Chapter 5: The Snake and the Mirror
Who is the narrator of the story?
The story is narrated by a homeopathic doctor, who shares a humorous and terrifying encounter with a snake.
Where does the story take place?
The incident occurs in the narrator’s rented room, a small house with no ceiling fan, just a mirror and a wooden cot.
What kind of man was the narrator?
He was a young, unmarried doctor, vain about his looks, and dreamt of becoming rich and attractive.
What does the narrator admire in himself?
He admired his looks, intelligence, and neat appearance, often looking at himself in the mirror.
What were the narrator’s thoughts before the snake appeared?
He was thinking about improving his appearance and marrying a rich, fat woman doctor who couldn’t chase him if needed.
How did the narrator react when he saw the snake?
He froze with fear. The snake had coiled itself around his arm and was looking into the mirror.
What did the snake do after coiling on his arm?
It looked into the mirror, seemed fascinated by its reflection, and eventually slithered onto the table.
Why didn’t the narrator move?
He was terrified and sweating. Any movement might provoke the snake to bite him.
What was ironic about the situation?
Just as the doctor was admiring his own looks, the snake came and did the same thing—looked at itself in the mirror.
What happened when the snake moved away?
The narrator grabbed the chance and ran out of the house in fear, not even caring to take anything with him.
Where did the narrator go after escaping?
He ran to a friend’s house, spent the night there, and returned only the next morning.
What did he find when he returned?
His room had been looted, everything was gone except his dirty vest.
What does the narrator find most humorous about the incident?
That the snake, like him, was also attracted to beauty—it looked into the mirror just like he did.
What theme does the story explore?
The story explores human vanity, fear, humor, and the unexpectedness of life.
Why is the story considered humorous?
It mixes serious danger with irony and wit, especially through the narrator’s vain thoughts and the snake’s comic behavior.
What kind of snake was it?
It was a cobra, known to be very venomous and dangerous.
How does the narrator describe his room?
It was small, with no ceiling fan, no electricity, and barely furnished with a mirror and a wooden chair.
Why did the narrator live simply?
He had just started his practice, was not earning much, and couldn’t afford luxuries.
What is the significance of the mirror in the story?
It symbolizes vanity and self-obsession, both for the man and the snake.
How does the doctor view the incident later?
He looks back with humor and disbelief, realizing how ridiculous and vain he was at the time.
What change came over the narrator after the incident?
He became less proud and more humble, realizing how fragile life is.
Why did the narrator fantasize about marrying a fat woman doctor?
He thought it would be practical—if she ever tried to chase him during a fight, he could escape easily.
What was the doctor’s plan for his future?
To be a successful, rich doctor, dress well, and marry wisely.
What lesson does the story teach?
Life is unpredictable, and vanity is foolish. Even the proudest person can be humbled in seconds.
What was left behind after the robbery?
Only a vest that the narrator humorously says he didn’t really want to take anyway.
How is fear described in the story?
It is paralyzing—the doctor couldn’t move or speak, and sweat poured from his body.
What literary device is commonly used in the story?
Irony—the situation is serious, but the storytelling makes it funny and ironic.
What is the doctor’s tone while narrating?
Light-hearted, self-mocking, and humorous, even while recalling a life-threatening experience.
How does the story end?
With laughter and reflection as the narrator laughs at himself and the snake’s obsession with its looks.
Why is the story memorable?
It mixes humor, suspense, and life lessons in a simple, engaging way with a powerful message.