Class 9 English - PUNJAB
Poetry: The Snake Trying
The chapter 'Poetry: The Snake Trying' by W.W. E. Ross is a beautiful and thoughtful poem prescribed for Class 9 students under the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB). The poem describes a harmless green snake attempting to escape from a person chasing it with a stick. Through vivid imagery, the poet highlights the beauty and grace of the snake's movements, urging the reader to change their perception that all snakes are dangerous and venomous. For board exams, this chapter is crucial as it tests students' understanding of poetic devices, central themes, and stanza-wise comprehension through short and long answer questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Theme of Coexistence
The poem promotes compassion towards all living creatures, teaching us that harmless animals like the green snake deserve to live without fear.
Visual Imagery
The poet uses descriptive words like 'gliding gracefully', 'thin paper reeds', and 'green fade' to paint a clear picture of the snake's movement in the reader's mind.
Misconception About Snakes
It addresses the common human fear and instant reaction to kill any snake, revealing that most snakes are actually harmless to humans.
Poetic Devices (Free Verse)
The poem is written in free verse, lacking a fixed rhyme scheme or meter, which gives it a natural and conversational flow.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Punjab (PSEB) Class 9 English board examinations, poetry chapters typically carry around 4 to 6 marks. Questions commonly include reference to the context (stanzas with questions), central idea of the poem, short answer questions about the snake's actions, and character/theme-based inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central idea of the poem 'The Snake Trying'?
The central idea is that not all snakes are poisonous and dangerous. The poet wants us to stop harming them and appreciate their beauty and right to live peacefully.
Where does the snake finally hide to save itself?
The snake hides among the green reeds growing in the water to escape the person chasing it with a stick.
Is the snake mentioned in the poem poisonous?
No, the snake is a small, harmless green snake that tries desperately to get away from the pursuer.
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