Worksheet Solutions: Poem - The Snake Trying | English Literature for Grade 9 PDF Download

Q.1. What is the poet trying to say through this poem?

The poet trying to convey that not all snakes are poisonous and there therefore we should not kill it. Every specie has a right to live and should be allowed to live unthreatened.

Q.2. What are the reasons that people fear a snake?

Most people fear a snake because we are made to understand that all snakes are poisonous and thus harmful and must be killed when seen.

Q.3. Is the snake in the poem a dangerous one?

The snake in the poem is not a dangerous one. From the title of the poem we get the idea that the snake is the victim and not a hunter.

Q.4. Have you ever seen a snake in your life, what was your reaction?

Though we live in an urban area it is rather difficult to see a snake. However, we get a chance to see the snakes either in the zoo or snake parks or with snake charmers. I am blessed that I had a chance to encounter a live water snake in a lake beside our neighborhood. It was resting on the branch of a tree when went there to swim. The scene was so beautiful and mesmerizing that I kept watching it forgot the purpose. Then suddenly a team of two three boys came and tried to hurt it. It disappeared in a flash and didn’t reappear. I felt that I missed something enchanting and wished to get another glance. But this wish has remained unfulfilled.

Q.5. When we see a snake charmer with a snake and mongoose, we want to see a fight between the two. Do you think it is correct?

When we see a snake charmer with a snake and mongoose, we want to see a fight between the two. Snakes and mongoose are natural enemies because one’s life depends on other’s death. The snake charmer trains the mongoose and removes the venom from the cobra thus making both harmless to each other. Since they are natural enemies they start a fight the moment they see each other. It is human instinct to enjoy fights be it a cat fight among ladies or bull fight or two people fighting in the streets. However, we should not propagate fight as it is harmful and bring peace among the fighters.

Q.6. Most of us think that snake is poisonous and kill it. Do you think it is correct?

Most of us think that snake is poisonous and kill it. It is not correct. Most snakes are harmless. Whatever snakes that are poisonous also don’t harm unless they are in danger.

Q.7. Where does the snake hide itself?

The snake hide itself behind the thick marsh plants.

Q.8. Which snakes are harmless even to children?

Green coloured snakes are harmless even to children.

Q.9. Which way the snake has chosen to save itself?

The snake tried to escape through water in order to save itself.

Q.10. Write the meaning of “Reeds”?

Reeds mean water or marsh plants with thick stems.