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

Q1. What was the doctor thinking while he was seated before the mirror ?

Ans: The doctor was preoccupied with thoughts about the various medicines he possessed and whether any could save him if the snake bit him. He also came to the realisation that God was punishing him for his pride and arrogance.

Q2. Justify the title of the story ‘The Snake and the Mirror’.

Ans: The story centres around the narrator, the snake, and the mirror. The narrator hears familiar sounds, including a dull thud, and suddenly a snake lands on his shoulder. Terrified, he remains still, feeling the presence of death just inches away. In that moment, he forgets his fear and smiles weakly. The snake then approaches the mirror, seemingly eager to admire its own reflection. This connection between the snake and the mirror is what justifies the title, as the entire narrative revolves around their interaction.

Q3. How did the doctor show the presence of mind when he encountered the snake ?

Ans: The doctor demonstrated remarkable presence of mind when he encountered the snake. Instead of panicking, he remained calm, sitting still in his chair and holding his breath. Although his body was motionless, his mind was highly alert as he assessed the situation.

When the snake coiled around his arm, he did not react with fear; he simply observed its movements. His calmness allowed him to think clearly, and he quietly left the room, escaping to safety. This ability to remain composed in a moment of danger highlights his quick thinking and self-control.

Q4. How did the snake change the writer’s opinion about himself ?

Ans: The writer, initially proud of being a doctor, felt a shift in his self-perception after encountering the snake. This experience made him feel humble and question his worth, leading him to see himself as a foolish and stupid doctor unworthy of pride in his profession.

Q5. While looking into the mirror, what important and earth-shaking decisions did the doctor make ?

Ans: The doctor made two significant decisions while looking in the mirror. Firstly, he decided to shave daily and grow a thin moustache to enhance his appearance, believing it would make him look more handsome. Secondly, he resolved to always maintain an attractive smile on his face.

Q6. What did the doctor do on seeing the snake ?

Ans: The doctor noticed the snake's reflection in the mirror. Curious, he got up to take a closer look. However, upon seeing the snake, he quickly ran away from the house.

Q7. What type of woman did the doctor in the story “The Snake and the Mirror”, want to get married to and why?

Ans: The doctor, who was financially stable and had a successful medical practice, desired to marry a fat woman. His reasoning was that if he ever made a mistake and needed to escape, she would be unable to chase him down and prevent his getaway.

Q8. Why did the author of “The Snake and the Mirror” fantasize a fat woman as his wife ?

Ans: The author of “The Snake and the Mirror” imagines a fat woman as his wife because he believes she would be unable to chase him if he made mistakes. This way, he would avoid any potential punishments. Thus, the idea of a fat wife provides him with a sense of security and freedom from consequences.

Q9. Why did the snake leave the doctor’s arm?

Ans: The snake left the doctor’s arm because it saw its own reflection in the mirror. Fascinated by its appearance, the snake wanted to enjoy its reflection up close. This moment highlights the snake's curiosity and perhaps a sense of self-admiration.

Q10. What made the doctor utter “Death lurked four inches away” ?

Ans: The doctor found himself motionless as a snake coiled around him. Though his body was still, his mind was alert, fully aware that any slight movement could provoke a bite. This precarious situation led him to utter the words, “Death lurked four inches away.” He realised that there were no medicines available, leaving him feeling foolish and vulnerable.

Q11. “Birds of the same feather flock together” goes the saying. Does the encounter between the snake and the doctor in the story “The Snake and the Mirror” support the saying? Why or why not ?

Ans: Yes, the story supports the saying, which implies that individuals with similar habits and tastes tend to associate with one another. The doctor, who enjoyed self-appreciation, was unable to resist the urge to gaze at his reflection in the mirror. He made various decisions to enhance his appearance. Similarly, the snake coiled around the doctor's arm and stared at its own reflection for an extended period, seemingly admiring its beauty. The snake became so absorbed in its own image that it forgot the reason for visiting the doctor's house.

Q12. Without mirror, the story will lose its charm and reality. Justify?

Ans: The story would lose its charm and reality without the mirror because it captivates both the doctor and the snake. The doctor makes two significant decisions: he decides to shave daily and grow a thin moustache to enhance his looks, and he resolves to keep a smile on his face while admiring himself in the mirror. Meanwhile, the snake is drawn to its own reflection, leaving the doctor's arm to sit on the table in front of the mirror. This moment provides the doctor with a chance to escape and save himself. Therefore, the narrative is deeply intertwined with the mirror, making it an essential element of the story.

Q13. God has a lot of ways of controlling Our lines. Discuss this in the light of the story ‘The Snake and the Mirror’?

Ans: Our life is undoubtedly in the hands of God, who is the supreme power guiding our existence. Sometimes, like the young doctor in the story, we forget this truth. He mistakenly believed he was in control of his future while standing proudly before the mirror. The snake in the tale represents God's control over him, serving as a reminder of his mortality. It highlighted that he was closer to death than he realised, illustrating that he was not the true master of his life.