“The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf is a heartwarming story that explores themes of human kindness, trust, betrayal, and redemption. The protagonist, a poor peddler who sells rattraps, lives a life of poverty and loneliness, occasionally stealing to survive. His worldview is shaped by the belief that the world is a giant rattrap, where wealth and luxuries serve as bait to trap people.
A pivotal moment in the story occurs when an old crofter, who shows the peddler rare hospitality, reveals his hard-earned thirty kronor—the money he had saved by selling milk to the creamery. However, this act of innocent trust leads to betrayal, as the peddler steals the money and runs away.
But why did the crofter show the thirty kronor to the peddler? What motivated this display of wealth and trust, and how did it impact the course of the story? Let’s explore the reasons behind the crofter’s action and its significance in the narrative.
1. To Satisfy His Need for Companionship and Conversation
The crofter was an old, lonely man living by himself in a small cottage. His isolation made him crave human interaction, and the arrival of the peddler gave him an opportunity to share his life and achievements.
- The crofter welcomed the peddler warmly, offering him food, tobacco, and a comfortable place to sleep.
- During their conversation, he spoke proudly about how he had earned thirty kronor by selling milk to the creamery.
- In an attempt to gain the peddler’s attention and extend the conversation, he showed him the money, almost as if to prove the truth of his story.
The crofter’s action reflects his deep-seated loneliness and his desire for companionship, making him overly trusting of a stranger.
2. To Boast About His Hard-Earned Success
The thirty kronor represented the crofter’s hard work and financial independence. Although the amount was modest, it held great significance for the crofter, who took immense pride in having earned it himself.
- The crofter wanted to show off his success to someone, even if that person was a vagabond peddler.
- His decision to display the money stemmed from a sense of pride, as he had worked hard for it by selling milk.
- For the crofter, sharing his success story was a way to assert his value and self-worth, especially after a lifetime of hard labor.
This need to boast and seek validation made the crofter vulnerable, as he trusted the wrong person with the knowledge of his savings.
3. An Expression of Trust and Generosity
The crofter’s hospitality toward the peddler reflected his trusting nature. Having lived an honest life, the crofter believed in seeing the good in people, even strangers.
- By showing the thirty kronor, the crofter was extending a gesture of trust, believing that the peddler would not betray him.
- The crofter likely assumed that a man who appeared poor and harmless would not be capable of stealing from someone who had been kind to him.
- His generosity blinded him to the possibility of deceit, leading him to lower his guard and reveal his money.
The crofter’s trust becomes a turning point in the story, highlighting the complex relationship between trust and betrayal.
4. To Prove His Story to the Peddler
The peddler listened to the crofter’s story about selling milk to the creamery but showed little interest or belief. The crofter, eager to prove his honesty, decided to show the thirty kronor as evidence.
- The crofter may have sensed that the peddler doubted his claim, prompting him to prove his point by displaying the actual money.
- His action reveals a psychological need for validation, showing that even the most humble individuals seek recognition for their achievements.
- Unfortunately, this innocent desire for validation exposed the crofter’s vulnerability, giving the peddler an opportunity to steal the money.
This moment demonstrates how a simple act of proving oneself can lead to unexpected consequences, especially when trust is misplaced.
5. The Peddler’s Reaction: Falling into the “Rattrap”
After witnessing the crofter’s money, the peddler could not resist the temptation. He believed that the thirty kronor was the “bait” in the giant rattrap of the world—a chance for him to escape poverty, but at a moral cost.
- The peddler’s decision to steal the money reflects his cynical worldview, where he believed that everyone eventually falls into the trap of greed and temptation.
- Ironically, after stealing the money, the peddler himself becomes fearful, realizing that he had indeed fallen into the rattrap he had often spoken about.
- The crofter’s innocent act of showing the money thus serves as a catalyst for the peddler’s journey toward self-realization and redemption.
This incident sets the foundation for the peddler’s transformation, as he later returns the stolen money, acknowledging his mistake and redeeming himself.
Conclusion
The crofter showed the thirty kronor to the peddler due to a combination of loneliness, pride, trust, and a desire for validation. His actions were driven by:
- A need for companionship and conversation in his lonely life.
- A sense of pride in his hard-earned success, prompting him to boast.
- An innate trust in the goodness of others, leading to misplaced confidence.
- A psychological need to prove his story, driven by a desire for recognition.
However, the crofter’s trust was betrayed when the peddler stole the money, proving that greed and temptation can often trap people, just like the rattraps the peddler sold. Yet, the story ends on a hopeful note, as the peddler eventually redeems himself, realizing that kindness and trust can help people escape the traps they set for themselves.
Selma Lagerlöf’s “The Rattrap” thus delivers a profound message: while the world may be full of traps, compassion, trust, and human dignity can lead to redemption and self-discovery.
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.
