Class 9 English Chapter 5 Question Answers - The Snake and the Mirror

Q1. What was the doctor’s opinion about himself? How did this opinion change after his encounter with the snake?

Ans: The doctor had a high opinion of himself, especially about his appearance and profession. Proud of his looks, he often admired himself in the mirror, confident as an eligible bachelor. His status as a doctor fueled his arrogance and sense of superiority.

However, his pride crumbled after a terrifying encounter with a cobra. When the snake coiled around his arm, his arrogance vanished. Confronted with death, he realised his vulnerability and the power of God. The absence of medicine for a snakebite deepened his helplessness. This humbling experience transformed him into a more humble and God-fearing person.

Q2. What kind of room was the doctor living in and why did he decide to leave that room?

Ans: The doctor lived in a small, uncomfortable, and unhygienic room. His medical practice was not yet established, so he could not afford better accommodation. The room lacked electricity, forcing him to use a kerosene lamp for light. It was situated on the outer side of the house, with one wall facing the yard. The roof was tiled and supported by long gables resting on a beam, but there was no ceiling, allowing rats to move freely above, constantly squeaking. Although the doctor disliked these poor conditions, he felt he had no choice at the time.

However, after a terrifying encounter with a snake, he decided to leave. The fear and danger he experienced compelled him to seek safety at a friend's house. From that moment, he resolved never to return to that room.

Q3. What kind of woman did the doctor want to marry? What does it show about his character? What kind of a wife did he eventually get?

Ans: The doctor, proud of his appearance and profession, wished to marry a wealthy lady doctor with a successful practice. He humorously desired a fat wife, believing that if he made a mistake and needed to escape, she wouldn't be able to catch him. This reveals that he was somewhat status-conscious and practical regarding wealth in marriage. His preference for a fat wife also highlighted his playful sense of humour and light-hearted outlook on life.

However, the doctor’s actual wife was quite different from his ideal. While it is unclear if she was a doctor, she was definitely thin, resembling a sprinter, which was the complete opposite of what he had envisioned.

Q4. What are the similarities between the behaviour of the doctor and of the snake? 
Or 
Do you think both the doctor and the snake had some common qualities? Why/Why not?

Ans: The behaviour of the doctor and the snake exhibited notable similarities. Both were fascinated by their reflections in the mirror. The doctor often admired his appearance, driven by vanity and a desire to look handsome. Similarly, the snake appeared mesmerised by its own reflection, pausing to gaze at itself. The doctor humorously speculated that the snake might be contemplating important decisions about its appearance, such as growing a moustache or using makeup.

Ultimately, both the doctor and the snake displayed narcissistic tendencies. The doctor's obsession with his looks put him in a perilous situation, while the snake, enchanted by its own beauty, released the doctor and focused on its reflection. This parallel underscores their shared vanity.

Q5. Why did the snake not strike the doctor although it was so near his face? 
Or 
Which qualities and values of the doctor saved his life?

Ans: The snake didn’t strike the doctor, even though it was dangerously close to his face, because the doctor remained absolutely still and calm. He showed remarkable presence of mind by not panicking or making any sudden movements that could have alarmed the snake. Snakes typically strike only in self-defence, and the doctor’s stillness assured the snake that it wasn’t in danger. Despite feeling fear, the doctor’s patience, self-control, and courage prevented him from reacting rashly. He didn’t attempt to remove the snake or loosen its grip from his arm, which might have provoked an attack. Instead, he stayed motionless, allowing the snake to lose interest and slither away. His composure ultimately saved his life in this life-threatening situation.

Q6. Write a note on the element of humour in the story. 
Or 
This story about a frightening incident is narrated in a humorous way. What makes it humorous?

Ans: In The Snake and the Mirror by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, humor enlivens a tense, frightening incident. The doctor’s self-deprecating remarks and contrasts drive this humor. His vanity about his looks and profession is comically undercut by his helplessness before the snake, transforming arrogance into humility. His dream of marrying a wealthy, plump lady doctor humorously clashes with the reality of his agile, thin wife. The doctor’s wit shines as he jokes about a thief leaving his dirty vest behind for “cleanliness” and quips about the snake pondering a moustache. These elements make the story both engaging and entertaining.

Q7. “I looked into the mirror and smiled”, says the doctor. A little later he says, “I forgot my danger and smiled feebly at myself”. What is the doctor’s opinion about himself when he smiles first and then later? In what way do his thoughts change in between, and why?

Ans: When the doctor first looked into the mirror and smiled, he felt a sense of self-admiration. He was proud of his good looks and believed he deserved to be well-groomed. This initial smile showed his vanity and confidence. However, after encountering the snake, his thoughts changed significantly. When he smiled feebly at himself later, it was a sign of humility and self-awareness. He had confronted his own mortality, making his earlier pride seem insignificant. He realised how foolish he had been, especially when he noticed he was unprepared for emergencies, like a snakebite, as he lacked the necessary medicines. This second smile reflected his newfound humility and recognition of the frivolity that had previously defined his life.