Class 9 English - TELANGANA
Poetry: The Snake Trying
The chapter 'Poetry: The Snake Trying' by W.W. E. Ross, prescribed by the Telangana State Board (TSBSE) for Class 9, presents a powerful theme of compassion and coexistence. The poem describes a pursued snake attempting to escape from a stick-wielding chaser. Through vivid imagery, the poet portrays the snake not as a harmful creature of venom and terror, but as a graceful, harmless being trying to survive. This chapter matters for board exams because it tests students' ability to appreciate poetic devices like imagery and free verse, and evaluates their comprehension of critical thinking regarding animal cruelty and empathy.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Theme of Coexistence
The poem highlights that not all snakes are poisonous and aggressive; most creatures only want to live peacefully without harming humans.
Poetic Imagery
The poet uses visual descriptions like 'gliding through the water' and 'thin blue snake' to paint a clear picture of the snake's graceful movements.
Free Verse Structure
The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter, reflecting the natural and unrestricted movement of the snake.
Empathy towards Animals
It teaches students to overcome baseless fears and irrational hatred toward reptiles, fostering kindness towards all living creatures.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Telangana (TSBSE) Class 9 English examinations, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 8 marks. Common question types include annotation of lines (Reference to Context), short answer questions on the central theme, and appreciation questions based on poetic devices used by the author.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the snake in the poem poisonous?
No, the poet explicitly mentions that it is a harmless green snake that poses no threat to humans.
Why is the snake trying to escape?
The snake is trying to escape because someone is chasing it with a stick to harm or kill it.
What is the main message of the poem 'The Snake Trying'?
The main message is that we should not harm animals out of fear and ignorance, as every creature has a right to live.
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