The Snake and the Mirror Summary and Important Questions for class 9th
The Snake and the Mirror penned by
the acclaimed Indian author Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, a brief narrative that
flows naturally while exploring deep themes of fear, self-discovery, and the
strange dance between the familiar and the unknown. With a sharp sense of human
nature and a lighthearted touch, Basheer creates a story that transports the
reader inside the protagonist's head as he struggles to deal with an unexpected
and terrifying invader.
The Snake and the Mirror Summary and Important Questions-This story explores themes beyond
the literal, such as the foolishness of fear, the transformational power of
introspection, and the unexpected connections that can arise in the face of the
unknown. It is set against the backdrop of a modest residence and a fortuitous
encounter with a snake. The universal themes of human fragility, the
irrationality of fear, and the possibility of self-discovery in the most
unexpected circumstances confront us as we peel back the layers of this story.
Come along as we unpack the subtleties of "The Snake and the Mirror,"
a story that asks readers to look into the mirror of their own anxieties and
maybe discover surprising insight in the most unlikely of situations.
The Snake and the Mirror Summary
The Snake and the Mirror Start with
the narrator, A young man with a limited income who lives with his parents. He
talks about his little home, which includes a courtyard, a garden with a few
coconut palms, and a tin roof. He chooses to relate an incident that happened
while he was living in a little, rented house one day as he is telling his
story.
The Snake and the Mirror Summary and Important Questions-The narrator tells the story of how
a relative gave him a windfall in the form of a gold mohur, or currency. He
chooses to buy a little mirror with the money and places it on the wall of his
room. The narrator, who thinks highly of himself and takes pride in his
appearance, becomes fascinated by the mirror.
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One night, the narrator is alone in
his room when he notices a snake slithering into the room through a hole in the
wall. Panic-stricken, he tries to escape but realizes that the snake is
positioned between him and the door. Unable to flee, he retreats to a corner of
the room, terrified by the presence of the snake.
To distract himself from the fear,
the narrator looks into the mirror and is surprised to see his own frightened
reflection. This moment of self-reflection brings a sense of absurdity to the
situation, and the narrator begins to see the humor in his own fear. The snake,
meanwhile, appears to be exploring the room and is uninterested in the
narrator.
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The Snake and the Mirror Summary and Important Questions-As the night progresses, the
narrator continues to observe the snake's movements. He notices its markings,
its quiet and non-aggressive behavior, and begins to feel a strange connection
with the creature. The fear that initially gripped him starts to subside,
replaced by a sense of curiosity and empathy towards the snake.
The snake, too, seems to lose interest in the narrator and eventually slithers out of the room through the same hole it entered. The narrator, left alone, reflects on the absurdity of the situation and the irrational fear that had consumed him earlier. He realizes that the fear of the unknown, whether it be the snake or other aspects of life, can be more paralyzing than the actual threat itself.
The Snake and the Mirror Summary and Important Questions-The story concludes with the
narrator expressing gratitude for the presence of the snake. He acknowledges
that the incident, though frightening at first, brought about a moment of
self-awareness and a realization of the transient nature of fear.
Characters in The Snake and the Mirror
1. The Narrator:
The unnamed narrator is a young man
who resides in a small, rented house. He earns a modest living and leads a
simple life. The story is recounted from his perspective. Initially portrayed
as somewhat self-absorbed due to his fascination with a newly acquired mirror,
he undergoes a significant transformation when faced with the unexpected
presence of a snake in his room. His character serves as the lens through which
readers experience the unfolding events, and it is his emotional journey that
forms the core of the narrative.
2. The Snake:
The snake is the unexpected visitor
that enters the narrator's room through a hole in the wall. Its presence
triggers a strong fear response in the narrator, setting the stage for the
central conflict. As the story progresses, the snake's behavior contrasts
sharply with the narrator's initial apprehensions, highlighting the theme of
the irrationality of fear. The snake becomes a symbolic presence, representing
the unknown and prompting the narrator's introspection.
3. William Parcher (Imaginary Character):
Though not explicitly mentioned in
"The Snake and the Mirror," it's worth noting that there is an
absence of secondary characters or external influences in the narrative. Unlike
some of Basheer's other works, this story is more focused on the internal
thoughts and emotions of the narrator. The narrator briefly mentions his
financial status and his ordinary life but doesn't delve into detailed
interactions with other individuals.
The Snake and the Mirror Important Questions and Answers
1. What were the things the doctor had with him at the time of
incident?
The doctor had sixty rupees, some
shirts, dhotis and a black- coloured coat with him at the time of incident.
2. How did the doctor show the presence of mind when he
encountered the snake?
The doctor showed great presence of
mind on seeing the snake. He neither jumped nor cried out. He sat on the chair
holding his breath. His body was still but his mind remained very active.
3. Why did the snake leave the doctor’s arm?
The snake left the doctor’s arm
because it saw its reflection in the mirror and was fascinated by it and so
wanted to enjoy its own reflection by having a closer look.
4. Has the author given a suitable ending to the story ‘The
Snake and the Mirror’?
Yes, I think the author has given a suitable ending to the story ‘The Snake and the Mirror’ for two reasons. Firstly, he gives a soft twist by bringing the character of the thief into the story. Secondly, it infuses the ending with humour and gives a happy ending to the story. The thief’s stealing everything else other than the author’s vest not only infuses laughter but also mellows down the seriousness of the incident.
The author also says that he didn’t see the snake again and that it
was taken by a beauty again makes the ending humorous. Had the ending been
serious, it wouldn’t have matched the light attitude of the author that
prevailed from the beginning.
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