The Snake and the Mirror English class 9 Beehive Pose Summary

Chapter 5: The Snake and the Mirror

• Summary:

"The Snake and the Mirror" by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer is a humorous and slightly suspenseful story about a homeopath doctor and his encounter with a snake. The story is narrated in the first person by the doctor himself, who recounts an evening when he was alone in his small, sparsely furnished room.

As the doctor sits in front of a mirror, admiring his appearance and fantasizing about his future, he is suddenly confronted by a cobra that slithers into the room and coils itself around his arm. The doctor is paralyzed with fear and is unable to move or call for help.

As the snake tightens its grip, the doctor’s thoughts shift from vanity and self-importance to prayers for survival. In a surprising turn of events, the snake becomes distracted by its reflection in the mirror and slowly loosens its grip on the doctor. Taking advantage of the situation, the doctor quickly escapes from the room.

The story concludes with the doctor reflecting on the experience, realizing how close he came to death and how foolish his earlier thoughts of vanity were. The encounter with the snake serves as a humbling experience that makes him appreciate the value of life.

• Themes and Analysis:

"The Snake and the Mirror" is a story that blends humor with suspense, highlighting the themes of vanity, fear, and the unpredictability of life. The doctor’s initial preoccupation with his appearance is sharply contrasted with the terror he feels when faced with the snake, showing how quickly one’s priorities can change in the face of danger.

The story also explores the idea of fate and the thin line between life and death. The doctor’s narrow escape from the snake serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of humility.