Final answer:
The query "The whole is nothing but a big rat trap" is a metaphor and its validity cannot be judged as simply true or false. It suggests a philosophical or literary interpretation of the systems trapping individuals or classes within society, and doesn't have a single, definitive answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "The whole is nothing but a big rat trap" is not a directly factual claim that can be classified as true or false. Instead, this metaphorical assertion likely comes from a piece of literature, social commentary, or a philosophical viewpoint. In literature, such a statement might symbolize a situation or system that entraps individuals, much like how a rat trap ensnares rats.
The description provided of conditions in meat storage rooms refers to poor hygiene and the presence of rats, which could be from Upton Sinclair's novel 'The Jungle,' showcasing how the working class is caught in an oppressive industrial system. An example from physics is the quote describing how different animals, including a rat, are affected by gravity, indicating a metaphorical 'trap' related to the physical limitations and dangers of life. Finally, the description of the Fish Trap II reflects on traditional fishing methods and may be metaphorically comparing life systems to traps that are designed to catch and hold, but potentially with looser confines.