Class 9 English - HARYANA
Prose: The Snake and the Mirror
The Snake and the Mirror is a humorous and engaging story by Vaikom Basheer about a young, proud homoeopathic doctor. The narrative revolves around a terrifying encounter when a deadly snake coils around his arm while he is admiring himself in front of a mirror. The chapter highlights themes of human vanity, fear, and the irony of fate, showing how close proximity to danger can humble a person. For Haryana Board (BSEH) exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, character analysis, and understanding underlying moral lessons through short and long answer questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Homoeopathy
A system of alternative medicine that the protagonist newly practices, earning him a meager income and forcing him to live in a poorly equipped rented room.
Human Vanity
The doctor's excessive pride in his appearance, such as deciding to shave daily, grow a thin mustache, and always keep a smiling face to look handsome.
The Mirror Reflection
A central motif representing self-admiration and the superficial nature of human pride, which immediately vanishes when real danger appears.
Encounter with Fear
The suspenseful moment when a deadly snake lands on the doctor's shoulder and wraps around his left arm, turning him into a stone statue due to sheer terror.
Irony and Humor
The comedic twist at the end when the snake looks into the mirror, seemingly admiring its own beauty, which allows the doctor to escape safely.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Haryana (BSEH) Class 9 English exams, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include reading comprehension passages, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer questions about the doctor's thoughts and reactions, and long answer questions focusing on the central theme of humor and vanity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the two important 'decisions' the doctor made regarding his appearance?
The doctor decided to shave daily and grow a thin mustache to look more handsome, and to always keep an attractive smile on his face.
Why did the doctor compare himself to a stone statue?
The doctor became completely motionless and held his breath out of extreme fear when the snake coiled tightly around his left arm, making him feel as lifeless as a stone.
Why did the snake release the doctor's arm and crawl towards the mirror?
The snake was apparently attracted to its own reflection in the mirror, wanting to enjoy its own beauty or perhaps take a closer look, which distracted it from the doctor.
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