Class 9 English - CBSE
Poetry: The Snake Trying
The chapter 'Poetry: The Snake Trying' by W.W.िव and W.W. E. Ross is a thought-provoking poem for Class 9 CBSE students that explores the theme of harmless coexistence between humans and nature. The poem describes a beautiful green snake trying to escape from a pursuing stick-wielding man. The poet highlights that not all snakes are poisonous and urges readers to look past their fear and superstition. For board exams, this chapter is crucial as it tests students' understanding of poetic devices, central themes, and critical appreciation, often appearing in the form of reference-to-context and short answer questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Harmless Nature of Most Snakes
The poet emphasizes that the pursued snake is completely harmless, even to children, dispelling the common myth that all snakes are dangerous.
Human Cruelty and Fear
The poem critiques human instinct to instantly kill or harm creatures like snakes out of irrational fear and lack of awareness.
Poetic Imagery
Vivid descriptions such as 'gliding through the water', 'thin long body', and 'green reed' create a strong visual picture of the graceful snake.
Free Verse Structure
The poem is written in free verse, lacking a fixed rhyme scheme or meter, which gives it a natural, flowing rhythm similar to the movement of a snake.
Alliteration and Epithet
The poet uses literary devices like alliteration ('small and green') and transferred epithet to enhance the musical quality and depth of the poem.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the CBSE Class 9 English Literature exam, questions from this chapter typically carry 2 to 4 marks. Students can expect Reference to Context (RTC) questions based on stanzas, short answer questions testing the theme of compassion towards animals, and value-based questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the snake in the poem poisonous?
No, the poet explicitly mentions that it is a harmless green snake that poses no danger to anyone, even children.
Why is the snake trying to escape?
The snake is trying to escape because a person is chasing it with a stick, intending to hurt or kill it.
What is the message of the poem 'The Snake Trying'?
The poem teaches us not to harm animals out of blind fear and promotes the idea of peaceful coexistence with nature.
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