“The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf is a heartwarming story that beautifully captures the themes of compassion, redemption, and human dignity. The story follows a poor peddler who makes a living by selling rattraps and occasionally resorts to petty theft. He views the world as a giant rattrap, where riches and comforts are merely bait to entrap people. However, his encounter with Edla Willmansson, the ironmaster’s daughter, becomes a turning point in his life.
In a symbolic and touching gesture, the peddler leaves a Christmas gift for Edla before departing from her home. This gift includes a small rattrap, a letter, and most importantly, the thirty kronor he had stolen from the old crofter. But why did the peddler leave a Christmas gift for Edla? What did this gesture signify, and how did it reflect the transformation in the peddler’s character? Let’s explore the reasons behind this pivotal moment and its deeper meaning.
1. Expression of Gratitude for Edla’s Kindness
The primary reason the peddler left a Christmas gift for Edla was to express his gratitude. Edla Willmansson had treated him with kindness, dignity, and respect, even after discovering his true identity.
- Edla’s compassion touched the peddler’s heart, as she welcomed him without judgment, offering him warmth, food, and shelter on Christmas Eve.
- Unlike others who ridiculed or ignored him, Edla believed that he deserved a chance to spend Christmas in peace.
- The peddler, overwhelmed by this unconditional kindness, chose to leave a gift as a token of his appreciation.
This gesture of gratitude signifies the peddler’s realization that genuine human kindness can change lives, as it did his.
2. A Symbol of His Redemption
Throughout the story, the peddler believes that the world is a giant rattrap, designed to trap people with temptations like wealth and comfort. However, his experience at Edla’s home challenges this cynical worldview.
- The peddler had stolen thirty kronor from the old crofter, falling into the “rattrap” of greed.
- Edla’s compassion, however, made him realize that he could still escape the trap by choosing honesty and integrity.
- By returning the stolen money along with the rattrap, the peddler symbolically freed himself from the guilt and deceit that had defined his life.
The gift was his way of saying that he had changed, that he no longer wished to be trapped by his past mistakes, and that he was now ready to live a life of honesty.
3. A Gesture of Respect and Acknowledgment
By signing himself as “Captain von Stahle” in the note he left with the gift, the peddler showed his desire to live up to the respect that Edla had shown him.
- Edla’s father, the ironmaster, initially mistook the peddler for Captain von Stahle, a high-ranking officer.
- While the peddler had initially gone along with the deception out of fear, Edla’s respectful treatment made him want to live up to that identity.
- Signing the letter as Captain von Stahle was his way of embracing the new, honorable self that Edla’s kindness had inspired.
This gesture of respect indicated that the peddler had regained his self-worth, choosing to become the man Edla believed he could be.
4. Acknowledging Edla’s Faith in Him
Edla Willmansson showed unwavering faith in the peddler, even after realizing that he was not the nobleman her father had believed him to be.
- Edla insisted that the peddler stay for the Christmas celebrations, believing that he deserved a day of peace and dignity.
- This faith and trust had a profound impact on the peddler, making him realize that he could change.
- The Christmas gift, therefore, was his way of acknowledging Edla’s belief in his goodness and thanking her for giving him a second chance.
In his letter, he wrote:
“You must give back the money to the old man on the roadside, who has the money pouch hanging on the window frame. The rattrap is a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in the world’s rattrap if he had not been raised to captain because he was treated as if he were one.”
This note reflects the peddler’s transformation and his desire to live up to the faith that Edla had placed in him.
5. Recognition of the True Meaning of Christmas
The peddler’s gift also signifies his understanding of the true spirit of Christmas—a festival that celebrates love, forgiveness, and redemption.
- Edla’s kindness reminded him that Christmas is about sharing goodness and offering second chances.
- By returning the stolen money and leaving the rattrap as a gift, he participated in the spirit of giving and made amends for his past wrongdoings.
- His gift was not just a physical object but a symbolic gesture, showing that he had embraced the values that Christmas represents.
This moment beautifully illustrates that no one is beyond redemption, and kindness can lead even the most lost souls to find their way back.
Conclusion
The peddler left a Christmas gift for Edla as a symbol of gratitude, redemption, and respect. His decision was influenced by:
- The unconditional kindness shown by Edla, which made him believe in human goodness.
- His desire to make amends for stealing the thirty kronor by returning the money.
- The wish to live up to the honorable identity that Edla’s faith had inspired—Captain von Stahle.
- His understanding of the true spirit of Christmas, marked by forgiveness, generosity, and new beginnings.
Ultimately, Selma Lagerlöf’s “The Rattrap” teaches us that kindness and compassion have the power to transform lives. Edla’s trust and empathy gave the peddler a chance to redeem himself, and his Christmas gift was a touching acknowledgment of this life-changing experience. The story beautifully concludes with the message that no one is beyond redemption, and that a single act of kindness can be the key to unlocking a better version of ourselves.
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.
