Humour in "The Snake and The Mirror"

The story "The Snake and The Mirror" by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer contains several instances of humour that add a light-hearted touch to the narrative. Through these humorous elements, the author engages the readers and creates an enjoyable reading experience.

1. Comical Situations:
The story revolves around the protagonist, Dr. Raman, who finds a snake in his room. The comical situations arise when Dr. Raman tries various unsuccessful methods to get rid of the snake. He first attempts to hit it with a stick, but misses and hits his mirror instead. This leads to a series of hilarious events, as he tries to fix the broken mirror while dealing with the snake.

2. Irony:
Irony is another element of humour in the story. Dr. Raman, who is a doctor himself, becomes terrified at the mere sight of the snake. This irony is highlighted when the author mentions that Dr. Raman, who had treated patients with snake bites countless times, now finds himself in great fear of a harmless snake.

3. Dr. Raman's Reactions:
Dr. Raman's exaggerated reactions to the snake add to the humour in the story. He panics and jumps on his bed, carefully avoiding any contact with the snake. His fear is so intense that he even considers jumping off the balcony to escape the snake. These exaggerated reactions and the contrast between his medical profession and his fear of the snake create a humorous effect.

4. Language and Dialogue:
The author's use of language and dialogue also contributes to the humour in the story. The conversations between Dr. Raman and the snake are amusing. Dr. Raman pleads with the snake to leave, promising not to harm it. The snake, of course, does not understand his pleas, but the humorous dialogue between the two adds a light-hearted tone to the narrative.

Overall, the humour in "The Snake and The Mirror" helps to alleviate the tension created by the presence of the snake. It adds a touch of entertainment and keeps the readers engaged throughout the story. The comical situations, irony, Dr. Raman's reactions, and the humorous language and dialogue make this story an enjoyable read.