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"The Rat Trap" written by Selma Lagerlof is a short story about an old disheartened beggar and thief who is taken in and shown generosity by a young woman, her kindness changes his bitter attitude about life. The peddler is a man who has fallen upon misfortune and now resorts to selling rattraps, begging, and thievery. He is very pessimistic about the world around him and sees the world as merely a "rat trap". He believes that society tempts us with riches and fine things, and when we accept, we are caught in the trap and are left with nothing.
The warmth of compassion extends its rays around the world, engraving mankind with its characteristic. Selma Legerlof supports the theory of compassion in her modern day short story "The Rat Trap" which depicts the powerful and positive impacts of such care. In the story, cynicism grips the protagonist rat trap peddler until the old man and the blacksmith's daughter infect the protagonist with their altruism. Thus, the peddler's inner soul experiences a rapid transformation form an ugly duckling to a dazzling swan.
Legerlof's first scene of compassion is from the old man's hospitality. Despite the fact that he did not know the peddler, the old man still opened his arms and acted charitable by providing food and shelter. This action is not typical in the today's world; a majority of us would turn a blind eye. However, although the old man showed a sign of compassion, it was not appreciated-the protagonist stole from the old man. As the peddler ponders on the road of guilt, he soon receives a second action of care from a little girl.
Compassion is illustrated when the blacksmith's daughter takes pity on the protagonist. Although she knew the fact that he was not Captain von Stahle, whom he claimed to be, the girl said, " I think he ought to stay with us today. I don't want him to go." The girl's compassionate words cracked the foundation of the protagonist's cynical world. Throughout the story, the protagonist only believed in the dismal side of human nature, survival of the fittest, and viewed the world as a battlefield. His whole belief system was shattered when he received the girl's pity and an opportunity to enjoy his first "true" Christmas.
Lagerlof's "The Rat Trap" strongly validates the concept that compassion revolves around humankind. She provides evidence when the old man and the blacksmith's daughter show compassion towards the protagonist. As a result, the girl acted as the North Star, guiding the protagonist out of the trap of cynicism.
Another lesson the mendicant learns throughout the course of the story is to be considerate of others. At the end of the novel, he makes amends with the old man by returning his money and writing Edla a thank you note. He understands what he did to the man was wrong and that was not returning the kindness and trust given to him. He apologized for lying to the girl and her father and leaves her a present, a rat trap and the stolen money(thirty croner bills) of the old man to be returned.
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When was Selma Ottilia Lovisa Lagerlof born?
Selma Ottilia Lovisa Lagerlof was born on 20 November 1858.
What Nobel Prize did Selma Ottilia Lovisa Lagerlof win and when was it awarded?
Selma Ottilia Lovisa Lagerlof won The Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909.
What is the main character in the rat trap by selma lagerlof?
The main character in the rattrap is the peddlar.The story tells us how the peddlar is trapped by temptations of wordly riches and comforts and how he comes out of it because of the goodness,compassion and christian love shown by Edla
Why did Selma Ottilia Lovisa Lagerlof win The Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909?
The Nobel Prize in Literature 1909 was awarded to Selma Lagerlof in appreciation of the lofty idealism, vivid imagination and spiritual perception that characterize her writings.
The kingdom is better served with man than with money?
The King said this from the story "The Silver Mine" by Selma Lagerlof
Who won The Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909?
Selma Ottilia Lovisa Lagerlof won The Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909.
How did taking the thirty kronor change the peddlers outlook in the rat trap by Selma Lagerlof?
the taking of the money made him very shame full so he again changed
Why peddler is referred to nils olof first and then captain von stahle in the rattrap by selma lagerof?
Nils Olof Von Stahle is the full name of the person whom the ironmaster mistook for.
Which woman won the 11th nobel prize for literature?
A man actually won the 11th Nobel Prize in Literature. It was given to Maurice Maeterlinck, a Belgian author, in 1911. Two years previous, it was given to a woman named Selma Lagerlof, a Swedish children's book writer.
Where is the Selma Branch Library in Selma located?
The address of the Selma Branch Library is: 2200 Selma St., Selma, 93662 3151
What is the birth name of Selma Archerd?
Selma Archerd's birth name is Selma Fenning.
How does the metaphor of The Rat trap serve to highlight the human predicament?
The metaphor of the rat trap highlights how humans, like rats, can become ensnared in situations that seem attractive but ultimately lead to entrapment or danger. It emphasizes how individuals can be lured by short-term pleasures or gains that ultimately result in negative consequences, reflecting the human predicament of making choices that can lead to unforeseen problems or traps.
