BVM GLOBAL @ BENGALURU

SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

PROJECT FILE (2024-25)

TITLE OF THE : Compassion and love can awaken essential goodness

PROJECT in man

SUBJECT : English

NAME OF THE :
STUDENT

CLASS AND : XII

SECTION

NAME OF THE :
TEACHER

DATE OF :
SUBMISSION
 BVM GLOBAL @
BENGALURU SENIOR
SECONDARY
SCHOOL
CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Project Report titled,

Compassion and love can awaken essential goodness in man written and submitted by of
class XII (Science) bearing Roll No. of BVM Global Higher Secondary
School Bengaluru, for 2024-25 is a genuine work done by her/him under my guidance and
supervision.

He has taken keen interest and has also shown her/his sincerity during the course of
preparation of the project.
The project submitted by him is up to my satisfaction and is as per the guidelines issued by CBSE.

Signature: Signature:
Subject teacher: Principal:

Date: Date:
 BVM GLOBAL @
BENGALURU SENIOR
SECONDARY SCHOOL
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to my subject teacher, for his tremendous support and
assistance in the completion of my project.
I also thank our Principal, , for providing me with thiswonderful opportunity to work on a project
with the topic: Compassion and love can awaken essential goodness in man the completion of
the project would not have been possible without their help and guidance.

Subject: English
Name of Student:
Roll. No:
Date: 30/10/24
 INDEX

S.No. Topic Page

1 Objective 3
2 Author’s biography 4
3 Why do humans err? 5
5 Character sketch of major characters 6-7
6 Similar theme in contemporary literature 8
7 Role of love in human transformation 9
8 Significance of the peddler’s letter 10
9 Bibliography 11

OBJECTIVE

Compassion and love can awaken the essential goodness in man

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 Author’s biography

Born in Mårbacka, Sweden, on November 20, 1858, Selma Lagerlöf was a successful author
who had overcome many real-life obstacles in the form of a hip injury and lameness from the
illness.

Her literary career began with Gösta Berling's Saga in 1891, when she was still 33 years old.
The book immediately catapulted her as a prominent figure among writers. In 1909, she
emerged as the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, and in 1914, she was
granted membership status in the Swedish Academy, the first such member being a woman.

Thus, Lagerlöf's works abound with the immortal good in man-one can easily glance at it in
"The Rattrap," a story set in the iron ore-rich mines of Sweden. Her tales have all the
characteristic features of deep sympathy and moral insight. Lagerlöf leaves behind the belief in
the redeeming power of understanding and love.

She translated several of her works into numerous foreign languages, thus consolidating her
influence upon world literature. Selma Lagerlöf is one of those celebrated figures remembered
for her contribution to literature and as an icon in the typically male-dominated literary field at
that time.

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 Why do humans err?

All sorts of psychological, social, and environmental reasons can give rise to human
misbehaviour. More likely than zero, misbehaviour is a way of communicating needs or unmet
desires that the person doing it cannot say in words. Children can also experiment with
boundaries and get to know the world around by misbehaving. They may have attention-getting
behaviour or are testing limits and seeking affection just the same.

With adults, behaviour may be influenced by stress emotion pain or need for autonomy and
control. Having a sense of freedom expresses the need to rebel and run free from societal
barriers or even personal duties. Behavioural issues are a way for them to mirror what they see
as an unfair situation or challenge the authority that can limit this new-fangled sense of
individuality.

There are critical social and environmental factors as well. Behaviour is influenced by Peer
pressure, Family dynamics — or lack thereof and perhaps even the culture 3. People, for
example, might commit crimes to experience a sense of belonging in a group or out of
resistance against oppressive environments. Moreover, sometimes bad behaviour patterns are
created as the only way to cope with previous.

Once you master the practice of empathy and looking at your child in a different light, it will be
easier to see deeper than their misbehaviour. Acknowledging the deeper needs and feelings
behind that behaviour can move us towards new, healthier responses. It, not just manas
misbehaviour but is also helpful in emotional health and individual development.

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 Character sketch of major characters

1. The Peddler (Rattrap Seller)

- Appearance: The peddler is a vagabond, shabby, and poor. He wears ragged clothes and
appears unkempt.
- Personality: The peddler is cynical and distrustful of the world, believing that life is like a
rattrap, full of traps set by riches and desires. His pessimistic view of life reflects his own
hard circumstances. Despite his tough exterior and occasional wrongdoing, such as stealing
the crofter's money, he retains a deep sense of guilt and morality, which leads him to change
his ways.
- Transformation: The peddler undergoes a significant transformation. Through the kindness
of Edla Willmansson, he experiences a moral awakening, which leads him to return the stolen
money and redeem himself. He signs off as “Captain von Stahle” to honour the dignity she
showed him.
2. The Crofter
- Appearance: The crofter is an old man, living alone in a small cottage near the ironworks.
He is poor but manages to make a living from his cow.
- Personality: The crofter is generous, lonely, and trusting. He welcomes the peddler into his
home, offers him food, and shares stories of his life. His loneliness is evident as he enjoys the
peddler’s company and even shows him the money he earned. However, his trust is betrayed
when the peddler steals the money from him.
3. The Ironmaster
- Appearance: The ironmaster is a wealthy and authoritative man, managing the Ramsjö
Ironworks. He is well-dressed and commands respect.
- Personality: The ironmaster is a strict and proud man, but he also displays a tendency to act
impulsively. Initially, he mistakes the peddler for an old regimental comrade and invites him
to his home. When he realizes his mistake, his pride is hurt, and he becomes harsh and
dismissive. However, his treatment of the peddler changes based on his initial misconception,
showing that his behaviour is tied to status and appearances.
4. Edla Willmansson
- Appearance: Edla is the ironmaster's daughter, described as modest and compassionate.
- Personality: Edla is kind-hearted, empathetic, and possesses an innate sense of human
dignity. Unlike her father, she sees beyond the peddler’s rough exterior and insists on treating
him kindly, regardless of his identity. She is the key figure in the peddler’s transformation, as
her genuine warmth and compassion make him feel valued and inspire him to redeem
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himself. She represents goodness and moral clarity, contrasting with the world’s cynicism.

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 Similar theme in contemporary literature

“A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman

This book is about Ove, a crotchety old man with some qualities of insulation until the
neighbours surround him and friends come into his life. Kindness, redemption… principles
that resonate notably for Ove when he lets his guard down and starts warming up to other
people.
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
World War II historical-fiction novel about two sisters in Nazi-occupied France. The tale also
underscores the strength of humankind and how even small acts of kindness or valour during
trying times can have a significant, positive ripple effect. Laced in every step of the
characters’ journey, are themes around compassion and what morals make us human.
"The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (YA Historical): A book about stealing books, a girl
named Liesel and is narrated by Death during WWII-era Nazi Germany. This is a story about
the strength of words, and how kind they nice to any one person in an unkind world.
“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
Told from the first-person point of view, this book focuses on August "Auggie" Pullman and
his experience attending traditional school for the very first time. This is a story about
tolerance, love and valuing what is inside so that we see the interior of people before judging
their outward appearance.
“The Late Afternoon —The Light We Lost” by Jill Santopolo
The twists & turns of life and love really show up in this modern romance influenced book.
The notion that a little bit of compassion, understanding and generosity can go along way
with someone is highlighted in it.

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 Role of love in human transformation

It is important to realize that love can change a person for better. It helps in self-development
and therapeutic to seek apologies for past errors. For instance, in Selma Lagerlöf's The Rattrap
the peddler reforms his ways when Edla Willmansson treats him with kindness and expresses
her belief in his inherent goodness.

Love teaches people to see the perspectives of others, and so in turn they learn how to
empathize with those around them. It also provides a place of safety in healing, mostly for
those who are hurting emotionally. And, just as humans have done throughout time, the
individual is a far more effective and likely to change (for the better) when it feels loved.

Moreover, love is also the force that drives people to reform when their behaviour hurts
someone, they profess loving. This is seen in The Kite Runner when Amir tries to atone for his
previous sins because of love he feels towards his friend.

When we love, through that selflessness and self-giving behaviour is why people put others
first. At the end of the day love takes down barriers, and provides a safe foothold for positive
change, for being kinder, more accommodating bigger people in big wide world.

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 Significance of the peddler’s letter

Symbol of Redemption
The letter represents the peddler's journey toward redemption. After experiencing kindness
from Edla Willmansson, he reflects on his actions and decides to return the stolen money to
the crofter. By writing the letter, he acknowledges his past mistakes and expresses a desire to
make amends. This act of returning the money symbolizes his transformation and the
awakening of his moral conscience.
Recognition of Kindness
In the letter, the peddler acknowledges the kindness shown to him by Edla. He recognizes
that her compassion and acceptance allowed him to see himself differently, transforming him
from a petty thief into a person capable of goodness. The letter serves as a heartfelt thank
you, highlighting how genuine kindness can inspire change and foster a sense of self-worth.
Reflection on Human Nature
The peddler’s letter also reflects on the complexities of human nature. He compares the world
to a rattrap, filled with temptations that ensnare people. However, through his interaction with
Edla, he learns that love and kindness can break this cycle. The letter signifies his realization
that people are not solely defined by their past actions; they have the capacity for change.
Connection to the Theme of Empathy
The letter emphasizes the theme of empathy present in the story. It shows that understanding
and compassion can lead to personal growth. The peddler, who once viewed the world with
cynicism and distrust, begins to see the value of connection and kindness through Edla's
treatment of him. This newfound understanding is encapsulated in his letter, which serves as
a bridge between his past and his hopes for the future.
A Legacy of Hope
Finally, the letter signifies hope for a better future. By leaving the money and the letter
behind, the peddler not only seeks to rectify his wrongs but also demonstrates the possibility
of transformation in others. It reinforces the idea that everyone has the potential for change
and that love, and compassion can inspire others to break free from the traps of their past.

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 Bibliography

Biography-
https://pantheon.world/profile/person/Selma_Lagerl%C3
%B6f
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Selma-Lagerlof
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selma_Lagerl%C3%B6f

Why do humans err? -

https://blog.teamsatchel.com/pulse/why-do-students-
misbehave
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-great-
parents-do/201612/why-kids-misbehave-and-what-to-
do-about-it
Character Sketch-
https://ncert.nic.in/ncerts/l/lefl104.pdf

Significance of the peddler’s letter-

https://ncert.nic.in/ncerts/l/lefl104.pdf

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