Chapter 4 - Rattrap

Summary:
- The story "Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlof is about a tramp who goes by various names and lives a life of poverty and uncertainty.
- The tramp finds temporary refuge in an ironworks mill, where he is mistaken for a former employee named Edla Willmansson.
- The tramp enjoys the warm hospitality of the ironmaster and his daughter, but he is constantly reminded of his true identity as a rattrap seller.
- The tramp's past catches up with him when a couple of men arrive to arrest him for stealing money from a peddler.
- The ironmaster's daughter, Edla, defends the tramp and convinces him to return the stolen money.
- In the end, the tramp, who now goes by the name of Nils Olof, finds redemption and decides to start a new life.

Detailed Explanation:
Introduction:
- The story "Rattrap" revolves around the life of a tramp who lives a nomadic existence, selling rattraps made from used wire.
- The tramp is a lonely and disillusioned man who has lost faith in the goodness of people.

The Ironworks Mill:
- The tramp seeks temporary shelter in an ironworks mill during Christmas time, where he is mistaken for a former employee named Edla Willmansson.
- The ironmaster and his daughter, Edla, extend their warm hospitality to the tramp, believing him to be their long-lost relative.
- The tramp enjoys the comfort and luxury of the ironworks mill but is constantly reminded of his true identity as a rattrap seller.

Past Catching Up:
- The tramp's past catches up with him when two men arrive to arrest him for stealing money from a peddler.
- The tramp tries to escape but is eventually captured by the men.
- However, Edla intervenes and defends the tramp, claiming that he is innocent and that he is actually her long-lost relative, Nils Olof.

Redemption:
- Edla convinces the tramp to return the stolen money and admits that she knew about his true identity all along.
- The tramp realizes the goodness in Edla's actions and decides to start a new life.
- He discards his rattrap seller identity and takes on the name Nils Olof, embracing the kindness and compassion shown to him by Edla and her father.

Conclusion:
- The story "Rattrap" highlights the themes of redemption and the transformative power of kindness.
- The tramp, who was once disillusioned and trapped in a cycle of poverty, finds a new lease on life through the compassion and generosity of Edla and her father.
- The story serves as a reminder that even the most unexpected acts of kindness can bring about profound changes in a person's life.