Question

Here are some sentences from the text. Say which of them tell you, that the author: (a) was afraid of the snake, (b) was proud of his appearance, (c) had a sense of humour, (d) was no longer afraid of the snake.
1. I was turned to stone.
2. I was no mere image cut in granite.
3. The arm was beginning to be drained of strength.
4. I tried in my imagination to write in bright letters outside my little heart the words, ‘O God’.
5. I didn’t tremble. I didn’t cry out.
6. I looked into the mirror and smiled. It was an attractive smile.
7. I was suddenly a man of flesh and blood.
8. I was after all a bachelor, and a doctor too on top of it!
9. The fellow had such a sense of cleanliness...! The rascal could have taken it and used it after washing it with soap and water.
10. Was it trying to make an important decision about growing a moustache or using eye shadow and mascara or wearing a vermilion spot on its forehead.

Answer 1

(a) Was Afraid of the Snake?

Sentence: 4 - "I tried in my imagination to write in bright letters outside my little heart the words, ‘O God’."

This sentence suggests fear, as the author imagines calling out for help or finding comfort in a prayer during the frightening encounter with the snake.

(b) Was Proud of His Appearance?

Sentence: 6 - "I looked into the mirror and smiled. It was an attractive smile."

This sentence indicates pride in the author's appearance as he admires his smile in the mirror and finds it attractive.

(c) Had a Sense of Humour?

Sentence: 10 - "Was it trying to make an important decision about growing a moustache or using eye shadow and mascara or wearing a vermilion spot on its forehead."

This sentence shows humor as the author makes a playful, light-hearted observation about the snake's behavior, comparing it to human grooming decisions.

(d) Was No Longer Afraid of the Snake?

Sentence: 5 - "I didn’t tremble. I didn’t cry out."

This sentence shows that the author is no longer afraid of the snake, as he mentions not trembling or crying out, implying that he has gained control over his fear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these sentences illustrate the author's evolving emotions: fear (sentence 4), pride in his appearance (sentence 6), humor (sentence 10), and the overcoming of fear (sentence 5). These emotions help paint a picture of the author's character and his response to the situation with the snake.