Snake and The Mirror Class IX English Lesson CBQs
Question 1: Comprehension
Q: Describe the setting of the story "The Snake and the Mirror." How does it contribute to the overall atmosphere of the narrative?
A: The setting of the story is the narrator’s small, poorly furnished room. It is described as having a tiled roof, a bed, a mirror, and a few other basic amenities. The room’s simplicity and the quiet night create an atmosphere of solitude and vulnerability. This setting is crucial as it heightens the tension when the snake appears, making the encounter more dramatic and terrifying. The dim lighting and the stillness of the night add to the suspense, enhancing the reader's engagement with the story.
Question 2: Character Analysis
Q: Analyze the character of the narrator in "The Snake and the Mirror." How do his thoughts and actions reflect his personality?
A: The narrator is a homeopathic doctor who exhibits a mix of vanity, fear, and rationality. Initially, he is absorbed in admiring himself in the mirror, reflecting his vanity and self-importance. His reaction to the snake—paralysis and then a desperate prayer—shows his fear and vulnerability. However, his later reflections on the incident reveal his ability to laugh at himself, indicating a sense of humility and self-awareness. Overall, the narrator comes across as a relatable and human character, with both strengths and flaws.
Question 3: Critical Thinking
Q: Discuss the role of irony in "The Snake and the Mirror." How does it enhance the story?
A: Irony plays a significant role in "The Snake and the Mirror." One of the main instances of irony is the contrast between the narrator’s self-admiration and his helplessness when faced with the snake. He is preoccupied with his looks and imagines himself as a great, handsome doctor, but when the snake coils around his arm, he is utterly helpless and terrified. This irony underscores the theme of human vulnerability and the unpredictability of life. It adds a layer of humor and depth to the story, making the narrator’s eventual self-deprecation and laughter at his past vanity even more poignant.
Question 4: Theme Exploration
Q: What is the main theme of "The Snake and the Mirror"? How is this theme developed through the story?
A: The main theme of "The Snake and the Mirror" is the unpredictability of life and human vulnerability. This theme is developed through the unexpected appearance of the snake, which disrupts the narrator’s mundane evening. The narrator’s initial vanity and subsequent terror highlight the fragility of human life and the illusion of control. The story also touches on themes of humility and self-awareness, as the narrator later reflects on the incident with a sense of humor and acceptance of his own human weaknesses.
Question 5: Personal Response
Q: How would you have reacted if you were in the narrator’s position? Explain your reasoning.
A: (This answer can be personalized by the student.) If I were in the narrator’s position, I might have reacted with the same initial fear and paralysis, as the sudden appearance of a snake would be terrifying for anyone. However, I would hope to quickly gather my wits and carefully plan my movements to avoid startling the snake, seeking a way to safely remove it or escape the situation. This reasoning is based on the need to stay calm and composed in emergencies to ensure personal safety.
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