NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 5

The Snake and the Mirror

Thinking About the Text

I. Discuss in pairs and answer each question below.

Question 1.

“The sound was a familiar one.” What sound did the doctor hear? What did he think it was? How many times did he hear it? When and why did the sounds stop?

Answer:
When the doctor entered his room, he heard a repeated noise coming from the roof. He believed it to be the movement of rats, as such sounds were common in that area. The noise was heard four times at different moments, including a dull thud later. The sounds stopped abruptly when the snake fell from the ceiling and appeared before him.

Question 2.

What two “important” and “earth-shaking” decisions did the doctor take while looking into the mirror?

Answer:
While admiring himself in the mirror, the doctor made two serious decisions. First, he decided that he would shave every day and grow a thin moustache to improve his appearance. Second, he resolved to maintain a pleasant and confident smile at all times to look attractive.

Question 3.

“I looked into the mirror and smiled.” Later he says, “I forgot my danger and smiled feebly at myself.” What do these two smiles show?

Answer:
When the doctor smiled initially, he was feeling proud of his looks and believed himself to be handsome. Later, when he smiled again, his expression reflected fear and helplessness. His thoughts changed because the snake had wrapped itself around his arm, making him realise his vulnerability.

II. Humour in the Story

Question 1.

Contrast between the doctor’s reality and his dreams.

Answer:
In reality, the doctor lived in a poorly furnished rented room and earned very little money. He owned only a few clothes and some cash. However, he imagined himself as a charming and successful man and planned to improve his appearance to look more impressive.

Question 2.

Contrast between the woman he wanted to marry and the woman he married.

Answer:
The doctor wished to marry a wealthy, overweight woman doctor so that she would not be able to chase him if needed. In reality, he married a thin and agile woman who could run very fast, which makes the situation humorous.

Question 3.

Contrast between his thoughts before and after the snake incident.

Answer:
Before seeing the snake, the doctor admired his reflection and felt confident. When the snake coiled around his arm, he remained motionless and terrified. His confidence vanished and he began to see himself as foolish and powerless.

Thinking About Language

I. Identify the statements

Answer:

(a) Afraid of the snake – 1, 3, 4, 5
(b) Proud of appearance – 6, 8
(c) Sense of humour – 9, 10
(d) No longer afraid – 2, 7

II. Expressions showing fear

Answer:

I was turned to stone.
I sat there holding my breath.
I sat there like a stone image in flesh.

III. Meanings of expressions

Answer:

Scared out of my wits – very frightened
Got a fright – suddenly frightened
Jumped out of his skin – shocked suddenly
Gave me a fright – made someone scared
Hair stand on end – extremely scared
Paralysed with fear – unable to move
Not moving a muscle – too scared to move

IV. Reported Questions

Answer:

Meena asked her friend whether his/her teacher would come that day.
David asked his colleague where he would go that summer.
He asked the boy why he was studying English.
She asked me when we were going to leave.
Pran asked me if I had finished reading the newspaper.
Seema asked her how long she had lived there.
Sheila asked the children if they were ready to do the work.

Dictation

Answer: Do it yourself.

Writing

Question 1.

Rewrite the story without humour.

Answer: Do it yourself.

Question 2.

Story based on the monkey and mirror.

Answer:
A monkey once found a mirror lying on the ground. Curious, it looked closely and discovered its reflection. It cleaned its face, admired itself, and made funny expressions. After spending time preening, it lost interest and jumped away, leaving the mirror behind.

Translation

Answer (Summary):
Translation A uses the past tense and longer sentences, while Translation B uses present tense with shorter sentences. Translation B feels more immediate and engaging, making it more enjoyable to read.

Poem: A Legend of the Northland

Thinking About the Poem

Question 1.

What does “Northland” refer to?

Answer:
Northland refers to cold northern regions such as Norway, Greenland, Canada, or Russia.

Question 2.

What did Saint Peter ask for? How did the lady react?

Answer:
Saint Peter asked the old woman for a piece of cake. She behaved selfishly and kept making the cake smaller, unwilling to share even a little.

Question 3.

How was she punished?

Answer:
Saint Peter punished her by turning her into a woodpecker for her selfish behaviour.

Question 4.

How does the woodpecker get food?

Answer:
The woodpecker drills into hard wood all day to find food.

Question 5.

Would the lady behave differently if she knew Saint Peter’s identity?

Answer:
Yes, she would have given him a generous portion to please him and gain blessings.

Question 6.

Is it a true story? What is its message?

Answer:
It is a legend. The poem teaches generosity and kindness.

Question 7.

Why is this poem called a legend?

Answer:
It is called a legend because it conveys a moral lesson through an imaginative story believed by people over time.

Question 8.

Story of the poem in ten sentences.

Answer:
Saint Peter once asked an old woman for food. She was greedy and refused to share. Angered by her selfishness, he turned her into a woodpecker. Since then, the bird drills wood for food, teaching humans the value of generosity.