The short story “The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf is a thought-provoking tale that explores themes of human compassion, redemption, and the power of kindness. The protagonist, a poor peddler, survives by selling rattraps and occasionally resorting to petty theft to make ends meet. His cynical worldview leads him to believe that the world itself is a giant rattrap, where riches and comforts are merely bait to trap people in suffering and misery.
In the story, there comes a moment when the ironmaster, mistaking the peddler for an old acquaintance, invites him to his home. Surprisingly, the peddler declines the invitation despite the promise of warmth, food, and shelter—comforts he sorely lacks. But why did the peddler refuse this generous offer? What does this decision reveal about his character and the underlying themes of the story? Let’s delve into the reasons behind the peddler’s refusal.
1. Fear of Being Exposed and Humiliated
The peddler was fully aware that he was not the person the ironmaster thought he was. The ironmaster believed that the peddler was his former regimental comrade, Captain von Stahle. However, the peddler knew that if he accepted the invitation, the truth about his real identity would soon come out.
- He feared the humiliation and shame that would follow when the ironmaster realized that he had invited a poor vagabond and petty thief, not a respected captain.
- Accepting the invitation would mean facing ridicule and possibly being turned away in disgrace.
- His self-respect, fragile as it was, could not bear the thought of being exposed in front of a wealthy family.
Thus, the fear of social embarrassment and the desire to avoid humiliation made the peddler decline the invitation initially.
2. Suspicion of Hidden Motives
The peddler’s cynical worldview made him suspicious of the ironmaster’s intentions. Having spent his life struggling in poverty and facing mistreatment, the peddler believed that acts of kindness often came with hidden agendas.
- The peddler thought that the ironmaster’s invitation was not genuine but rather driven by a sense of superiority or ulterior motives.
- He suspected that the ironmaster might want to mock him or use him for entertainment, especially after realizing his mistaken identity.
- His mistrust of society, shaped by years of hardship, made him reluctant to accept help, fearing there might be strings attached.
This deep-seated mistrust led the peddler to decline the offer, as he preferred the harsh freedom of the woods over the risk of humiliation in a rich man’s house.
3. Fear of Getting Caught for His Crime
Another significant reason for the peddler’s refusal was his guilt and fear after stealing thirty kronor from the old crofter who had earlier sheltered him.
- The peddler knew that the ironmaster’s home would be well-connected, and the authorities could easily be informed about his crime.
- He feared that by drawing attention to himself in a wealthy household, he might get caught, arrested, and imprisoned.
- The thought of punishment and the loss of freedom terrified him, making the seclusion of the forest seem safer than the comforts of the manor.
This fear of retribution for his wrongdoing played a crucial role in his decision to decline the invitation.
4. His Belief That the World is a Rattrap
The peddler’s philosophy that the world is a giant rattrap also influenced his decision. According to him, wealth, comfort, and hospitality were bait set by the world to trap people.
- He believed that by accepting the ironmaster’s invitation, he would be walking into a trap, ensnared by the temptations of luxury and eventually caught.
- The warm bed, good food, and pleasant company seemed like lures that could lead to his downfall.
- His cynicism made him resist anything that seemed too good to be true, fearing that misfortune would soon follow.
Thus, his worldview of suspicion and caution made him reject the invitation, as he did not want to fall into what he believed was a well-disguised trap.
5. Lack of Self-Worth and Dignity
The peddler’s refusal also stemmed from a deep lack of self-worth. Years of poverty, rejection, and isolation had eroded his confidence, making him believe that he did not deserve kindness.
- He felt that he did not belong in a place of wealth and respectability.
- The idea of sitting at the table of a rich ironmaster seemed unrealistic and out of reach for a man like him.
- His internalized inferiority made him unwilling to accept an invitation that, in his mind, was meant for someone of higher status.
This sense of unworthiness and the fear of stepping out of his social boundaries further contributed to his decision to decline.
6. Change of Heart After Edla’s Kindness
Interestingly, the peddler later accepts the invitation, but only after the ironmaster’s daughter, Edla Willmansson, intervenes with genuine compassion.
- Edla’s kindness, empathy, and respectful treatment touched the peddler’s heart.
- Unlike her father, Edla did not judge or mock him; instead, she made him feel valued and respected.
- Her genuine hospitality helped the peddler overcome his fears, leading to a transformation in his character.
This shows that while the peddler initially declined the invitation due to fear, suspicion, and self-doubt, it was genuine human kindness that ultimately redeemed him.
Conclusion
The peddler declined the invitation for several compelling reasons:
- Fear of exposure and humiliation upon being recognized as an impostor.
- Suspicion of the ironmaster’s motives, believing there might be a hidden agenda.
- Guilt and fear of being caught for stealing from the old crofter.
- His belief that the world is a rattrap, where temptations lead to one’s downfall.
- A deep sense of unworthiness, making him feel undeserving of kindness.
However, the turning point came when Edla Willmansson’s genuine compassion showed the peddler that kindness and respect could free him from the mental rattrap he had built around himself. In the end, Selma Lagerlöf’s “The Rattrap” reminds readers that human dignity can be restored through empathy, and that even the most lost souls can find redemption when shown genuine kindness.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
