Analyzing "The Rattrap" for Character, Plot, and Irony

1. Understanding Extract-Based Questions

Before we dive in, let's quickly clarify what these questions test. When you're given an extract, you're being asked to:

• Analyze Character: What does the passage reveal about a character's personality, motivations, or feelings?
• Identify Plot Development: How does this specific moment move the story forward? What is its significance?
• Recognize Irony: Irony is a key literary device in 'The Rattrap'. It's the contrast between what is said and what is meant, or what is expected to happen and what actually happens.

We'll practice these skills using key extracts from the story, starting with one directly from the CBSE sample paper you provided.

2. The Act of Deceit: Analyzing the Crofter Incident

The first significant event after the peddler develops his "rattrap" philosophy is his encounter with the old crofter. The crofter, lonely and trusting, welcomes him in, shares his food, and even reveals where he keeps his money. The peddler's response to this kindness is a pivotal moment in the story.

Let's analyze the extract from your provided question paper (Q.P. Code 1/1/1, Question 9A).

The next day both men got up in good season. The crofter was in a hurry to milk his cow, and the other man probably thought he should not stay in bed when the head of the house had gotten up. They left the cottage at the same time. The crofter locked the door and put the key in his pocket. The man with the rattraps said good bye and thank you, and thereupon each went his own way.

But half an hour later the rattrap peddler stood again before the door. He did not try to get in, however. He only went up to the window, smashed a pane, stuck in his hand, and got hold of the pouch with the thirty Kronor. He took the money and thrust it into his own pocket. Then he hung the leather pouch very carefully back in its place and went away.

This passage is a classic choice for exams because it is rich with character detail and irony.

Key Analysis Points from the Extract:

• Character: The peddler is shown to be opportunistic and deceitful. Despite receiving warmth and trust, he gives in to temptation, confirming his cynical worldview.
• Plot Development: This is the act that officially "springs the trap" on the peddler. By stealing the money (the "bait"), he is forced to flee into the forest, leading to the next stage of his journey where he gets lost and confronts his own philosophy.
• Irony: The most significant irony is the peddler's polite "good bye and thank you." His words of gratitude directly contradict his treacherous actions that follow just minutes later.

3. The Mistaken Identity: The Ironmaster's Invitation

After getting lost in the forest, the peddler stumbles upon the Ramsjö Ironworks. Here, he is mistaken by the owner, the ironmaster, for an old army comrade, Captain von Stahle. This case of mistaken identity leads to a crucial interaction.

Let's examine an extract that covers the ironmaster's invitation and the peddler's fearful reaction.

Key Analysis Points from this Interaction:

• Character:
  • Peddler: He is fearful and paranoid. The stolen money makes him see danger everywhere. He is trapped not just in the forest, but in his own guilt.
  • Ironmaster: He is authoritative but also deeply lonely, which is his primary motivation for insisting the "Captain" come home for Christmas. He is not very perceptive, as he misjudges both the peddler's identity and his reasons for refusing the invitation.
• Plot Development: The ironmaster's failure to persuade the peddler sets the stage for him to send his daughter, Edla Willmansson, whose different approach will become the story's turning point.

4. The Power of Compassion: Edla's Intervention

When the ironmaster fails, he sends his daughter, Edla. Unlike her father, Edla is perceptive and compassionate. She notices the peddler's fear and, despite her doubts, treats him with dignity. Her kindness is what finally breaks through the peddler's cynical shell.

Here is a common extract focusing on Edla's perspective.

Key Analysis Points from Edla's Role:

• Character: Edla is the moral compass of the story. She is kind, empathetic, and wise. She sees the peddler not as a category (a tramp, a thief) but as a human being who has had a hard life and deserves "a day of peace."
• Plot Development: Edla's gentle persuasion succeeds where her father's commanding tone failed. By convincing the peddler to come home and then insisting he stay even after his true identity is revealed, she creates the environment for his transformation.
• Contrast: Edla's character stands in sharp contrast to her father's. While he is impulsive and acts based on social status (inviting a "Captain"), Edla acts on a deeper human understanding.

Conclusion

By working through these extracts, you've analyzed the entire arc of the peddler's journey: his fall into the "rattrap" by robbing the crofter, his fear and paranoia when confronted by the ironmaster, and the beginning of his redemption through Edla's kindness.

Key Takeaways for Answering Extract-Based Questions:

• Read the extract closely: Your answer must be based on the information given in the passage.
• Understand the context: Know where the extract fits in the overall story. Is it before or after a key event?
• Pinpoint character traits: Use adjectives to describe the characters (e.g., deceitful peddler, lonely crofter, impulsive ironmaster, compassionate Edla).
• Look for irony: Always be alert for contrasts between words and actions, or expectations and reality.

Preview of the Next Lesson:
We have now analyzed plot and character in 'The Rattrap' at a micro-level. Our next lesson will shift to the Vistas textbook and begin our study of 'The Tiger King'. We will focus on how the author uses satire and irony—themes we've touched on today—to critique the absurdity and arrogance of those in power. This will prepare you for both extract-based and short-answer questions on that chapter.