chances.
INTRODUCTION
1. The Rattrap Peddler and his Thoughts About
the World:
Once upon a time, there was a vagabond who went around
selling small rattraps. He made them from the material he got by
begging. The business was not profitable, so he had to beg and
even steal to survive. His clothes were in rags, his cheeks were
sunken and hunger gleamed in his eyes.
While he was engrossed in his thoughts about rattraps one day,
a very amusing thought came to his mind that the world was a
big rattrap. It offered comforts and joys just like the rattrap
offered cheese and pork. As soon as a rat was tempted to touch
the bait, it trapped him.
2. The Crofter Treats the Peddler Nicely
but the Peddler Cheats him:
One dark evening, as the peddler was trudging along the
road, he went to a small grey cottage seeking shelter for
the night. The owner, who had once been a crofter, not
only invited him in but was happy to get someone to talk
to. The crofter, who had no wife or children, was very
talkative and shared much about himself with the peddler.
He informed the peddler that during his days of
prosperity, he worked at the Ramsjö Ironworks. Now, his
cow supported him. He even shared the fact that he had
earned thirty kronor by selling the cow's milk. The guest
seemed incredulous, so the crofter showed him the money
also revealing where it was kept. Next day, both men left
the cottage at the same time. But, half an hour later the
peddler returned. He went up to the window, smashed a
pane and took out the thirty kronor from the pouch in
which they were kept.
3. The
Vagabond is Pleased with his Smartness: Gets
Lost in the Woods:
The vagabond was quite pleased with his smartness. He avoided
the public highway and turned into the wood, she felt he would
be safer and no one would be able to catch him. It was a big and
confusing forest. He tried walk in a definite direction, but the
paths twisted back and forth so strangely that he was confused.
He walked on and on and soon realised that he had been walking
around in the same part of the forest. All at once, he recalled his
thoughts about the world being a rattrap. Now. his own turn had
come. He had let himself be fooled by the bait and had been
caught in a rattrap. The entire forest with its trees, trunks and
branches, seemed to him like a prison that offered no escape.
4. The Peddler Meets the Ironmaster: Declines
his Invitation:
Finally, the peddler saw no way out. He was so overwhelmed with
exhaustion that he sank down to the ground, tired to death
thinking that his last moment had come. Just then, he heard the
sound of the regular thumping of a hammer. He realised that the
sound was coming from an iron mill. He summoned all his
strength and walked in the direction of the sound.
He reached the Ramsjö Ironworks, which was then a large plant
with smelter, rolling mill and forge. He entered the ironworks
amidst the different sounds coming from the work going on in full
swing. It was quite usual for persons like him to be attracted by
the warmth and shelter of the forge, so he was ignored by the
blacksmiths. The master blacksmith granted him permission to
stay.
Soon, the ironmaster came into the forge for his inspection and
noticed the peddler. He mistook him in the dim light for an old
regimental comrade and addressed him as Nils Olof. The peddler
didn't try to clear his doubt as he thought the ironmaster might
give him some money. The ironmaster invited him home. The
peddler thought that going to the manor house would be like
'throwing himself voluntarily into the lion's den'. So, he
declined the invitation.
5. Ironmaster Sends his Daughter Edla to
Persuade the Peddler:
The ironmaster assumed that the peddler felt
embarrassed because of his miserable clothing. He tried
to comfort the peddler by informing him that there was
nothing to be ashamed about. He further told him that his
wife Elizabeth was dead, his sons were settled abroad and
he lived with his daughter Edla. But the tramp constantly
refused to go with him. The ironmaster went away, but he
was not deterred by the peddler's persistent refusal. He
sent his daughter to persuade the peddler. When Edla
came to the ironworks, she found the man alarmed and
frightened.
She tried to comfort him. She somehow sensed that his
fear conveyed that he was either a thief on the run or an
escaped prisoner. Still, she was very friendly and kind to
the peddler. The peddler felt confidence in her and
accepted the invitation. He felt guilty and cursed himself
for stealing the crofter's money.
6. Edla Expresses her Doubts About the Peddler:
The next day was Christmas Eve. The ironmaster was happy that
he would be spending his time with an old friend. He told Edla
that they needed to feed him well and provide him with a better
business than selling rattraps. Edla said that she was doubtful
about the peddler, as he didn't display the slightest sign of being
educated. However, the ironmaster told her to have some
patience. Just then the door opened and the stranger entered the
room. He was now well groomed. He was wearing clothes which
belonged to the ironmaster.
7. The Ironmaster Gets Angry; the Peddler
Retaliates:
The ironmaster realised that the tramp was no friend of his. The
peddler made no attempt to delude them any longer. He
explained that he never said to the ironmaster that he was Nils
Olof. He had even pleaded and begged for not coming to the
manor house. He added that no harm had been done and he
could put on his rags and go away. The ironmaster said that the
peddler had not been very honest and he would take him to the
Sheriff. The peddler got agitated. He said that the world was like
a big rattrap, and some day the ironmaster would also be
tempted to touch the bait and would be doomed. Hearing this,
the ironmaster started laughing.
8. Edla Argues on Behalf of the Peddler:
The ironmaster asked the peddler to leave. But Edla wanted him
to stay back. She felt that they had promised the peddler
Christmas cheer and it would be wrong to send him away. The
peddler was surprised by this gesture. Edla further added that
the peddler must have been through a bad time as he was
always chased away. He could not even sleep unafraid. The
ironmaster gave in and the peddler was allowed to stay on for
Christmas but the only thing he did was to sleep soundly after
that. Once or twice he was woken up to have food but besides
that, he only slept. It seemed as though he had never slept as
quietly and safely. The ironmaster and Edla gifted him the suit
that he was wearing as a Christmas present. She told him that he
was welcome to spend even the next Christmas with them. The
peddler kept staring at her in boundless amazement.
9. The Peddler Becomes a Changed Man:
The next morning, the ironmaster and his daughter Edla
went to the church for the Christmas service, leaving the
peddler alone at home. At church, they learned that a
rattrap seller had recently robbed an old crofter who once
worked at their Ramsjö Ironworks. Shocked and furious,
they rushed back, assuming the peddler had escaped with
their silver and valuables. However, on reaching home,
the valet informed them that the man had already left —
but hadn’t taken anything. Instead, he had left a gift for
Edla. Inside the package was a small rattrap, three
wrinkled ten-kronor notes, and a letter. In the letter, the
peddler thanked Edla for treating him with dignity and
kindness like a true captain. This gesture inspired him to
act honourably. He asked her to return the money to the
crofter and signed the letter as "Captain von Stahle,"
showing that her compassion had transformed him.
Personal take on the Chapter
Analysing the symbolic significance of the
rattrap
metaphor.
In Selma Lagerlöf’s story The Rattrap, the central metaphor of
the rattrap is used to symbolize the world and its many
temptations. According to the peddler, the world is nothing but a
big rattrap. It offers wealth, shelter, food, and comfort as bait to
lure people in, just like a rattrap lures rats with cheese or meat.
The story explores how human
beings often fall into this
metaphorical trap while
chasing materialistic things.
The peddler himself is lured
into his philosophical Rattrap
when he sees the crofter’s
money. Despite being treated
kindly and offered food and
shelter, he gave into greed
and steals the thirty kronor.
Later, while wandering
through the woods, he finds
himself baited in his own
belief ‘The Rattrap’.
Another example is when he
arrives at the ironmaster’s
house. The ironmaster
mistakes him for an old friend,
and the peddler, tempted by the comforts of the manor, chooses
not to reveal his identity. This again shows how the inviting and
unnecessary luxuries of a better life tempts him to play along.
However, the turning point in the story comes with the character
of Edla Willmansson, who treats the peddler with respect, dignity,
and kindness, despite knowing the truth.
Edla’s compassion acts as a moral light in the peddler’s idea of
a dark and deceiving world. It allows him to view himself as
more than a thief as someone worthy of redemption. In the
end, he chooses to leave behind the stolen money and a letter
for Edla, signing it as "Captain von Stahle," a name that
reflects the identity she gave him through her trust.
The rattrap metaphor teaches a universal lesson ‘That the world
is full of temptations, and many fall prey to them, losing their
values and direction’. But, it also conveys that ‘With love,
empathy, and trust, even the most lost individuals can find their
way back and become better human beings’. Thus, the rattrap is
not only a symbol of temptation but also of the possibility of
Transformation…..
While he was engrossed in his thoughts about rattraps one day, a
very amusing thought came to his mind that the world was a big
rattrap. It offered comforts and joys just like the rattrap offered
cheese and pork. As soon as a rat was tempted to touch the bait,
it trapped him.
Exploring the Theme of Material Temptation
versus Moral Awakening:
Selma Lagerlöf’s The Rattrap presents a powerful contrast
between material
temptation and moral
awakening. The story
follows a poor rattrap
seller who initially sees
the world as a trap full of
temptations, money,
food, shelter—all acting as
bait to ensnare people.
This belief reflects his
own experiences and
choices, as he often
resorts to petty theft for
survival.
One clear example of material temptation is when the
peddler is offered shelter by the kind old crofter. The
crofter shares his food and even shows him the thirty
kronor he had earned. The sight of the money becomes a
strong temptation for the peddler, and despite the
crofter’s kindness, he gives in to greed and steals it. This
act not only reflects his moral weakness but also shows
how material desires can altera persons belief.
Later, the peddler loses his way in the forest, symbolizing
his confusion and guilt after committing the theft. He
begins to feel as if he has been truly caught in the rattrap
he once joked about. This realization is the beginning of
his moral awakening, an inner conflict that leads him
towards his transformation.
A major turning point comes when the ironmaster’s
daughter, Edla Willmansson, treats him with unexpected
respect and dignity, even after realizing he is not a real
captain. Her warmth and trust touch the peddler deeply.
For the first time, he is not judged for his poverty or
crimes but treated like a fellow human being.
This genuine act of kindness leads to the peddler’s
complete transformation. He decides to reject the
material temptation he had earlier embraced. Instead of
stealing again or running away, he leaves behind the
thirty kronor he had stolen, along with a heartfelt letter
addressed to Edla. In it, he thanks her for helping him
become a better man and signs off as “Captain von
Stahle,” the identity she gave him.
This transformation from a greedy thief to a man of
dignity highlights the central theme of the story: While
material temptations may trap individuals, compassion
and moral support can lead to their awakening and
redemption. Through this journey, The Rattrap sends a
strong message that goodness in human nature can
overcome even the strongest of worldly temptations.
A peek into The Authors
Mind and Life
Selma Lagerlöf~
Selma Lagerlöf, a Swedish author and the first woman to win
the Nobel Prize in Literature, wrote The Rattrap to explore
human redemption, kindness, and the illusion of materialism.
She was deeply influenced by Christian ethics,
humanitarianism, and the belief that everyone, no matter how
lost, deserves a second chance.
Exploring Her Mind~
Christian Humanism
Lagerlöf was strongly influenced by Christian values of
mercy, forgiveness, and redemption.
The peddler is a symbol of the “lost soul” who is
redeemed not by punishment but by love and
compassion.
Edla’s act of kindness is reminiscent of the teachings of
Christ — love the sinner, not the sin.
Critique of Materialism and Society's Rat Race
The central metaphor of the rattrap is a criticism of how
people are lured by material things and end up trapped in
a life of suffering.
Lagerlöf suggests that society’s obsession with wealth and
possessions dehumanizes people, pushing them into
crime or despair.
Redemption and Transformation
Lagerlöf believed that no one is beyond redemption. Even
a thief can change if shown love and respect.
The peddler’s transformation into a grateful man who
leaves behind a rattrap and a note shows moral
awakening.
Dignity and Empathy for All
Lagerlöf, as a feminist and humanitarian, believed in
equal dignity for the poor and downtrodden.
The way Edla treats the peddler — not as a criminal but as
a guest — demonstrates this belief.
She believed empathy is a powerful force that can change
people.
Lagerlöf wanted readers to
understand
The world traps people with temptations, but compassion can
free them.
True generosity is treating others with dignity, even when they
may not “deserve” it.
Everyone has the capacity for goodness, and a little kindness
can bring about profound transformation.
Method Of Study
This study was done by doing
survey through circulating google
forms among people with
different age groups like
(18,20,25)in which questions
were asked related to the topic
The Rattrap
Survey Link:
[Link]
AIpQLSfN5-L-
4Y_bTHx1vKg3Davvh9la6MInbz8TnT
WnHp5l4XIZ6A/viewform?
usp=header
Results:
Analysis Of The Survey
Most respondents agreed that the metaphor of the
world as a rattrap is accurate, showing they understood
the story's deeper symbolic message about materialism
and entrapment.
Characters like Edla Willmansson and the peddler were
most relatable, and a majority believed the peddler was
truly reformed. This reflects empathy with moral
transformation.
Most participants agreed that kindness can inspire
change, and they also acknowledged that society often
traps people into roles like "criminal" or "poor" —
indicating a thoughtful moral engagement.
An overwhelming number preferred moral education
through stories over lectures, and most would
recommend The Rattrap, reinforcing the story’s impact
and effectiveness in delivering ethical messages.
Conclusion
Through this survey-based study on "The Rattrap" by
Selma Lagerlöf, it is evident that the story successfully
communicates its central themes of materialism,
redemption, and compassion. Most respondents
resonated with the metaphor of the world as a rattrap,
acknowledging how society often traps individuals into
fixed roles. The emotional transformation of the
peddler, especially through Edla’s kindness, was widely
recognized as believable and inspiring. Participants also
showed a clear preference for learning morals through
stories rather than formal lectures, highlighting the
power of narrative in shaping thought. Overall, the
study reveals that the chapter not only engages
readers but also encourages meaningful reflection on
human behavior and social perception.
Bibliography
Source 1: Flamingo/The Rattrap/Selma Lagerlof
Source 2:[Link]
Source 3:[Link]
Source 4: [Link]
Source 5:[Link]
