The Snake and the Mirror: Depiction of Pride and Vanity

The chapter "The Snake and the Mirror" by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer explores the themes of pride and vanity through the experiences of a man who encounters a snake while looking at himself in a mirror. The story highlights the consequences of being consumed by one's own appearance and ego.

Pride and Vanity as the Central Themes
The central theme of the story revolves around the protagonist's pride and vanity, which are portrayed through several incidents.

The Man's Obsession with His Appearance
The man in the story is portrayed as someone who is deeply concerned about his appearance. He spends a considerable amount of time admiring himself in front of a mirror, often neglecting his other responsibilities. His obsession with his looks reflects his vanity and self-centeredness.

The Encounter with the Snake
During one of his self-absorbed sessions in front of the mirror, the man suddenly notices a snake slithering towards him. Instead of panicking or seeking help, his initial reaction is to protect his appearance. He tries to maintain his composure and continues to admire himself, ignoring the imminent danger.

Pride and Arrogance in the Face of Danger
The man's pride and arrogance become evident as he underestimates the snake's potential threat. He believes that his appearance is so captivating that even a deadly snake would be captivated by it. This arrogance leads him to disregard the danger he is in, emphasizing his inflated sense of self-worth.

The Humbling Experience
As the story progresses, the snake eventually reaches the man and bites him. This incident serves as a humbling experience for the man. He is confronted with the harsh reality that his pride and vanity have not protected him from harm. The snake's bite shatters his illusions of invincibility and exposes the consequences of his self-absorption.

Reflection on Pride and Vanity
"The Snake and the Mirror" serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the pitfalls of pride and vanity. The man's obsession with his appearance leads to his downfall, as his self-centeredness blinds him to the dangers around him. The story highlights the importance of humility and the perils of being consumed by one's own ego.

In conclusion, "The Snake and the Mirror" effectively portrays the themes of pride and vanity through the character's obsession with his appearance and his arrogant behavior in the face of danger. The story serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from being consumed by one's own self-image and emphasizes the significance of humility.