NCERT Chapter Summary: The Snake and the Mirror

NCERT Chapter Summary: The Snake and the Mirror

"The Snake and the Mirror" is a frightening tale told in a humorous way. The story has been written by V.M. Basheer, a well-known Malayalam writer. The incident in the story is both humorous and frightening. It also has a surprise ending.

It is about a doctor’s encounter with a snake in his room. The doctor sat in his chair. He was looking into the mirror. He appreciated his own looks. He made two decisions. One, he would shave daily and grow thin moustache to look more handsome, and secondly, he would wear a permanent smile on his face.

Suddenly, a snake landed on his shoulder and coiled around his left arm above the elbow. Its hood was only three or four inches away from his face. The doctor turned into a stone and did not move. But his mind was active. He prayed to God, the creator of this world and universe. He realised that there was no medicine with him in case the snake bites him. He called himself a stupid doctor.

Suddenly, the snake turned its hood and looked into the mirror. It saw its reflection. The snake unwound itself from his arm and moved closer to the mirror. Perhaps it wanted to enjoy its beauty in the mirror. The doctor got a chance to run away.

The story has a humorous ending. Next day, the doctor returned to the room with his friend. He had decided to vacate the room immediately. He did not want to live in that room any more. He had come to move his things from there. But he found that some thief had already taken away everything except his dirty vest.