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The Mouse and the Snake Poem

 "The Mouse and the Snake"

Author: Vikram Seth (from Beastly Tales From Here and There)

Source: English Cruise Class 8

Genre: Narrative Poem / Fable

1. Plot Summary

The Incursion: Two mice enter a perilous, unmonitored room filled with grain to feast. They ignore the potential dangers of the location.

The Conflict: A "gold and shiny" venomous snake strikes unexpectedly, catching and devouring one mouse instantly.

The Climax: The surviving mouse, though initially paralyzed by shock, chooses to fight. She repeatedly bites the snake's tail every time it attempts to retreat into its hole.

The Resolution: Exhausted and in pain, the snake spits out the dead mouse and retreats. The brave mouse retrieves her friend’s corpse and leaves, heartbroken.

The Legacy: Mr. Yang witnesses the act and tells the poet Mr. Chang, who writes "The Faithful Mouse" to commemorate her bravery.

2. Character Analysis

The Faithful Mouse: Demonstrates extreme loyalty and courage. Her refusal to flee despite the predatory threat highlights a selfless devotion to her companion.

The Snake: Described as "vicious, long, venom-fanged, hypnotic, and strong". It represents a formidable natural predator that is eventually defeated by the mouse’s persistence.

3. Key Themes

Bravery and Sacrifice: Even the smallest creatures can perform immense acts of heroism when motivated by love.

Loyalty vs. Instinct: The mouse overrides her survival instinct (flight) to stay and fight for her friend’s remains.

Futility of Heroism: The poem ends on a stoic note, mentioning that neither mouse will ever know of the tribute written in their honor, suggesting that true heroism is often unrecognized by those it aims to protect.

4. Literary Devices & Vocabulary

The poem utilizes vivid imagery, such as the description of the snake as "gold and shiny" and the mouse as "bereft". Key terms include "unfroze" (to recover from fear), "might and main" (with full strength), "bereft" (feeling sad from loss), and "stoic" (enduring hardship without complaint).

5. Critical Analysis Questions (Sample)

Q1.Why was the snake able to catch the first mouse? 
Ans:-Due to its swift, unexpected strike while the mice were focused on eating.

Q2.How did the second mouse survive? 
Ans:-By being agile and quick enough to evade the snake's attacks.

Q3.What does the ending suggest? 
Ans:-It highlights the irony that the mouse's bravery is recognized by humans through a poem, while the mouse itself remains unaware and grieving.

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