Long Answer Question - The Snake Trying | English Literature for Grade 9 PDF Download

Q.1. The poem “The Snake Trying” by W.W.E. Ross presents two divergent attitudes towards the snake. Discuss both attitudes.
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How does the attitude of the poet towards the snake differ absolutely from that of the man with the stick?
Ans. The poem The Snake Trying” by W.W.E. Ross presents two divergent attitudes towards the snake. The man with the stick shows a cruel and unsympathetic attitude, He believes that all snakes are poisonous and a threat to human beings. Therefore, although this particular snake is lying comfortably on the sandy bank of the pond with no intention of harming anyone, the man gets ready to kill him the moment he sees him.
The poet, on the contrary, has a loving and kind attitude towards the snake. He does not find it to be ugly or terrifying. Instead, he finds beauty and elegance in his body and displays appreciation for the appealing looks of this creature.
Moreover, the poet seems to have a thorough knowledge of the behaviour of the different varieties of snakes. He informs the man with the stick that the snakes with thin, green bodies are absolutely harmless and cannot harm even children. He does not want such a harmless snake to be killed. Instead, he should be permitted to escape to safety by hiding himself among the reeds.

Q.2. Which values can be noticed about the poet from his attitude towards snakes?
Ans. The poet’s concern and caring attitude towards the snakes emphasize his values of gentleness, kindness, and sympathy. His thoughtfulness towards all living beings can also be noticed after reading this poem. We know that his thoughts are based on sound scientific reasons when he tells that all snakes are not poisonous. The small and green ones, in particular, are absolutely safe and cannot harm even children.
We learn that the poet is an environmentalist and believes in the preservation of animals when he dissuades the man with the stick from killing the snake.
His profound sense of love for the innocent snake is also revealed when he requests the man to let the snake go and hide amidst the slim, green reeds. The poet’s deep understanding of the behaviour of snakes can be seen when he remarks that the snake can camouflage and deceive the hostile person by merging itself into the green reeds.
The poet, with his great concern for the snake, inspires the readers to develop the values of love and concern towards all living beings.

Q.3. The poem “The Snake Trying” has a deep moral lesson. Which moral values come out of it?
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How is the poem “The Snake Trying” an inspirational poem?
Ans. The poem has a deep moral lesson as it inspires the reader to cultivate a sympathetic and loving attitude towards all living creatures. The poet shows how there is beauty in all creations of God, even in the curling and curving body of the snake. He wants this beauty to be preserved. The poet’s plea to the man chasing the snake is, in fact, his request to all to preserve the diversity of nature.
The poem inspires in readers a sense of justice by stressing that killing an innocent snake without any provocation is unfair. Animals may be killed only for self-defense, else they must be saved. The poem further motivates the readers to attain deep knowledge about the phenomenon of nature. By gaining a thorough knowledge, one may be able to distinguish between the harmful and the harmless animals.
Thus, the poem motivates people to adopt humanistic and friendly feelings towards all living creatures.

Q.4. Do you agree that a snake does not want to bite man, it bites man only when it feels that man is going to kill it?
Ans. I agree with this statement that a snake does not bite a man unless it feels that a man is going to kill it. But people are of the opinion that all snakes are poisonous and it is their nature to bite a man. So, they want to kill them. Though it is also true that it is very difficult to decide on which snake is poisonous and which one is not. Even if a snake is poisonous, it does not bite anyone, if it is not disturbed. So we should not kill a snake as soon as we see it.

Q.5. Snakes are not harmful to human beings and we should avoid killing them. Explain with respect to the poem ‘Snake Trying’.
Ans. In this poem, someone tries to hit a snake with a stick. But the snake saves itself from the pursuing stick and escapes into the reeds. The snake is small and hides and the poet feels that he is harmless even to children. Snakes are shy creatures and avoid man. Only when they are under threat they try to bite human beings.
Further, they are a friend of the environment. So we should try to avoid killing them. They keep the rat population under check and cause no harm to man.

Q.6. The snake described in the poem The Snake Trying’ is a beautiful creature. Discuss the sympathy and appreciation the poet has for the snake.
Ans. The snake in the poem is described as graceful and beautiful. The poet is said that an attempt is made to hit the snake. He wants the snake to be allowed to go over the water and into the reeds to hide. He does not want the snake to be hurt. The snake is small and green and harmless even to children. Since the snake mentioned in the