Question

Do you think the title of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is appropriate? Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer 1

The story has an appropriate and suggestive title. It at once draws our attention to the central themethe whole world is a big rattrap. This metaphor helps us to understand the human predicament. All the good things of the world are nothing but baits to tempt a person to fall into the rattrap. Through the character of the peddler, the writer drives home the idea that most human beings are prone to fall into the trap of material benefits.

The story begins with rattraps and ends with a rattrap as a present for someone who has helped a rat to get free fromthe rattrap. Even the middle of the story revolves round the rattrap. The actions of the peddler after he steals thirty kronor of the old crofter reveal the inner conflicts, tensions and lack of peace of a person who touches the bait of temptation. Renunciation of the temptation helps in redemption.Thus, we conclude that the title is apt and significant.