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Sai International School
Grade IX-English
Module -14,The Snake and the Mirror (Beehive)
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Introduction to the Lesson

The story is a narrative within the narrative. The writer is a homeopathic
doctor. The writer tells us the story in which he himself experienced a
crisis. The mirror and the snake are the two most important things in the
story. This homeopathic doctor encountered a snake; the snake fell on
the doctor. When the snake saw its reflection in the mirror, it was more
interested in that and the doctor’s life was saved.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer or Vaikkom Muhammad Basheer (born
21 January 1908; died 5 July 1994) was a Malayalam fiction writer.
He was a humanist, freedom fighter, novelist and short story writer.
He is noted for the path-breaking, disarmingly down-to-earth style
of writing that won him admirations of both literary critics as well
as the common man. He is regarded as India's one of the most
successful and outstanding writers. Translations of many of his
works into other languages have won him worldwide acclaim.
Baalyakaalasakhi, Shabdangal, Paaththummaayude
Aadu, Mathilukal, Ntuppuppaakkoraanaendaarnnu, Anarga
Nimisham are some of his notable works . He was awarded the
Padma Sri in 1982. He is fondly remembered as the Beypore
Sultan.

Lesson and Explanation

―Has a snake ever coiled itself round any part of your body? A full-
blooded cobra?‖ All of us fell silent. The question came from the
homeopath. The topic came up when we were discussing snakes.
We listened attentively as the doctor continued with his tale.
It was a hot summer night; about ten o‘clock. I had my meal at the
restaurant and returned to my room. I heard a noise from above as I
opened the door.

The homeopathic doctor is narrating the story. He asks the writer
and the group if anyone had ever been wrapped up by a cobra
snake. The audience became silent due to the fear of the cobra