Class 9 English - ODISHA
Poetry: The Snake Trying
The chapter 'The Snake Trying' by W.W. E. Ross, prescribed for Class 9 students under the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) Odisha, is a thought-provoking poem that challenges common misconceptions about snakes. The poem describes a harmless green snake trying to escape from a person pursuing it with a stick. Through vivid imagery, the poet portrays the snake not as a deadly enemy, but as a graceful, beautiful creature of nature that deserves to live. For board exams, this chapter is crucial as it tests students' ability to comprehend poetic devices, appreciate nature, and answer textual and value-based questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Theme of Coexistence
The poem highlights the need for peaceful coexistence between humans and animals, teaching us that not all snakes are poisonous or harmful.
Visual and Kinetic Imagery
The poet uses striking descriptions like 'sudden curvings of thin long body' to help readers visualize the graceful and swift movements of the escaping snake.
Irony of Human Fear
It explores the irony that humans fear snakes and attack them instantly, even when the snake is merely trying to protect itself and escape.
Poetic Form and Free Verse
The poem is written in free verse, lacking a fixed rhyme scheme or meter, which gives it a natural, flowing rhythm mimicking the snake's movement.
Conservation of Nature
It serves as an environmental message urging students to respect wildlife and stop the needless killing of harmless creatures.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the BSE Odisha Class 9 English examination, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer questions based on stanza comprehension, and long or value-based questions about the central theme and the poet's message regarding animal cruelty and conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the snake in the poem poisonous?
No, the snake is a harmless green snake that is trying to escape from being hurt.
Why is the snake described as 'beautiful' and 'graceful'?
The poet uses these adjectives to highlight the natural elegance of the snake's curved movements and its bright green color against the green reeds.
What is the central message of the poem 'The Snake Trying'?
The central message is that humans should not harm animals out of blind fear and that every creature has a right to live safely in nature.
Learn Poetry: The Snake Trying with Your AI Tutor
10 different ways to study this chapter. Free for 3 chapters per day.
Lecture
Key Points
Interactive
Quiz
Flashcards