Introduction:
The story "The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlof revolves around a peddler who is living a pitiable life due to his circumstances. The peddler's actions and his desperate greed ultimately lead him to feel that he has fallen into a rattrap, both figuratively and literally.

Greed and Pitiable Circumstances:
The peddler is initially introduced as a poor and lonely man, wandering from place to place to sell his wares. He is desperate for money and material possessions, which is evident from his constant search for customers and his willingness to engage in dishonest practices to make a profit. These greedy actions stem from his pitiable circumstances, as he is trapped in a cycle of poverty and wants to escape his miserable life.

The Rattrap as a Symbol:
The rattrap serves as a powerful symbol in the story, representing the peddler's own life. Just like a rat is lured into a rattrap by the promise of food, the peddler is trapped by his own desires and actions. He falls into the rattrap both literally, when he seeks shelter in an abandoned ironworks and accidentally steps into a trap, and metaphorically, when he realizes the consequences of his greed and deceit.

Change of Heart:
The turning point in the story occurs when the peddler encounters the ironmaster and his daughter, Edla. Edla shows kindness and compassion towards the peddler, treating him as a human being rather than a criminal. This unexpected act of kindness has a profound impact on the peddler, causing a change of heart. He realizes the error of his ways and feels remorse for his past actions.

Feeling of Falling into the Rattrap:
As the peddler reflects on his life and the events that have unfolded, he becomes acutely aware of the similarities between his own situation and that of a rat caught in a rattrap. He is trapped by his greed, just as a rat is trapped by its hunger. The peddler feels that he has fallen into the rattrap because he has been ensnared by his own desires and has become a victim of his own actions.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the peddler in "The Rattrap" feels that he has fallen into the rattrap due to his greedy actions and pitiable circumstances. The rattrap serves as a symbol of his life, trapping him in a cycle of desperation and deceit. However, through a change of heart brought about by the kindness of Edla, the peddler begins to see the error of his ways and seeks redemption.