The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof)

Grade 12 English — The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlof): 25 practice questions with instant scoring and explanations.

1. Who is the author of 'The Rattrap'?
2. What is the profession of the main character at the beginning of the story?
3. What is the name of the main character?
4. What is the peddler's philosophy about the world?
5. Why does the peddler compare the world to a rattrap?
6. What does the peddler steal from the iron works?
7. Why is it significant that the peddler steals money from the iron works?
8. Where does the peddler go after stealing the money?
9. Who is Edla Willmansson?
10. Why does Edla invite the peddler into her home?
11. What is the peddler's initial reaction to Edla's kindness?
12. How does Edla convince the peddler to stay with them for Christmas?
13. What transformation occurs in the peddler during his stay with the Willmansson family?
14. What does the peddler decide to do with the stolen money?
15. What is the significance of the peddler returning the money?
16. How does the story challenge the peddler's rattrap philosophy?
17. What role does appearance play in the story?
18. What does Lagerlöf suggest about human nature through this story?
19. How does Christmas symbolism function in the story?
20. What is the central conflict in 'The Rattrap'?
21. What does the title 'The Rattrap' ultimately represent?
22. How does the peddler's character arc demonstrate growth?
23. What is Lagerlöf's critique through this story?
24. Why is Edla's role crucial to the story's message?
25. What does the story ultimately suggest about redemption?