NCERT Class 12 English Flamingo: Chapter 4 — The Rattrap
This chapter from NCERT's Flamingo textbook for Class 12 English introduces "The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlöf. The story, set in Sweden's iron mines, explores the theme that essential goodness in humans can be awakened through understanding and love. It follows a poor peddler who sells rattraps made from begged materials. His life is monotonous and difficult, forcing him to beg and steal. He views the world as a giant rattrap, offering temptations that lead to downfall. The narrative highlights his encounter with a kind old crofter who offers him shelter, food, and even shares his earnings from his cow. The crofter's generosity and trust, demonstrated by showing his money, contrast with the world's usual harshness towards the peddler. This chapter delves into human nature, kindness, and the potential for redemption.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Flamingo |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — The Rattrap |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 774 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the theme of human goodness and redemption.
- Analyze the symbolism of the rattrap.
- Appreciate the role of kindness and understanding in human relationships.
- Identify the narrative style and setting of the story.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| rattrap | a small cage or box designed to catch rats |
| vagabond | a person who wanders from place to place without a home or job |
| monotonous | dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest |
| meditations | the action or process of meditating; deep reflective thought |
| unwonted | contrary to the usual or expected; unusual |
| cherished | protected and cared for lovingly |
| dreary | dull, bleak, and lifeless |
| trudging | walked slowly and with heavy steps, typically because of exhaustion or harsh conditions |
| crofter | a tenant farmer who cultivates a small holding, especially in Scotland or northern England |
| incredulous | unwilling or unable to believe something |
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Practice questions
- What did the peddler sell? Answer: The peddler sold small rattraps made of wire.
- What idea struck the peddler one day? Answer: The peddler was struck by the idea that the whole world was a big rattrap, offering temptations to people.
- Who offered the peddler shelter for the night? Answer: An old man, the owner of a little gray cottage, offered the peddler shelter.
- What was the old man's past profession? Answer: The old man had been a crofter at Ramsjo Ironworks and had worked on the land.
- How did the old man prove his generosity? Answer: He shared his food, tobacco, and showed the peddler three ten-kronor bills from his earnings.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What material did the peddler use to make rattraps?
Explanation: The peddler made his rattraps from material he got by begging in stores or at big farms.
Q2. According to the peddler's idea, what is the world like?
Explanation: The peddler thought that the whole world, with its lands and seas, cities and villages, was nothing but a big rattrap.
Q3. What did the world offer as bait, according to the peddler?
Explanation: The peddler believed the world offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing as bait.
Q4. Who was the owner of the cottage where the peddler sought shelter?
Explanation: The owner of the cottage was an old man who was happy to have someone to talk to in his loneliness.
Q5. What was the old man's source of income after he could no longer do day labour?
Explanation: The old man stated that his cow supported him and was extraordinary, giving milk for the creamery daily.
Q6. How much money did the old man show the peddler?
Explanation: The old man got out a leather pouch and showed the stranger three wrinkled ten-kronor bills.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of 'The Rattrap'?
The author of 'The Rattrap' is Selma Lagerlöf, a Swedish writer.
What is the main theme of the story 'The Rattrap'?
The main theme is that the essential goodness in a human being can be awakened through understanding and love.
Where is the story 'The Rattrap' set?
The story is set amidst the iron mines of Sweden.
How did the peddler make a living?
He made and sold small rattraps of wire, and resorted to begging and petty thievery to survive.
What idea struck the peddler about the world?
He realized the whole world was like a big rattrap, setting baits for people with riches and joys.
Who gave the peddler shelter and food?
An old, lonely crofter offered him shelter, supper, and companionship.
What did the old crofter reveal about his past?
He revealed that he had worked at the Ramsjo Ironworks and that his cow supported him now.
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NCERT Class 12 English — Flamingo — Chapter 4 — The Rattrap. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.