Class 9 English - TAMILNADU
Poetry: The Snake Trying
The chapter 'Poetry: The Snake Trying' by W.W. E. Ross, prescribed in the Class 9 English syllabus for Tamil Nadu Samacheer Kalvi, depicts a gentle and poignant encounter with a snake. The poet describes how a harmless green snake attempts to escape the pursuing stick of a person. Through vivid imagery, the poem challenges the common misconception that all snakes are dangerous and venomous, urging readers to appreciate nature and practice compassion towards all living creatures. This chapter is vital for board exams as it tests students' ability to comprehend poetic devices, analyze themes, and answer critical thinking questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Theme of Compassion and Coexistence
The poem highlights that not all snakes are poisonous and advocates for peaceful coexistence, teaching us not to harm innocent creatures.
Visual Imagery
The poet uses descriptive words like 'gliding through the water', 'small and green', and 'thin reeds' to create a clear mental picture of the snake.
Enjambment
The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, stanza, or couplet, which helps maintain the smooth, flowing movement of the snake.
Alliteration
The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of adjacent words in lines to add a musical quality to the poem.
Poetic Persona and Tone
The tone of the poem is sympathetic and observant, reflecting the poet's respect and concern for the helpless reptile.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Tamil Nadu (Samacheer Kalvi) Class 9 English Board Examinations, poetry sections typically carry around 15-20 marks. Questions from 'The Snake Trying' usually include 1-mark comprehension or poetic appreciation questions, 2-mark short answer questions based on specific lines, and reference-to-context (RFC) questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the snake in the poem poisonous?
No, the snake is a harmless green water snake that poses no threat to humans.
Why is the snake trying to escape?
The snake is trying to escape from someone who is chasing it with a stick to kill or harm it.
What is the central message of the poem 'The Snake Trying'?
The central message is that humans should not fear or harm all snakes blindly, as many are harmless and deserve 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