Question

Discuss in pairs and answer each question below in a short paragraph (30–40 words).
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? (Find the places in the text.) When and why did the sounds stop?
2. What two “important” and “earth-shaking” decisions did the doctor take while he was looking into the mirror?
3. “I looked into the mirror and smiled,” says the doctor. A little later he says, “I forgot my danger and smiled feebly at myself.” What is the doctor’s opinion about himself when: (i) he first smiles, and (ii) he smiles again? In what way do his thoughts change in between, and why?

Answer 1

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?

The doctor hears the sound of a snake’s hiss, which he initially thinks is a rustling or an unusual noise. He hears the sound three times. The sounds stop when the snake coils around his arm, creating an immediate danger.

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

The doctor makes two decisions while looking into the mirror. First, he decides to grow a moustache to improve his appearance. Second, he plans to use eye shadow and mascara to enhance his look, aiming to appear more distinguished.

3. "I looked into the mirror and smiled," says the doctor. A little later he says, "I forgot my danger and smiled feebly at myself." What is the doctor’s opinion about himself when: (i) he first smiles, and (ii) he smiles again? In what way do his thoughts change in between, and why?

When the doctor first smiles, he feels pleased with his appearance, thinking he looks attractive. However, when he smiles again, his confidence fades, and he feels weak and vulnerable due to the presence of the snake. The change reflects his shift from vanity to fear.