Question

What is the theme of the story The Rattrap? How has this theme been developed?

Answer 1

Hint: A peddler is the protagonist of the Rattrap tale. He has a gloomy outlook on life. The peddler wasn't always like the way, and he was once a kind person. He now needs to rely on selling rat traps, begging, and even stealing to make ends meet due to tragedy.

Complete answer:
The story's central premise is that most people are prone to falling into the trap of material gain. Every human person, on the other hand, possesses inherent goodness that may be awakened through understanding and love. Humans have a natural desire to atone for their wrongdoings.

The metaphor of the rattrap is used to further explore the topic. The world, according to the rattrap seller, is a giant rattrap. Material advantages such as riches and delights, shelter and food, heat and clothes are allurements that entice a person to fall into the world's rattrap, just as cheese and pig bait entices a rat to go into the rattrap. When someone falls for the bait, the entire world closes in on him, and all is gone.

The peddler is enticed by the old crofter's thirty kronor. He makes off with the cash. He is now scared of being caught and is making his way through the woods. Edla Willmansson's compassionate, empathetic, caring, and generous treatment is crucial in assisting him in escaping the world's rattrap.

Note: The fundamental lesson of the narrative is that most individuals are prone to falling prey to financial gain. On the other hand, every human being has innate goodness that may be awakened through understanding and love. Humans have a natural urge to make amends for their mistakes.