Characters
what is the occupation of the narrator of the story ?
A homeopathic doctor
What does the narrator admire about himself?
His looks, smile, and the way he looks in the mirror
What does the snake do first when it enters?
What does the snake do first when it enters?
What thought made the narrator feel proud?
That he looked handsome and he was a doctor — a respectable profession.
What’s the lesson of the story?
Don’t be vain; life can humble you at any moment.
Who did the narrator want to marry?
A rich, fat lady doctor with a good practice.
What profession is the narrator?
A homeopathic doctor
Where does the snake finally rest?
On the narrator’s shoulder, with its hood close to his face.
What thought made the narrator feel foolish later?
His earlier pride in his appearance and profession.
How does fear affect people in the story?
It makes the narrator completely still and helpless.
What was the narrator’s friend’s reaction when told the story?
He laughed and asked, “Did you run with your coat on?”
What did the narrator do to look handsome?
He combed his hair, smiled at himself, and decided to grow a moustache
How did the narrator escape?
When the snake got distracted by its own reflection, the narrator quietly got up and ran.
What did the narrator think when the snake was on him?
That he was foolish and helpless, and even his medical degree was useless.
Why is humility important in the story?
It shows how pride can be shattered in seconds by unexpected events
Why did the narrator live alone?
He had just started his medical practice and couldn’t afford much.
What item did the narrator think made him look smart?
His smile and the idea of wearing a thin gold chain
How long did the snake stay on him?
A few terrifying minutes while it looked at the mirror.
Why does the narrator laugh at himself later?
Because he was so vain and proud before the snake appeared.
How does this story reflect human nature?
It shows how humans are often proud, but nature (like a snake) can humble them instantly.
What do we learn about the narrator's personality?
He is vain, self-obsessed, dreamy, and somewhat foolish — but also humorous and reflective.
What did the narrator do after the snake left?
He ran out without even putting on his slippers and stayed at a friend’s house that night.
What made the narrator run like lightning?
The moment the snake turned away toward the mirror.
What were the narrator's last thoughts before fleeing?
He realized how foolish and weak he truly was, despite being a doctor.
What is the irony in the story?
The doctor, who thought highly of himself, became helpless in front of a snake — proving that nature doesn’t care for ego or profession.