Summary
The Snake and the Mirror, written by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, is a humorous and thrilling story narrated by a homoeopathic doctor about his encounter with a snake.
The doctor lived in a small, shabby rented room infested with rats. One hot summer evening, after returning from a meal, he lit a kerosene lamp and tried to read a book. As he gazed at the mirror on his table, he admired his appearance and thought about improving his looks. His thoughts drifted to his future marriage, fantasizing about marrying a rich, fat woman who would not be able to chase him if he made mistakes.
Lost in his musings, the doctor failed to notice the sudden silence in the room until a snake fell from the roof and landed on his shoulder. It coiled itself around his arm, just inches from his face. Paralyzed with fear, the doctor remained still, reflecting on his vulnerability and arrogance. He realized the insignificance of human vanity in the face of danger.
Unexpectedly, the snake moved towards the mirror, seemingly captivated by its reflection. Taking advantage of the situation, the doctor fled from the room and ran to a friend’s house. When he returned the next day, he found that all his belongings had been stolen, except for his dirty vest.
When asked about the snake, the doctor humorously concluded that it was likely enchanted by its own beauty and never returned.
Conclusion
The story conveys a subtle moral lesson: we should not be vain or boastful about our looks. It also highlights the unpredictability of life and the importance of humility and gratitude for what we have.
Summary
The poem A Legend of the Northland by Phoebe Cary tells a story set in the cold, snowy region of the Northland. It narrates the tale of an old, greedy woman who angers Saint Peter due to her selfishness.
One day, Saint Peter, traveling around the world to preach, arrived at the woman’s home after a long fast. Hungry and weak, he asked the woman for a piece of cake. The woman was baking cakes, but she hesitated to part with even a small one. Thinking her baked cakes were too large to share, she made a smaller one. However, she still found it too big to give away. She continued to reduce the size of the cakes, but her greed stopped her from offering any of them to the saint.
Saint Peter, angered by her selfishness, cursed her to become a woodpecker bird. The curse transformed her into a bird, condemning her to peck at hard, dry wood in search of food. Now, as a woodpecker, she works tirelessly to find her sustenance, a reflection of her past greed.
Conclusion
The poem teaches a moral lesson about the dangers of greed and selfishness. It emphasizes the importance of generosity and kindness, reminding readers that greed can lead to one’s downfall. Through the story of the old woman’s transformation, the poem imparts a timeless moral value.