The Rattrap Class 12 Notes: CBSE English Flamingo Chapter 4

About the Story:

• "The Rattrap" tells the story of a poor rattrap seller who survives by making and selling traps for rats. 

• He sees life as a trap, where desires like money and comfort tempt people. One day, he receives unexpected kindness from an old man who welcomes him into his home. Later, he's mistaken for someone else and invited to spend Christmas with an ironmaster and his daughter. 

• This experience changes him, and he decides to return the stolen money and leave a gift as a gesture of gratitude. The story shows how kindness can transform even the most cynical outlooks.

About Author:

• Selma Lagerlöf, the author of "The Rattrap," was a Swedish writer born on November 20, 1858, in Östra Emterwik, Sweden. 

• She was the first female writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909, recognised for her rich storytelling and profound understanding of human nature.

• Many stories by Selma Lagerlöf have been translated into many languages.

Overview of the Characters in the Chapter:

• The Rattrap Seller: The main character of the story, earns by selling rattraps made from scavenged materials. He views life as a rattrap where desires trap people like rats.

• The Old Man (Host): A hospitable elderly man living in a cottage along the road. He welcomes the rattrap seller warmly, despite the latter's initial expectations of hostility due to his own lifestyle.

• The Ironmaster: A wealthy man who mistakes the rattrap seller for an old acquaintance. He invites him to his mansion for Christmas, seeking companionship during the festive season.

• The Ironmaster's Daughter: A passionate and wise young woman who senses the rattrap seller's troubled past. She persuades him to stay for Christmas Evening, offering him kindness and understanding.

Summary:

• The story "The Rattrap" from Class 12 English revolves around a rattrap seller who survives by making and selling rattraps from gathered materials. 

• He sees life as a trap, where desires lure people like baits into trouble. One evening, he finds unexpected warmth and hospitality at a roadside cottage, where an elderly man welcomes him kindly. Tempted by the man's displayed money, the rattrap seller steals from him and continues his journey.

• Lost in a forest later that night, he seeks shelter at an iron mill, where he is mistaken for an old acquaintance by the ironmaster. Enjoying the warmth and good food, he plays along, until guilt drives him to decide to leave. However, moved by the daughter's kindness and genuine hospitality, he decides to stay for Christmas. 

• The next day, realizing his true identity, the ironmaster threatens to involve the sheriff. However, moved by the daughter's compassion, he allows the rattrap seller to stay. 

• During Christmas dinner, the rattrap seller leaves a surprising gift - the stolen money and a rattrap, with a note thanking them for their kindness and returning what he took. 

• He leaves, touched by their humanity, symbolically freeing himself from the rattrap of deceit and theft.

• This summary captures the main events of "The Rattrap" straightforwardly, focusing on themes of redemption, kindness, and the consequences of one's actions.

Importance of CBSE English Chapter 4 Rattrap Class 12 Notes

• The Rattrap Class 12 Notes provide a quick and easy way to review important concepts before exams without reviewing the entire textbook.

• Revision notes break down complex topics into simpler points, making them easier to understand and remember.

• The Rattrap Notes help organise study sessions efficiently by focusing on what's most important, saving time and reducing stress.

• By revising regularly using these notes, students reinforce their memory of important facts and details.

• Revision notes contribute to better exam preparation, boosting confidence and improving performance in assessments.

Tips for Learning the Class 12 English Chapter 4 The Rattrap

• In the Rattrap Notes Analyze the main characters like the rattrap seller, ironmaster, and daughter. Understand their motivations, actions, and how they contribute to the story

• Focus on the theme of the story, which revolves around human nature, trust, and redemption.

• Engage in discussions with classmates or teachers to gain different perspectives and for better understanding.

• Summarise important points in your own words. Use bullet points or create information.

• Regularly review notes and revisit the chapter to reinforce your understanding over time.

• Don't hesitate to ask your teacher to clarify confusing points or concepts.

Conclusion

Chapter 4 of Class 12 English, "The Rattrap," explores the transformative power of compassion and kindness. The rattrap seller, initially cynical and trapped in his struggles, encounters unexpected warmth and hospitality from the ironmaster and his daughter. Their genuine kindness leads him to reflect on his life choices and ultimately prompts him to return the stolen money as a gesture of gratitude. This act symbolises his journey towards redemption and a newfound belief in human goodness. The Rattrap Class 12 Notes invites readers to consider the impact of empathy and understanding in transforming lives. For students focusing on this chapter, it's important to understand the themes of redemption, kindness, and the potential for change. Previous year question papers have often explored these themes through character analysis and contextual understanding.

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