Class 9 English - ANDHRA-PRADESH
Poetry: The Snake Trying
The chapter 'Poetry: The Snake Trying' by W.W. E. Ross, prescribed for Class 9 students under the Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) board, explores the theme of harmlessness and human cruelty towards animals. The poem describes a beautiful green snake trying to escape from a pursuing stick. The poet urges the reader to see that not all snakes are poisonous or dangerous, highlighting how fear often drives humans to attack innocent creatures. For board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing comprehension, poetic devices, and the student's ability to interpret the deeper moral message about coexistence with nature.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Pursuit and Escape
The poem captures a dramatic moment where a snake is chased by someone wielding a stick, desperately trying to slither away and hide in the green reeds.
Harmlessness of the Snake
The poet emphasizes that the snake is small, green, and completely harmless, even to children, challenging the common misconception that all snakes are deadly.
Poetic Compassion
W.W. E. Ross evokes sympathy for the creature, asking the pursuer to let the snake go safely over the water and into the reeds without harming it.
Visual Imagery
The poet uses vivid descriptions like 'sudden curvings of thin long body' to help the reader visualize the graceful and rapid movements of the fleeing snake.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) Class 9 English exams, this chapter typically carries about 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include reading comprehension passages with short-answer questions, annotation of key lines from the poem, and paragraph-length questions focusing on the central theme of animal cruelty and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the snake trying to escape in the poem?
The snake is trying to escape because a person is chasing it with a stick to kill or hurt it.
Is the snake poisonous or dangerous?
No, the poet clearly states that the snake is harmless and even small children are safe from it.
What is the central message of 'The Snake Trying'?
The central message is that humans should not harm animals out of blind fear and ignorance; we must learn to coexist peacefully with nature.
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