The Attitudes of Ironmaster and His Daughter in "Rattrap"

Introduction:
In the short story "Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlof, the attitudes of Ironmaster and his daughter differ significantly. While Ironmaster is shown to be cynical and mistrustful, his daughter displays kindness and compassion towards others. These differences in attitude can be observed through their interactions with the protagonist of the story and their perspectives on life.

Ironmaster's Attitude:
1. Cynical and Mistrustful: Ironmaster's attitude is initially portrayed as cynical and mistrustful. He lives a solitary life, isolated from society, and has developed a negative outlook on people.
2. Suspicions of Theft: When the protagonist seeks shelter in Ironmaster's house, Ironmaster immediately assumes that the man is a thief and treats him with suspicion. This reflects Ironmaster's general lack of trust in others.

Instances from the Text:
1. Ironmaster's Mistrust: Ironmaster says, "Who knows if he’s not after my rattrap?" This statement reveals his tendency to doubt people's intentions and expect the worst from them.
2. Ironmaster's Treatment: Ironmaster initially locks the protagonist in the ironmaster's cabin, treating him as a criminal. This action demonstrates his cynical and mistrustful nature.

Ironmaster's Daughter's Attitude:
1. Compassionate and Generous: In contrast to her father, Ironmaster's daughter displays a compassionate and generous attitude towards others. She is empathetic and tries to see the good in people.
2. Kindness towards the Protagonist: The daughter treats the protagonist with kindness and understanding, offering him food, warmth, and company. She believes in the innate goodness of people and seeks to help those in need.

Instances from the Text:
1. Daughter's Generosity: The daughter says, "You can eat and rest here for a time." This statement demonstrates her willingness to help and her compassionate nature.
2. Daughter's Trust: The daughter shows trust in the protagonist by leaving him alone in the cabin while she goes to fetch food. Her trust in him reflects her positive attitude towards others.

Conclusion:
In "Rattrap," the attitudes of Ironmaster and his daughter are portrayed as contrasting. While Ironmaster is cynical and mistrustful, his daughter is compassionate and kind. Through their interactions with the protagonist and their perspectives on life, these differences in attitude become evident.