Report
RATTRAP – THE STUDY OF CRIME AND CRIMINALS
Crime, in its many forms, has long been a disturbing reality of society. Behind every act of
theft, fraud, violence, or deception lies a complex web of causes and conditions. The story
“The Rattrap” by Selma Lagerlöf serves as a symbolic lens through which we can explore the
realities of crime, not just as acts of lawbreaking but as a social phenomenon shaped by
circumstances, psychology, and societal responses. The tale highlights not only how a man
falls into the metaphorical trap of temptation and crime but also how compassion and trust
can act as tools of reformation. Through this theme, we can reflect deeply on the nature of
crime and criminals in the real world.
Circumstances That Lead to Crime
No one is born a criminal. The road to crime is often paved with hardship, poverty,
loneliness, and sometimes, a desire for revenge or justice. Economic disparity is one of the
most prominent causes—individuals who struggle to survive might be pushed toward theft or
fraud as a means to an end. Unemployment, lack of education, social alienation, and family
breakdowns also contribute to criminal behavior.
In "The Rattrap", the protagonist is a poor, homeless man who survives by begging and
stealing. His bitter worldview—that the world itself is a rattrap full of temptations—stems
from his experiences of rejection, hunger, and desperation. Like him, many in the real world
find themselves ensnared by circumstances beyond their control, leading them to commit acts
they might otherwise avoid.
Mental health issues, addiction, and a lack of support systems further aggravate this journey.
Criminality often emerges not from an inherently evil nature but from a lack of alternatives
and the absence of empathy and understanding from society.
Case Study: The Life of a Juvenile Offender
Take, for example, the case of Arun (name changed), a 16-year-old from a slum in Mumbai.
Abandoned by his parents and left to fend for his younger siblings, he dropped out of school
and began stealing food and money. Caught shoplifting, he was sent to a juvenile home. At
first aggressive and withdrawn, Arun showed signs of change when introduced to vocational
training and counseling.
With guidance, Arun discovered an interest in mechanics and later found employment in a
garage. Today, he mentors other at-risk youth. His story exemplifies that criminals are often
victims of their environment, and with the right support, they can reintegrate into society as
productive citizens.
Corrective Measures
Addressing crime requires more than punishment; it requires correction, prevention, and
reintegration.
1. Education and Skill Development: Providing basic education and vocational
training in prisons can reduce repeat offenses. When criminals are equipped with
employable skills, they are less likely to return to crime.
2. Rehabilitation Centers: Instead of treating criminals as permanent outcasts, rehab
centers aim to heal mental trauma and reform behavior, particularly in cases involving
substance abuse or juvenile delinquency.
3. Community Support and Counseling: Community-based programs that offer
counseling, mentorship, and employment can create paths for reformed individuals to
re-enter society with dignity.
4. Judicial Reforms: Speedy trials and alternative sentencing like community service or
probation can prevent minor offenders from becoming hardened criminals.
5. Victim-Offender Mediation: Encouraging dialogue between victims and offenders
helps both parties heal and often reduces the desire for revenge or repeated crime.
Impact of Criminal Behaviour on Society
Criminal behavior shakes the foundation of any society. It breeds fear, insecurity, and
mistrust among citizens. High crime rates affect tourism, investment, and overall quality of
life. Children growing up in crime-ridden neighborhoods are more likely to experience
trauma, skip school, or fall into delinquent behavior themselves.
Crime also places a significant burden on the judicial and prison systems, diverting resources
from other critical areas like education and healthcare. Moreover, when society fails to
rehabilitate its offenders, it risks creating a cycle of repeat crimes, thus perpetuating the
problem.
On a psychological level, criminal acts—whether theft, assault, or fraud—undermine the
sense of community and mutual respect that binds people together.
How to Bring Them Into the Mainstream
Integration, not isolation, is key. Former criminals need employment, housing, emotional
support, and social acceptance. Here’s how society can help:
Employment Opportunities: Providing jobs to ex-offenders allows them to rebuild
their lives. Government incentives to employers who hire reformed individuals can
make this more common.
Education and Awareness: Public campaigns can help change the perception of
reformed criminals. Highlighting success stories like that of Arun can reduce stigma.
Mentorship and Peer Support: Connecting ex-offenders with mentors or support
groups can provide a sense of belonging and direction.
Government and NGO Involvement: Welfare programs, training centers, and legal
aid can assist in smooth reintegration.
Cultural and Artistic Platforms: Theatre, music, and writing can offer reformed
individuals creative outlets for expression and healing.
Attitude of Society Towards Criminals
Unfortunately, society often views criminals as irredeemable and dangerous, failing to
differentiate between hardened criminals and those who made poor choices under duress.
This blanket judgment leads to social ostracization, unemployment, and further alienation,
increasing the chances of reoffending.
In “The Rattrap”, the turning point comes when Edla, the ironmaster’s daughter, treats the
protagonist with kindness, dignity, and trust. Her empathy becomes the catalyst for his
transformation. This fictional moment is a powerful metaphor for what real-world acceptance
can do.
To foster change, society must shift its perspective from one of condemnation to one of
cautious compassion. While safety and justice are non-negotiable, so is the belief in human
potential for change.
Conclusion
The study of crime and criminals is not just an academic pursuit but a moral and social
imperative. Like the rattrap in Lagerlöf’s story, the world can tempt and ensnare, but it can
also liberate and heal. Recognizing the causes of crime, implementing effective corrective
measures, and embracing reformation over punishment are crucial steps toward a safer, more
inclusive society.
In the end, how we treat our so-called “criminals” reflects the soul of our society. Justice
must be balanced with empathy, and punishment with the possibility of redemption. Only
then can we truly escape the rattrap ourselves.
