Introduction:
In the story "Snake and the Mirror" by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, the doctor and the snake possess certain qualities that can be compared and analyzed. Let's delve deeper into the similarities between the two characters.

Similarities between the Doctor and the Snake:
1. Loneliness: Both the doctor and the snake experience loneliness. The doctor, being the only tenant in the dilapidated building, leads a solitary life, while the snake lives in isolation in the abandoned mirror.

2. Curiosity: Both characters exhibit curiosity. The doctor is intrigued by the snake's movements in the mirror, and the snake, being a curious creature, explores its surroundings and is captivated by its own reflection.

3. Fear and Vulnerability: The doctor and the snake both feel fear and vulnerability. The presence of the snake in the doctor's room frightens him, and the snake, despite its venomous nature, feels vulnerable due to its entrapment in the mirror.

4. Self-Reflection: The doctor and the snake engage in self-reflection. The doctor reflects upon his own life and contemplates the choices he made that led to his present circumstances. Likewise, the snake, when confronted with its own reflection, becomes introspective and ponders its existence.

5. Desire for Freedom: Both characters yearn for freedom. The doctor, trapped in his monotonous routine, desires liberation from his mundane life, while the snake longs to escape from the mirror and return to its natural habitat.

Contrasting Qualities:
1. Human vs Animal: The doctor possesses human qualities such as introspection, contemplation, and conscious decision-making, whereas the snake represents animalistic instincts and actions.

2. Intellect vs Instincts: The doctor relies on his intellectual capabilities to analyze the situation, whereas the snake operates purely on instinct.

3. Life Experience: The doctor has accumulated life experiences, making him more aware and conscious of his actions and surroundings, while the snake's actions are driven by its natural instincts without the influence of past experiences.

Conclusion:
While the doctor and the snake in "Snake and the Mirror" share certain qualities such as loneliness, curiosity, fear, vulnerability, and self-reflection, they also have distinct differences. The doctor represents human qualities, intellect, and life experiences, while the snake embodies animalistic instincts. These contrasting qualities highlight the complexity of the human-animal dynamic and add depth to the narrative.