Class 9 English - RAJASTHAN
Prose: The Snake and the Mirror
The Snake and the Mirror by Vaikom Basheer is a humorous and thrilling story about a young, proud homoeopathic doctor. While sitting in his newly rented, poorly lit room, a full-blooded cobra drops from the beam onto his shoulder and coils around his left arm. Facing certain death, the doctor undergoes a profound transformation, realizing his foolish vanity and appreciating the grace of God. For Rajasthan (RBSE) Class 9 students, this chapter is crucial for board preparation as it tests comprehension of humor, suspense, narrative irony, and character development through direct questions and extract-based exercises.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Narrative Irony
The sharp contrast between the doctor's initial pride in his looks and profession, and his sheer helplessness and terror when faced with the snake.
Self-Admiration and Vanity
The doctor's obsession with his appearance, showcased by his decision to shave daily, grow a thin mustache, and smile attractively in front of the mirror.
The Encounter with Death
The terrifying moment when the cobra sits on the doctor's shoulder, turning him into a stone statue, highlighting how fragile human life is.
The Snake's Narcissism
The humorous climax where the snake unwraps itself from the doctor's arm, crawls to the table, and gets captivated by its own reflection in the mirror.
Humour and Suspense
The blending of a life-threatening situation with comic relief, making the narrative engaging and memorable for readers.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Rajasthan (RBSE) Class 9 English exams, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions often include short-answer questions about the doctor's thoughts, extract-based comprehension, and long-answer questions focusing on the central theme of humor and the transformation in the doctor's character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made the doctor look into the mirror repeatedly?
The doctor was newly married (though actually unmarried) and proud of his appearance, so he wanted to look handsome and attractive by admiring himself in the mirror.
Why did the snake leave the doctor's arm?
The snake saw its reflection in the mirror on the table and was drawn to it, unwrapping itself from the doctor's arm to look closer at itself.
What three major thoughts crossed the doctor's mind when the snake was on his arm?
The doctor thought about his helplessness, the absence of any medicine in his room for snakebite, and finally considered God as a presence protecting him.
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