Skip to main content
Super TutorResources
Chapter 10 of 40
QuestionsNotesFlashcardsSummaryFormulasQuizConceptsSyllabusPlan
Syllabus

The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof)

CBSE · Class 12 · English

Complete topic list for The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof) in CBSE Class 12 English. Key concepts, sub-topics, and what to focus on for board exams.

51 questions30 flashcards5 concepts

Interactive on Super Tutor

Studying The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof)? Get the full interactive chapter.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for syllabus and more.

Try Super Tutor — Free

1,000+ Class 12 students started this chapter today

An illustration depicting the rattrap peddler in his initial state: ragged clothes, sunken cheeks, hunger in his eyes, carrying a bunch of wire rattraps, walking along a desolate road.
Super Tutor

Learn better with visuals Super Tutor has hundreds of illustrations like this across every chapter — all free to try.

Get started
4 Topics · CBSE Class 12 English

Topics in The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof)

1

Plot in Brief

  • A rattrap peddler sells small wire rattraps made from material he gets by begging and petty thievery.
  • His life is poor and harsh; his clothes are in rags, his cheeks are sunken, and hunger gleams in his eyes.
  • He develops the idea that the whole world is like a big rattrap, offering baits such as riches, shelter, food, heat, and clothing.
2

Characters and Their Roles

  • The peddler is unnamed, poor, suspicious of society, and morally weak at the beginning.
  • He survives by begging and petty thievery, but he also has wit and a subtle sense of humour.
  • The crofter is lonely, generous, and trusting; he creates a warm human connection immediately.
3

Themes and Message

  • Essential goodness can be awakened through understanding and love.
  • Human beings are often tempted by material gain, pride, and appearances.
  • Kindness can break suspicion and bring out dignity in an outcast.
4

Important Symbols and Literary Devices

  • The rattrap is the main symbol for life’s temptations.
  • The forest becomes an impenetrable prison when the peddler loses his way, showing mental and moral entrapment.
  • The manor house and forge are contrasting settings: one represents comfort and class, the other labour and fire.

Key Concepts

Central concept: The Rattrap

Author and styleThe peddlerThe crofterRamsjö IronworksThe ironmaster and EdlaThe rattrap metaphorChristmas and transformation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof) for CBSE Class 12 English?
The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof) covers several key topics that are frequently asked in CBSE Class 12 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.
How to score full marks in The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof) — CBSE Class 12 English?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 51 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

More resources for The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof)

All 40 chapters — CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus

For serious students

Get the full The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof) chapter — for free.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan for CBSE Class 12 English.

Try Super Tutor Free
Try the full chapter — Free