By Selma Lagerlof
A. Pre-chapter Activity: LISTENING TASK:
Listen to the video: Shaping of a Criminal Mind By Anuja Trehan Kapur
B. Pre-chapter Activity: WRITING TASK
Taking ideas from lecture in the video and including of your own write an Article on the topic: "Criminals Are Not Born but Made by Society" for your school magazine. You are Amit/Amita of class XII.
"Criminals Are Not Born but Made by Society"
The debate over whether criminals are born with criminal tendencies or shaped by society's influences has long intrigued experts and the public alike. While innate factors like genetics may play a role in predisposition, it's undeniable that society and environmental factors significantly contribute to the development of criminal behavior.
From a young age, individuals are exposed to their surroundings. Socioeconomic conditions, family upbringing, peer interactions, and educational opportunities all contribute to shaping an individual's worldview and values. For those growing up in disadvantaged environments where poverty, violence, and lack of support prevail, the risk of resorting to criminal activities increases. Children who witness or experience abuse, neglect, or substance abuse at home are more likely to exhibit behavioral problems that can evolve into criminal behavior.
Moreover, societal structures play a role in creating an environment conducive to criminality. Limited access to quality education and employment opportunities can leave individuals feeling marginalized and desperate, leading them to engage in illegal activities as a means of survival or a way to gain status.
Research also indicates that peer pressure and group dynamics significantly influence an individual's decision-making. Those surrounded by delinquent peers are more likely to adopt criminal behaviors as they seek acceptance and validation within their social circles.
In conclusion, while biological factors can contribute to certain predispositions, it is the complex interplay between an individual's upbringing, societal influences, and personal choices that largely shape criminal behavior. Addressing root causes such as poverty, education inequality, and social support systems is crucial to preventing the creation of criminals and fostering a safer society for all.
Salient Features of the Story
1. Fable/Fairy Tale Elements:
The story is written in a fable or fairy tale manner, where characters and events are imbued with symbolic meanings. The peddler represents the everyman, and the rattrap symbolizes the materialistic temptations of the world. The narrative has a moral lesson, similar to traditional fables, teaching the value of kindness, compassion, and redemption.
2. Symbolism:
The story uses rich symbolism, particularly the metaphor of the rattrap, which stands for the snares of life that trap people in their greed and desires. The ironmaster’s house, which represents warmth and security, contrasts with the cold, harsh environment the peddler usually inhabits, symbolizing the potential for human transformation.
3. Simple yet Profound Language:
Lagerlöf's language is simple, making the story accessible, but it carries profound meanings. The straightforward narrative is layered with deeper moral and philosophical insights, allowing readers of all levels to grasp the themes while still pondering over the subtleties.
4. Allegorical Elements:
The story can be read as an allegory, where the peddler’s journey represents a moral or spiritual quest. His transformation from a cynical thief to a redeemed man parallels the idea of spiritual awakening and the human capacity for change.
5. Use of Foreshadowing:
The narrative subtly foreshadows events, such as when the peddler refers to the world as a rattrap, hinting at his eventual entrapment. This technique builds suspense and prepares the reader for the peddler’s moral journey.
6. Contrast and Juxtaposition:
The story frequently contrasts characters and settings, such as the peddler’s initial isolation versus the warmth of Edla’s home, and the peddler’s cynicism versus Edla’s kindness. This juxtaposition highlights the transformative power of human compassion.
7. Moral and Ethical Dilemmas:
The story presents moral and ethical dilemmas, particularly through the peddler’s choices. These dilemmas are central to the narrative, encouraging readers to reflect on their own values and decisions in life.
C. Extract Based Questions
Extract 1:
…it was a big and confusing forest which he had gotten into. He tried, to be sure, to walk in a definite direction, but the paths twisted back and forth so strangely! He walked and walked without coming to the end of the wood, and finally he realised that he had only been walking around in the same part of the forest. All at once he recalled his thoughts about the world and the rattrap. Now his own turn had come. He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught. The whole forest, with its trunks and branches, its thickets and fallen logs, closed in upon him like an impenetrable prison from which he could never escape.
1. How would you characterise the mood of the above extract?
a) mysterious, restful
b) ominous, despairing
c) thoughtful, whimsical
d) philosophical, anguished
2. By what bait had the peddler been fooled?
a) He had chosen to take the ‘safe’ forest route.
b) He had decided to avoid the public highway.
c) He had stolen money from the trusting crofter.
d) He didn’t realize the power of his rattrap analogy.
3. The consequence of ‘his own turn’ having come was that the peddler had ___________
a) got irreversibly lost in the thick, warped forest.
b) been fooled and imprisoned in a hopeless prison.
c) been walking around the same part of the forest.
d) walked the whole forest without finding the end.
4. The above extract richly employs literary devices. Look at the table below. Choose the option that correctly matches the instances/ examples in Column A with the literary devices in Column B:Column A
Column B
1. The forest closed in upon the peddler like an impenetrable prison.
(i) Imagery
2. The big and confusing forest with its twisted paths, trunks, branches, thickets and fallen logs.
(ii) Allegory
3. The lost peddler was reminded of the world and the rattrap.
(iii) Metaphor
4. It was a big and confusing forest which he had gotten into. The peddler had been fooled and was trapped in the forest.
(iv) Simile
a) 1 - (i) ; 2 – (ii) ; 3 – (iii) ; 4 – (iv)
b) 1 – (iv) ; 2 – (i) ; 3 – (ii) ; 4 – (iii)
c) 1 – (iii) ; 2 – (iv) ; 3 – (i) ; 4 – (ii)
d) 1 – (ii) ; 2 – (iii) ; 3 – (iv) ; 4 – (i)
…it was a big and confusing forest which he had gotten into. He tried, to be sure, to walk in a definite direction, but the paths twisted back and forth so strangely! He walked and walked without coming to the end of the wood, and finally he realised that he had only been walking around in the same part of the forest. All at once he recalled his thoughts about the world and the rattrap. Now his own turn had come. He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught. The whole forest, with its trunks and branches, its thickets and fallen logs, closed in upon him like an impenetrable prison from which he could never escape.
1. How would you characterise the mood of the above extract?a) mysterious, restful
b) ominous, despairing
c) thoughtful, whimsical
d) philosophical, anguished
2. By what bait had the peddler been fooled?
a) He had chosen to take the ‘safe’ forest route.
b) He had decided to avoid the public highway.
c) He had stolen money from the trusting crofter.
d) He didn’t realize the power of his rattrap analogy.
3. The consequence of ‘his own turn’ having come was that the peddler had ___________
a) got irreversibly lost in the thick, warped forest.
b) been fooled and imprisoned in a hopeless prison.
c) been walking around the same part of the forest.
d) walked the whole forest without finding the end.
4. The above extract richly employs literary devices. Look at the table below. Choose the option that correctly matches the instances/ examples in Column A with the literary devices in Column B:
Column A | Column B |
1. The forest closed in upon the peddler like an impenetrable prison. | (i) Imagery |
2. The big and confusing forest with its twisted paths, trunks, branches, thickets and fallen logs. | (ii) Allegory |
3. The lost peddler was reminded of the world and the rattrap. | (iii) Metaphor |
4. It was a big and confusing forest which he had gotten into. The peddler had been fooled and was trapped in the forest. | (iv) Simile |
a) 1 - (i) ; 2 – (ii) ; 3 – (iii) ; 4 – (iv)
b) 1 – (iv) ; 2 – (i) ; 3 – (ii) ; 4 – (iii)
c) 1 – (iii) ; 2 – (iv) ; 3 – (i) ; 4 – (ii)
d) 1 – (ii) ; 2 – (iii) ; 3 – (iv) ; 4 – (i)
Exract 2:
It was late in December. Darkness was already descending over the forest. This increased the danger, and increased also his gloom and despair. Finally he saw no way out, and he sank down on the ground, tired to death, thinking that his last moment had come. But just as he laid his head on the ground, he heard a sound—a hard regular thumping. There was no doubt as to what that was. He raised himself. ‘‘Those are the hammer strokes from an iron mill’’, he thought. ‘‘There must be people near by’’. He summoned all his strength, got up, and staggered in the direction of the sound.
1. Why did the darkness descending over the forest increase the danger for the protagonist?
a) It made the forest harder to navigate.b) It attracted wild animals.c) It caused the protagonist to feel despair.d) It obscured his vision of the iron mill.
2. How did the protagonist feel as he sank down on the ground?
a) Excitedb) Relievedc) Tired and hopelessd) Energetic
3. What sound did the protagonist hear while he laid his head on the ground?
a) Laughter of childrenb) Birds chirpingc) Thumping from an iron milld) Wind rustling through the trees
4. Why did the protagonist believe that the sound he heard was from an iron mill?a) He recognized the sound from a previous experience.b) He saw the iron mill nearby.c) He associated the sound with people being nearby.d) He was hoping to find work at the iron mill.
5. How did the protagonist react to hearing the thumping sound?
a) He ignored it and continued resting.b) He felt scared and ran away.c) He thought there might be people nearby and tried to reach the source of the sound.d) He went to sleep, thinking he was safe.
Short Answer Type Questions
1. What does the metaphor of the "rattrap" signify in the story?
Answer: The "rattrap" in the story symbolizes the materialistic world, which entices people with riches and temptations. Once people fall into the trap of greed and desire, they are caught, just like a rat in a rattrap. It represents life's temptations and the consequences of giving in to them.
2. How does the peddler's encounter with the ironmaster and his daughter change his perception of the world?
Answer: The peddler's encounter with the ironmaster and his daughter makes him realize the value of kindness and compassion. Initially seeing the world as a rattrap, he is transformed by their generosity and begins to see the potential for goodness in people, leading to a change in his behavior.
3. Analyze the role of Edla Willmansson in transforming the peddler’s character.
Answer: Edla Willmansson plays a crucial role in transforming the peddler. Her genuine kindness, empathy, and trust in the peddler, despite his appearance, make him feel valued as a human being. This unconditional respect leads him to reflect on his actions and ultimately seek redemption.
4. Evaluate the significance of the Christmas setting in the story.
Answer: The Christmas setting in the story is significant as it symbolizes the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and transformation. Christmas is a time for reflection and renewal, and it is during this festive season that the peddler is given a chance to change his ways, embodying the spirit of the holiday.
5. If you were to rewrite the ending of "The Rattrap," how would you depict the peddler's future?
Answer: If I were to rewrite the ending, I would depict the peddler choosing to start a new life as a reformed man, using his experiences to help others avoid the traps of life. He could become a storyteller, sharing his journey to inspire people to value kindness over materialism.
6. What can be inferred about the peddler's life before the events of the story?
Answer: It can be inferred that the peddler led a life of hardship and loneliness before the events of the story. His cynical view of the world as a rattrap suggests he had little trust in people, likely due to betrayal or poverty, which led him to petty crimes and a survivalist mentality.
7. How does the title "The Rattrap" encapsulate the central theme of the story?
Answer: The title "The Rattrap" encapsulates the central theme by representing the entrapment of individuals by life's material temptations. The peddler’s view of the world as a rattrap highlights how people can become ensnared by greed and selfishness, losing sight of human compassion and integrity.
8. Why does the peddler leave the stolen money with a letter for Edla?
Answer: The peddler leaves the stolen money with a letter for Edla because he is deeply moved by her kindness and trust. He feels remorse for his actions and wants to repay her for her generosity by returning the money, symbolizing his desire for redemption and a fresh start.
9. What is the significance of third-person omniscient narrative technique in the story?Answer: Selma Lagerlöf employs a third-person omniscient narrative in "The Rattrap," allowing the reader to understand the thoughts and emotions of all characters, particularly the peddler. This technique enhances the reader's insight into the peddler's internal conflicts and the moral themes, making the story more engaging and reflective.
10. What is the irony shown in the story? What is its role in the development of the theme of the story?Answer: Irony is a key element in used in "The Rattrap." The peddler, who initially sees the world as a rattrap, and comments on other people, eventually falls into his own trap when he steals money. The irony underscores the theme of the story, highlighting the consequences of greed and the unexpected path to redemption.
Long Answer Type Questions
1. Question: Reflect on a time in your life when you faced a temptation that felt like a "rattrap." How did you handle the situation, and what did you learn from it? Relate your experience to the peddler's journey in "The Rattrap."
Answer: During my high school years, I encountered a significant temptation when I was preparing for an important exam. The pressure to perform well and the fear of failure felt like a "rattrap," luring me into considering cheating as an easy way out. As the exam approached, I found myself contemplating copying answers from a friend, convinced that it would guarantee success. However, I remembered the values my parents and teachers had instilled in me about honesty and integrity. Despite the temptation, I chose to rely on my own efforts and took the exam with a clear conscience.
This experience taught me that true success is not measured by immediate outcomes but by the strength of one’s character. In "The Rattrap," the peddler faces a similar moral dilemma when he contemplates keeping the stolen money. His eventual decision to return the money, influenced by Edla's kindness, mirrors my own choice to uphold my principles. Both the peddler and I learned that resisting temptation, even when it seems difficult, leads to personal growth and self-respect. This realization has stayed with me, reinforcing the importance of making ethical choices in life.
2. In "The Rattrap," Edla Willmansson's kindness and trust transform the peddler. Describe a situation where someone’s kindness changed your perspective or behavior. How can this lesson be applied to create a more compassionate society?
Answer: I vividly remember a period when I struggled with self-doubt after experiencing a series of academic failures. Feeling disheartened, I began to question my abilities and lost motivation. However, my teacher noticed my struggles and took the time to offer me words of encouragement. She highlighted my strengths and reminded me that setbacks are part of the learning process. Her kindness and belief in my potential reignited my confidence and pushed me to persevere. This act of compassion had a profound impact on me, much like Edla’s kindness transforms the peddler in "The Rattrap."
Just as Edla's trust and empathy lead the peddler to redemption, my teacher's support helped me overcome my insecurities and strive for improvement. This experience taught me that small acts of kindness can significantly influence someone’s life, altering their perspective and behavior. To build a more compassionate society, we must embrace the lesson from "The Rattrap"—that kindness has the power to heal, uplift, and inspire change. By showing empathy and understanding to others, we contribute to a more supportive and humane community, where people are encouraged to grow and reach their full potential.
It was late in December. Darkness was already descending over the forest. This increased the danger, and increased also his gloom and despair. Finally he saw no way out, and he sank down on the ground, tired to death, thinking that his last moment had come. But just as he laid his head on the ground, he heard a sound—a hard regular thumping. There was no doubt as to what that was. He raised himself. ‘‘Those are the hammer strokes from an iron mill’’, he thought. ‘‘There must be people near by’’. He summoned all his strength, got up, and staggered in the direction of the sound.
1. Why did the darkness descending over the forest increase the danger for the protagonist?
a) It made the forest harder to navigate.b) It attracted wild animals.c) It caused the protagonist to feel despair.d) It obscured his vision of the iron mill.
2. How did the protagonist feel as he sank down on the ground?
a) Excitedb) Relievedc) Tired and hopelessd) Energetic
3. What sound did the protagonist hear while he laid his head on the ground?
a) Laughter of childrenb) Birds chirpingc) Thumping from an iron milld) Wind rustling through the trees
4. Why did the protagonist believe that the sound he heard was from an iron mill?
a) He recognized the sound from a previous experience.b) He saw the iron mill nearby.c) He associated the sound with people being nearby.d) He was hoping to find work at the iron mill.
5. How did the protagonist react to hearing the thumping sound?
a) He ignored it and continued resting.b) He felt scared and ran away.c) He thought there might be people nearby and tried to reach the source of the sound.d) He went to sleep, thinking he was safe.
Short Answer Type Questions
1. What does the metaphor of the "rattrap" signify in the story?Answer: The "rattrap" in the story symbolizes the materialistic world, which entices people with riches and temptations. Once people fall into the trap of greed and desire, they are caught, just like a rat in a rattrap. It represents life's temptations and the consequences of giving in to them.
2. How does the peddler's encounter with the ironmaster and his daughter change his perception of the world?
Answer: The peddler's encounter with the ironmaster and his daughter makes him realize the value of kindness and compassion. Initially seeing the world as a rattrap, he is transformed by their generosity and begins to see the potential for goodness in people, leading to a change in his behavior.
3. Analyze the role of Edla Willmansson in transforming the peddler’s character.
Answer: Edla Willmansson plays a crucial role in transforming the peddler. Her genuine kindness, empathy, and trust in the peddler, despite his appearance, make him feel valued as a human being. This unconditional respect leads him to reflect on his actions and ultimately seek redemption.
4. Evaluate the significance of the Christmas setting in the story.
Answer: The Christmas setting in the story is significant as it symbolizes the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and transformation. Christmas is a time for reflection and renewal, and it is during this festive season that the peddler is given a chance to change his ways, embodying the spirit of the holiday.
5. If you were to rewrite the ending of "The Rattrap," how would you depict the peddler's future?
Answer: If I were to rewrite the ending, I would depict the peddler choosing to start a new life as a reformed man, using his experiences to help others avoid the traps of life. He could become a storyteller, sharing his journey to inspire people to value kindness over materialism.
6. What can be inferred about the peddler's life before the events of the story?
Answer: It can be inferred that the peddler led a life of hardship and loneliness before the events of the story. His cynical view of the world as a rattrap suggests he had little trust in people, likely due to betrayal or poverty, which led him to petty crimes and a survivalist mentality.
7. How does the title "The Rattrap" encapsulate the central theme of the story?
Answer: The title "The Rattrap" encapsulates the central theme by representing the entrapment of individuals by life's material temptations. The peddler’s view of the world as a rattrap highlights how people can become ensnared by greed and selfishness, losing sight of human compassion and integrity.
8. Why does the peddler leave the stolen money with a letter for Edla?
Answer: The peddler leaves the stolen money with a letter for Edla because he is deeply moved by her kindness and trust. He feels remorse for his actions and wants to repay her for her generosity by returning the money, symbolizing his desire for redemption and a fresh start.
9. What is the significance of third-person omniscient narrative technique in the story?
Answer: Selma Lagerlöf employs a third-person omniscient narrative in "The Rattrap," allowing the reader to understand the thoughts and emotions of all characters, particularly the peddler. This technique enhances the reader's insight into the peddler's internal conflicts and the moral themes, making the story more engaging and reflective.
10. What is the irony shown in the story? What is its role in the development of the theme of the story?
Answer: Irony is a key element in used in "The Rattrap." The peddler, who initially sees the world as a rattrap, and comments on other people, eventually falls into his own trap when he steals money. The irony underscores the theme of the story, highlighting the consequences of greed and the unexpected path to redemption.
Long Answer Type Questions
1. Question: Reflect on a time in your life when you faced a temptation that felt like a "rattrap." How did you handle the situation, and what did you learn from it? Relate your experience to the peddler's journey in "The Rattrap."Answer: During my high school years, I encountered a significant temptation when I was preparing for an important exam. The pressure to perform well and the fear of failure felt like a "rattrap," luring me into considering cheating as an easy way out. As the exam approached, I found myself contemplating copying answers from a friend, convinced that it would guarantee success. However, I remembered the values my parents and teachers had instilled in me about honesty and integrity. Despite the temptation, I chose to rely on my own efforts and took the exam with a clear conscience.
This experience taught me that true success is not measured by immediate outcomes but by the strength of one’s character. In "The Rattrap," the peddler faces a similar moral dilemma when he contemplates keeping the stolen money. His eventual decision to return the money, influenced by Edla's kindness, mirrors my own choice to uphold my principles. Both the peddler and I learned that resisting temptation, even when it seems difficult, leads to personal growth and self-respect. This realization has stayed with me, reinforcing the importance of making ethical choices in life.
2. In "The Rattrap," Edla Willmansson's kindness and trust transform the peddler. Describe a situation where someone’s kindness changed your perspective or behavior. How can this lesson be applied to create a more compassionate society?
Answer: I vividly remember a period when I struggled with self-doubt after experiencing a series of academic failures. Feeling disheartened, I began to question my abilities and lost motivation. However, my teacher noticed my struggles and took the time to offer me words of encouragement. She highlighted my strengths and reminded me that setbacks are part of the learning process. Her kindness and belief in my potential reignited my confidence and pushed me to persevere. This act of compassion had a profound impact on me, much like Edla’s kindness transforms the peddler in "The Rattrap."
Just as Edla's trust and empathy lead the peddler to redemption, my teacher's support helped me overcome my insecurities and strive for improvement. This experience taught me that small acts of kindness can significantly influence someone’s life, altering their perspective and behavior. To build a more compassionate society, we must embrace the lesson from "The Rattrap"—that kindness has the power to heal, uplift, and inspire change. By showing empathy and understanding to others, we contribute to a more supportive and humane community, where people are encouraged to grow and reach their full potential.
