Introduction:
In the story "The Snake and the Mirror" from NCERT Solutions Chapter 5, the doctor's statement, "Death lurked four inches away," is significant as it reflects the danger and fear he experiences upon discovering a snake near him while he is shaving.

Details:
1. The doctor's routine: The doctor is depicted as a middle-aged man who leads a monotonous life. Every morning, he follows a routine of shaving in front of a small mirror hanging on the wall.

2. The unexpected encounter: One morning, while the doctor is shaving, he notices a snake's reflection in the mirror. He realizes that the snake is just four inches away from his bare neck. This discovery startles him and fills him with fear.

3. The snake as a symbol: The snake in the story serves as a symbol of danger and mortality. It represents the unpredictable nature of life and the presence of death that can strike at any moment.

4. The doctor's reaction: The doctor, upon seeing the snake, freezes in fear. He becomes acutely aware of his vulnerability and the proximity of death. He is unable to move or even breathe, as the fear paralyzes him.

5. The struggle to stay still: The doctor realizes that any sudden movement might provoke the snake and lead to a fatal attack. He tries to maintain his composure and stay as still as possible, hoping that the snake would eventually leave or lose interest.

6. Contemplation of mortality: While immobilized, the doctor's mind races with thoughts of mortality and the fragility of life. He reflects on the uncertainties of existence and how easily life can be snatched away, even during the most mundane activities.

7. Escaping the imminent danger: After what feels like an eternity, the doctor finally gathers the courage to slowly move away from the mirror, maintaining his stillness. He manages to escape the snake's immediate reach and rushes out of the room, filled with relief and gratitude for his narrow escape.

Conclusion:
The doctor's statement, "Death lurked four inches away," captures the intense fear and realization of mortality he experiences upon discovering a snake near him while shaving. It highlights the unpredictability of life and the ever-present danger that can abruptly end one's existence. The encounter serves as a reminder to appreciate and value life, as it can be taken away in an instant.

No sooner had the Doctor turned around than a fat snake wrigled over the back of his chair and landed on his hand. The snake was hardly four inches away from him. The Doctor was so terrified that he started praying to god for his well-being and tried to write "O, God" in his heart. The Doctor was thinking about what would happen if the snake were to bite his hand. There was no medicine to treat the wound as he was a poor mendicant with a meagre income. In such a situation he would die immediately. Death (Snake) was waiting for him four inches away. That is why he said that "Death lurked four inches away".