When the author looks into the mirror, he has mixed thoughts about his appearance. He reflects on how he has aged and notices the lines on his face, but there is also a sense of self-admiration. He smiles at his reflection, thinking that it is an attractive smile. This moment shows that he is somewhat pleased with his appearance, and there is a brief sense of pride in how he looks. His thoughts are both reflective and appreciative of the image he sees in the mirror, as he compares himself to others and feels confident in his own charm.
When the snake coils around his arm, the author's thoughts are dominated by fear and a sense of helplessness. Initially, he is paralyzed by the snake's presence, feeling the weight of its cold body and its grip tightening around him. He is terrified, unsure of what to do, and his mind races with the danger of the situation. However, as he notices the snake's calm demeanor and the way it seems to observe him, his thoughts shift to confusion and disbelief. He becomes acutely aware of the snake’s power and realizes that his life is at the mercy of the creature. The situation intensifies his sense of vulnerability and the realization that he is powerless in the face of nature’s raw power.
In conclusion, the author's thoughts when he looks into the mirror reflect a moment of pride and self-reflection, while his thoughts when the snake coils around his arm are filled with fear and helplessness. These two contrasting moments highlight the author’s self-awareness and his vulnerability in different circumstances.
(i) The kind of person the doctor is (money, possessions)
(ii) The kind of person he wants to be (appearance, ambition)