The Snake and the Mirror by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer

  1. “ The sound was a familiar one.” What sound did the doctor hear? What did he think it was? How many times did he hear it? (Find the places in the text.) When and why did the sounds stop? 

 The doctor heard the sound of rats. He initially thought it was the familiar sound of rats in the room, as he lived in a rented room with no electricity that was infested with them. He heard the sound three times: once when he sat down, a second time when he was about to doze off, and a third time after he took his coat off. The sounds stopped when he heard a different kind of sound, a thud as if a heavy object had fallen. This new sound was followed by a snake landing on his back, putting an end to the familiar rat sounds. 

 2. What two “important” and “earth-shaking” decisions did the doctor take while he was looking into the mirror? 

 The doctor made two significant decisions while looking into the mirror. The first decision was to grow a thin moustache and a smile on his face to appear more handsome. His second and more profound decision was to maintain that smile, realizing he needed to appear more attractive to marry a wealthy and fat woman. He believed that such a woman would not be able to run after him and catch him if he ever made a mistake and had to run away. 

 3. “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 (i) he first smiles, and (ii) he smiles again? In what way do his thoughts change in between, and why?

 The doctor initially smiled out of vanity, admiring his reflection and planning to grow a moustache to look more handsome. Later, facing the snake, his smile became feeble due to fear and a newfound humility. His thoughts shifted from a self-obsessed bachelor to a terrified, humbled human facing mortality. 

 4. This story about a frightening incident is narrated in a humorous way. What makes it humorous? (Think of the contrasts it presents between dreams and reality. Some of them are listed below). Write short paragraphs on each of these to get your answer.

 I. i. . The kind of person the doctor is (money, possessions) 

 The humour in the story "The Snake and the Mirror" stems from the stark contrast between the doctor's poverty-stricken reality and his grandiose vanity. He's a poor doctor living in a rat-infested room, yet he dreams of becoming rich and handsome. This disconnect makes his obsession with his appearance comical. 

ii.  The kind of person he wants to be (appearance, ambition) 

 The humour is also amplified by the doctor's absurd plans. He wants to grow a neat moustache and marry a wealthy, fat woman who can't run fast. This self-centred and shallow ambition makes his moment of terror and humility when faced with the snake even more ludicrous and relatable for the reader. i.

iii.  The person he wants to marry 

 The doctor’s humorous dreams contrast sharply with his reality. He wants to marry a wealthy, fat woman doctor who has a good medical practice. He believes a "fat" wife wouldn't be able to chase him if he ever made a mistake and had to run away. This shallow ambition highlights his self centered nature. 

 iv. The person he actually marries However, reality delivers a comical twist. The doctor ends up marrying a "thin reedy person" who, ironically, has "the gift of a sprinter." This unexpected outcome completely subverts his original plan and is a key source of humor, demonstrating the unpredictability of life.  

v. His thoughts when he looks into the mirror

 When the doctor first looks into the mirror, his thoughts are consumed by vanity and self admiration. He sees himself as a handsome and eligible bachelor and decides to improve his appearance by growing a thin mustache and wearing a pleasing smile. He fantasizes about marrying a wealthy and fat woman to secure a comfortable life.

 vi. His thoughts when the snake is coiled around his arm

 In contrast, when the snake is coiled around his arm, his thoughts shift dramatically from vanity to fear and self-preservation. He realizes his foolishness and a sense of helplessness washes over him. He thinks about God and his life, praying for his survival. His thoughts are no longer about his physical appearance or future plans but are solely focused on escaping his terrifying predicament.