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In this chapter of Beehive, we explore the humorous yet thought-provoking tale, “The Snake and The Mirror”. Written by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, this story captures the essence of human vanity, fear, and self-realization. Our detailed NCERT Solutions provide a comprehensive understanding of the chapter while offering solutions to all the textbook questions.
Our NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 5 offer a step-by-step explanation for each question from the textbook. The answers are aligned with CBSE guidelines, ensuring that students understand the key concepts while preparing effectively for their exams.
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NCERT Solutions for 9 class English Beehive Chapter 5 PDF
THINK ABOUT THE TEXT
I. Discuss in pairs and answer each question below in a short paragraph (30-40 words).
1. “The sound was a familiar one.” What sound did the doctor hear? What did he think it was? When and why did the sounds stop?
Ans. When the doctor entered his house, he heard the familiar sound of rats scurrying through the beams of the roof. The statement that he and rats were housemates gives an impression that the house was full of rats. Doctor was used to noises made by rats. So he was not bothered about the noise. When a snake fell from the roof, the sound stopped because the snake must have come there to catch its prey.
2. What two “important” and “earth-shaking” decisions did the doctor take while he was looking into the mirror?
Ans. The first important and earth shaking decision taken by the doctor was to shave daily to look handsome. The second decision was to smile the way he was smiling when looking at the mirror. He thought that he should look handsome because he was a bachelor and a doctor, so he was one of the most eligible bachelors.
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?
Ans. In the first instance the doctor is smiling to appreciate his youthful beauty. This happens to most of the people when they are of certain age group. In the second instance when he is playing eyeball to eyeball with the snake, then he is smiling feebly as if to laugh at his helplessness.
II. 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.)
1.(i) The kind of person the doctor is (money, possessions)
Ans. The doctor is a poor person. He has hardly any money. He lives in an unelectrifled house. It is a small rented room with plenty of rats living in it. He has just started his medical practice. He had about sixty rupees in his suitcase. He had only one black coat. Besides, he had some shirts and dhotis. So he is not a man of possessions or money.
(ii) The kind of person he wants to be (appearance, ambition)
Ans. The doctor wants to be rich. He also would like to have a good appearance. That’s why he decides to grow a thin moustache.
2.(i) The person he wants to marry
Ans. The doctor wants to marry a woman doctor. He wants that she should have a good medical practice and a lot of money. She should be fat as not to run after him and catch him.
(ii) The person he actually marries
Ans. He marries a thin reedy woman. She has the gift of a sprinter.
3. (i) His thoughts when he looks into the mirror
(ii) His thoughts when the snake is coiled around his arm
Ans. (i) His thoughts are full of joy and satisfaction. He decides to grow a thin moustache and keep smiling always. He finds his smile attractive.
(ii) He turned to stone. He sat like a stone image in the flesh. However, his mind was very active. He felt the great presence of the Creator. He decided to write the words ‘O God’ outside his little heart.
Write short paragraphs on each of these to get your answer.
(i) The doctor lives in a small rented room. His income is small. He has about sixty rupees in his suitcase. He has some shirts and dhotis and also possesses one black coat. In appearance he wants his face to look more handsome. For this, he decides to shave daily and grow a thin moustache. His ambition is to become a good medical practitioner.
(ii) He wants to marry a woman doctor with a plenty of money and a good medical practice. He wants her to be fat. He says that if ever he makes some mistake, she will never be able to run behind him. But in reality, he marries a thin reedy woman with the gift of a sprinter
(iii) When he looks into the mirror he thinks that his face should look handsome. For this, he decides to shave daily and grow a thin moustache. He also decides to keep an attractive smile on his face. But when the snake coils around his arm he turns to a stone image. He prays to God to save his life.
More Resources for Class 9
- NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science
- NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Maths
- NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 5 Summary
“The Snake and The Mirror” narrates the experiences of a homeopathic doctor who encounters a snake. The story humorously reflects the doctor’s vain thoughts about his appearance and dreams, which come to a sudden halt when he faces a deadly snake.
Key Points to Remember
- Character Analysis: The doctor’s initial vanity, followed by his realization when confronted with fear, forms the central theme.
- Humor and Irony: The story uses light humor and irony to convey deeper lessons about self-obsession and survival.
Why Choose Our NCERT Solutions?
- Comprehensive Coverage: We cover every aspect of the chapter, ensuring thorough preparation.
- CBSE-Aligned Answers: Our solutions follow the latest CBSE Syllabus to help you score better.
- User-Friendly Format: The solutions are available in PDF format for easy access and revision.
By using our NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 5, students can gain confidence in understanding the story and improve their performance in exams.
