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I. Chapter Summary:

The Snake and the Mirror by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer is a humorous and suspenseful anecdote told by a homeopathic doctor. The story narrates an incident from his youth when a snake slithered onto his shoulder while he was admiring himself in a mirror. The doctor reflects on his foolish vanity, fear, and ultimate survival. The story brilliantly combines humor, irony, suspense, and human psychology, showing how a frightening encounter humbled a man lost in self-admiration.

II. Key Concepts Covered:

Concept	Explanation
Irony and Humor	The contrast between the doctor’s vanity and his helplessness creates humor.
Human Vanity	The doctor’s self-obsession highlights human tendencies toward pride.
Fear vs. Reason	The story explores how fear overrides logic in life-threatening moments.
Survival Instinct	The doctor remains still and calm, showing the natural instinct to survive.
Transformation	The event becomes a turning point in the narrator’s perception of himself.

III. Important Questions:

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):

1. Who is the author of The Snake and the Mirror?
   a) Ruskin Bond
   b) Vaikom Muhammad Basheer ✅
   c) Vikram Seth
   d) O. Henry
2. What was the doctor doing before the snake appeared?
   a) Reading a book
   b) Cooking
   c) Admiring himself in the mirror ✅
   d) Sleeping
3. Where did the snake finally settle?
   a) On the floor
   b) On the doctor’s shoulder
   c) On the chair
   d) On the mirror-table, looking at itself ✅
4. What did the doctor realize after the snake incident?
   a) He needed to leave town
   b) He was foolish to be so vain ✅
   c) He should learn snake-charming
   d) He must get a pet snake

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):

1. What made the doctor feel proud of himself before the snake entered?
2. Describe the doctor’s reaction when the snake coiled around his arm.
3. What does the story reveal about the narrator’s personality?
4. How does the story use humor to deal with a serious moment?
   – PYQ 2021

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):

1. How does The Snake and the Mirror highlight the contrast between vanity and reality?
2. Describe the transformation in the narrator’s attitude before and after the snake incident.
3. Why is this story considered humorous despite the life-threatening situation?
4. Explain the role of suspense and irony in making the story engaging.
   – PYQ 2022

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills):

1. If you were in the doctor’s place, how would you handle the situation with the snake differently?
2. What lessons can be drawn from this story about self-reflection and humility?

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts:

 Not applicable for literature chapters.

 However, Literary Elements to revise:

Element	Usage in the Chapter
Irony	The vain doctor ends up terrified and humiliated.
First-person narration	Makes the story more personal and engaging.
Humor	Through exaggeration of self-love and panic.
Suspense	Gradual build-up to the snake’s entrance and climax.
Character Sketch	Transition from pride to humility.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
Chapter 5: The Snake and the Mirror	5–6 marks	1 Long Answer or 2 Short Answers + 1 MCQ or HOTS

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):

Year	Marks	Question
2021	3	What change did the doctor undergo after the snake incident?
2022	5	How does The Snake and the Mirror use humor and irony to depict a life-changing experience?

VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics:

Context	Application
Personal Growth	Self-reflection leads to humility and maturity.
Human Psychology	Highlights behavior under stress and danger.
Medical Profession	Even doctors are prone to fear and human emotions.
Storytelling Techniques	Combines humor, suspense, and moral learning.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success:

 Time Management:

• 10–15 minutes for chapter reading
• 15 minutes to practice two long answers weekly
• Weekly revision through storytelling activities

 Exam Preparation:

• Focus on tone, narrative style, and moral lesson.
• Practice theme-based and value-based questions.
• Build character sketches (doctor before vs after incident).

 Stress Management:

• Share the story aloud with friends or parents for fun revision.
• Use roleplay to explore emotions like fear, pride, and relief.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration:

For Classes 9–10:

Stream	Career Paths
Humanities	Storyteller, Humorist, Psychologist
Science	Doctor, Paramedic, Behavioral Analyst
Commerce	Public Speaker, Marketing Strategist (emotional intelligence focus)

• Foundational Exams/Activities:
  • NTSE
  • English Olympiad
  • CBSE Expression Series
  • Inter-School Roleplay or Short Skit Competitions

XI. Important Notes:

•  Stick to CBSE-approved answer formats and NCERT language.
•  The Snake and the Mirror should be appreciated for style, humor, and meaning.
•  Use transitional phrases in long answers: “Initially,” “However,” “Eventually,” etc.
•  Remember the moral: Appearances and self-image are not always aligned with reality.