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The Snake Trying Class 9 NCERT Beehive poem summary, notes, MCQs, keywords, important questions and exam tips in simple language.
Introduction of the Chapter – The Snake Trying (Class 9 NCERT)
The Snake Trying is a thought-provoking poem included in Class 9 English Beehive (NCERT). Written by W.W.E. Ross, the poem presents the snake as a harmless creature struggling to escape human violence. It highlights human fear and cruelty towards animals.
Like the chapter Kathmandu in Class 9, this poem reflects human behavior and attitudes, making it important for value-based and exam-oriented questions.
Short Notes – The Snake Trying Class 9
- Poet: W.W.E. Ross
- Prescribed in Class 9 NCERT Beehive
- Theme: Fear, cruelty, and compassion
- Snake is harmless and innocent
- Poet advises not to kill snakes unnecessarily
- Snake symbolizes victim of human ignorance
- Important for MCQs and short answers
- Strong moral and environmental message
Detailed Summary – The Snake Trying (200–250 Words)
The poem The Snake Trying by W.W.E. Ross describes a harmless snake trying to escape from a man who wants to kill it. The snake glides gracefully through the grass, moving away quietly. It is not aggressive and does not try to harm anyone. The poet requests the man not to strike the snake with a stick.
The poet explains that all snakes are not poisonous. The snake in the poem is small, thin, and harmless. It only wants to protect itself and return safely to the green bushes. The poet appeals to human beings to show mercy and understanding instead of fear.
Through the poem The Snake Trying, the poet criticizes the human tendency to kill animals out of fear and ignorance. The poem promotes kindness towards all living beings. The snake becomes a symbol of innocence and vulnerability.
Like other Class 9 NCERT chapters such as Kathmandu, this poem teaches important values. The Snake Trying encourages students to respect wildlife and understand that every creature has the right to live. The poet’s tone is gentle, persuasive, and sympathetic.
Flowchart / Mind Map – The Snake Trying
Snake appears in grass
↓
Man raises stick
↓
Snake tries to escape
↓
Poet appeals for mercy
↓
Snake moves gracefully
↓
Returns to bushes
↓
Message of compassion
Important Keywords with Meanings – The Snake Trying
- Glides – Moves smoothly
- Marsh – Wet land
- Strikes – Hits violently
- Harmless – Not dangerous
- Graceful – Elegant movement
- Retreating – Moving back
Important Questions & Answers – The Snake Trying
Short Answer Questions
Q1. Who wrote The Snake Trying?
A. W.W.E. Ross wrote the poem.
Q2. Why does the snake try to escape?
A. The snake tries to escape to save itself from being killed.
Q3. Is the snake dangerous?
A. No, the snake is harmless and non-poisonous.
Long Answer Question
Q. What message does the poem The Snake Trying convey?
A. The poem conveys a strong message of compassion towards animals. It criticizes human fear and cruelty and urges people to understand that not all snakes are harmful. The poet emphasizes the right of every creature to live peacefully.
MCQs – The Snake Trying Class 9 (with Answers)
- Who is the poet of The Snake Trying?
A. Gieve Patel
B. Robert Frost
C. W.W.E. Ross
D. Ruskin Bond
Answer: C - What is the snake trying to do?
A. Attack the man
B. Hide in grass
C. Escape safely
D. Bite the man
Answer: C - How does the snake move?
A. Roughly
B. Slowly and gracefully
C. Violently
D. Lazily
Answer: B - What weapon does the man carry?
A. Knife
B. Axe
C. Stick
D. Stone
Answer: C - The snake is described as:
A. Poisonous
B. Aggressive
C. Harmless
D. Huge
Answer: C
6–20. (Additional MCQs can be added for revision and practice.)
Exam Tips / Value-Based Questions – The Snake Trying
- Focus on theme and message
- Learn keywords and poetic devices
- Practice MCQs for exams
- Value-based question: Why should humans not kill animals out of fear?
- Compare themes with chapters like Kathmandu Class 9
Conclusion – The Snake Trying Class 9 NCERT
The Snake Trying is a meaningful poem from Class 9 NCERT Beehive that teaches compassion, empathy, and respect for life. It highlights the importance of understanding animals instead of fearing them. This chapter is highly important for exams, MCQs, and value-based questions. Learning The Snake Trying helps students score well and develop humane values.
The Snake Trying – Sample Question Paper (80 Marks)
Class: IX (CBSE / NCERT)
Subject: English – Poetry
Chapter: The Snake Trying
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- The question paper consists of 4 Sections – A, B, C and D.
- All questions are compulsory.
- Read the questions carefully before answering.
- Answers should be brief and to the point unless stated otherwise.
- Attempt questions in sequence.
SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (50 × 1 = 50 Marks)
Attempt all questions. Choose the correct option.
MCQs (1–50)
- The poem “The Snake Trying” is written by:
A. Robert Frost
B. W.W.E. Ross
C. Gieve Patel
D. Ted Hughes - The central theme of the poem is:
A. Fear of animals
B. Cruelty towards animals
C. Beauty of nature
D. Childhood adventure - The snake is described as:
A. Aggressive
B. Poisonous and violent
C. Harmless and frightened
D. Lazy - The snake moves:
A. Slowly and angrily
B. Casually
C. Hurriedly to escape
D. Playfully - The phrase ‘trying to escape the pursuing stick’ suggests:
A. Curiosity of humans
B. Playful action
C. Human cruelty
D. Snake’s aggression - The snake glides:
A. Through grass
B. Over water
C. On sand dunes
D. Through trees - Which word describes the snake’s movement?
A. Jumping
B. Slithering
C. Crawling
D. Flying - The snake’s body is compared to:
A. Rope
B. Ribbon
C. Whip
D. Wire - The poet feels that the snake:
A. Deserves punishment
B. Should be admired
C. Should be killed
D. Is dangerous - The snake is fleeing from:
A. Fire
B. Water
C. A stick
D. Stones - The poem promotes the idea of:
A. Violence
B. Revenge
C. Compassion
D. Fear - The snake’s path is described as:
A. Straight
B. Zig-zag
C. Circular
D. Rough - The tone of the poem is:
A. Angry
B. Humorous
C. Sympathetic
D. Mocking - The snake’s eyes are described as:
A. Burning
B. Cold
C. Fearful
D. Bright - The snake is harmless because:
A. It is small
B. It does not attack
C. It is poisonous
D. It is asleep - The poet advises humans to:
A. Kill snakes
B. Capture snakes
C. Leave snakes alone
D. Study snakes - The word ‘pursuing’ means:
A. Watching
B. Following
C. Ignoring
D. Protecting - The snake is trying to:
A. Attack humans
B. Hide itself
C. Escape danger
D. Catch prey - The imagery used in the poem is:
A. Violent
B. Peaceful and visual
C. Dark
D. Confusing - The poet presents the snake as:
A. Villain
B. Victim
C. Hero
D. Predator - The snake disappears:
A. Into water
B. Into a hole
C. Into thick grass
D. Under a rock - The poem suggests that snakes attack humans:
A. Always
B. Never
C. Only when provoked
D. For fun - The poet’s attitude towards the snake is:
A. Fearful
B. Cruel
C. Compassionate
D. Indifferent - The poem teaches us to:
A. Be brave
B. Respect all living beings
C. Be aggressive
D. Be careless - The snake’s movement is described as:
A. Stiff
B. Graceful
C. Violent
D. Awkward - The phrase ‘gliding away’ suggests:
A. Smooth movement
B. Sudden jump
C. Loud action
D. Slow falling - The poem highlights man’s tendency to:
A. Protect animals
B. Harm animals out of fear
C. Love animals
D. Ignore animals - The snake is afraid because:
A. It is hungry
B. It is chased by humans
C. It is injured
D. It is lost - The setting of the poem is:
A. A forest
B. A village path
C. A jungle
D. A river bank - The snake’s escape symbolizes:
A. Victory of fear
B. Triumph of nature
C. Peaceful coexistence
D. Human power - The poem condemns:
A. Snake bites
B. Human cruelty
C. Wild animals
D. Nature - The snake’s silence indicates:
A. Aggression
B. Wisdom
C. Innocence
D. Weakness - The poet wants readers to feel:
A. Anger
B. Pity
C. Fear
D. Excitement - The snake’s escape route is:
A. Narrow and hidden
B. Wide and open
C. Dangerous
D. Crowded - The poem’s message is related to:
A. Ecology
B. War
C. Sports
D. Technology - The snake does not attack because:
A. It is weak
B. It is frightened
C. It is trained
D. It is sleepy - The stick symbolizes:
A. Protection
B. Fear and violence
C. Friendship
D. Support - The poet’s language is:
A. Complicated
B. Simple and descriptive
C. Technical
D. Formal - The poem appeals for:
A. Conservation of wildlife
B. Hunting
C. Farming
D. Tourism - The snake’s action shows:
A. Aggression
B. Fear
C. Pride
D. Anger - The poem encourages humans to:
A. Dominate nature
B. Live in harmony with nature
C. Destroy animals
D. Fear animals - The snake’s movement is compared to:
A. A dancer
B. A swimmer
C. A ribbon
D. A shadow - The poem reflects:
A. Hatred
B. Sympathy for animals
C. Revenge
D. Violence - The poet criticizes people who:
A. Love animals
B. Are curious
C. Harm animals unnecessarily
D. Study wildlife - The snake’s behavior shows it is:
A. Dangerous
B. Innocent
C. Clever
D. Lazy - The snake disappears to save:
A. Humans
B. Nature
C. Its life
D. Its food - The poem suggests fear comes from:
A. Knowledge
B. Ignorance
C. Strength
D. Courage - The snake is chased because:
A. It is poisonous
B. Humans fear it
C. It attacks first
D. It is noisy - The poem teaches kindness towards:
A. Humans only
B. Animals only
C. All living beings
D. Nature only - The most suitable title justification is that the poem:
A. Describes hunting
B. Shows a dangerous snake
C. Shows a harmless snake trying to escape
D. Focuses on fear alone
SECTION B: VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)
- Why is the snake afraid in the poem?
- What is meant by ‘pursuing stick’?
- Describe the movement of the snake.
- Why does the poet call the snake harmless?
- What message does the poem convey?
- How does the poet show sympathy for the snake?
- What kind of imagery is used in the poem?
- Why does the snake not attack humans?
- What does the stick symbolize?
- What should humans learn from the poem?
SECTION C: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 × 4 = 20 Marks)
- Describe the central idea of the poem “The Snake Trying.”
- How does the poet present the snake as a victim?
- Explain the role of fear in human behavior as shown in the poem.
- How does the poem promote compassion towards animals?
- Discuss the poet’s attitude towards nature.
SECTION D: LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (2 × 10 = 20 Marks)
- Explain the poem “The Snake Trying” as a lesson on coexistence between humans and animals.
- How does W.W.E. Ross use imagery and tone to convey sympathy for the snake? Discuss in detail.
— End of Question Paper —
The Snake Trying – Sample Question Paper with Complete Solutions (80 Marks)
Class: IX (CBSE / NCERT)
Subject: English – Poetry
Poem: The Snake Trying – W.W.E. Ross
Maximum Marks: 80
SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS (1–50)
MCQ 1
The poem “The Snake Trying” is written by:
A. Robert Frost
B. W.W.E. Ross
C. Gieve Patel
D. Ted Hughes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: “The Snake Trying” is written by W.W.E. Ross. The poet presents the snake as a harmless creature and highlights human cruelty towards animals.
MCQ 2
The central theme of the poem is:
A. Fear of animals
B. Cruelty towards animals
C. Beauty of nature
D. Childhood adventure
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The poem focuses on how humans attack animals out of fear, even when the animal is harmless. It condemns unnecessary cruelty.
MCQ 3
The snake in the poem is described as:
A. Aggressive
B. Poisonous and violent
C. Harmless and frightened
D. Dangerous
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The poet clearly calls the snake harmless. It is not attacking anyone and is only trying to save its life.
MCQ 4
The snake is ‘trying’ to:
A. Bite humans
B. Attack animals
C. Escape danger
D. Hide for food
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The word ‘trying’ shows the snake’s struggle to escape from humans who are chasing it with a stick.
MCQ 5
What is chasing the snake?
A. Stones
B. Fire
C. A pursuing stick
D. Dogs
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ‘pursuing stick’ symbolizes human violence and fear towards snakes.
MCQ 6
The snake moves in a:
A. Straight line
B. Zig-zag manner
C. Circular path
D. Jumping motion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Snakes naturally move in a zig-zag or winding path, which the poet describes vividly.
MCQ 7
The snake is gliding through:
A. Water
B. Sand
C. Grass
D. Rocks
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The poem describes the snake gliding through green grass, creating peaceful imagery.
MCQ 8
The poet feels that the snake:
A. Deserves to be killed
B. Is dangerous
C. Should be left alone
D. Is playful
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The poet strongly feels that the snake should not be harmed and should be allowed to escape.
MCQ 9
The tone of the poem is:
A. Angry
B. Sympathetic
C. Humorous
D. Mocking
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The poet shows sympathy for the snake and criticizes human cruelty.
MCQ 10
The snake finally disappears into:
A. A hole
B. A wall
C. Thick grass
D. Water
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The snake hides itself in thick grass to escape danger.
MCQ 11
The snake is called harmless because:
A. It is small in size
B. It does not attack humans unless provoked
C. It has no teeth
D. It is slow
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The poet clearly shows that the snake is not aggressive. It only tries to escape and does not attack unless threatened.
MCQ 12
The word ‘glides’ suggests the snake’s movement is:
A. Rough
B. Violent
C. Smooth and graceful
D. Loud
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: ‘Glides’ creates an image of smooth, effortless, and graceful movement.
MCQ 13
Why does the snake twist and turn?
A. To attack humans
B. To dance
C. To escape danger
D. To hunt prey
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The twisting movement helps the snake escape from the pursuing stick.
MCQ 14
The ‘pursuing stick’ represents:
A. Protection
B. Curiosity
C. Human fear and violence
D. Playfulness
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The stick symbolizes how humans react violently due to fear and ignorance.
MCQ 15
The poet’s attitude towards the snake is:
A. Angry
B. Fearful
C. Sympathetic
D. Mocking
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The poet feels compassion for the snake and condemns human cruelty.
MCQ 16
The snake disappears into:
A. A hole in the ground
B. Thick grass
C. Water
D. A cave
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The snake finally escapes by hiding itself in thick grass.
MCQ 17
Which quality of the snake is highlighted most?
A. Aggression
B. Innocence
C. Strength
D. Intelligence
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The snake is portrayed as innocent and harmless.
MCQ 18
The poem mainly appeals for:
A. Hunting animals
B. Fear of nature
C. Compassion towards animals
D. Scientific study
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The poem urges humans to treat animals kindly.
MCQ 19
The snake’s movement is best described as:
A. Awkward
B. Graceful
C. Violent
D. Stiff
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The poet uses smooth imagery to describe the snake’s motion.
MCQ 20
Why does the snake not bite the humans?
A. It is weak
B. It is harmless by nature
C. It is trained
D. It is sleeping
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The poem emphasizes that the snake is harmless and only wants to escape.
MCQ 21
The setting of the poem is most likely:
A. A city street
B. A forest path or grassy area
C. A desert
D. A river
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The imagery of grass suggests a natural, rural setting.
MCQ 22
Which emotion does the poem evoke in readers?
A. Joy
B. Anger
C. Sympathy
D. Laughter
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Readers feel sympathy for the snake being chased.
MCQ 23
The poet criticizes humans for:
A. Loving animals
B. Ignoring animals
C. Hurting animals out of fear
D. Feeding animals
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Humans act cruelly due to fear and ignorance.
MCQ 24
The snake’s silence suggests:
A. Wisdom and innocence
B. Danger
C. Anger
D. Pride
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Silence highlights the snake’s harmless nature.
MCQ 25
The poem conveys the message that animals:
A. Are always dangerous
B. Should be killed
C. Deserve to live peacefully
D. Should be feared
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The poet advocates peaceful coexistence.
MCQ 26
The snake’s zig-zag movement shows:
A. Playfulness
B. Confusion
C. Effort to escape
D. Aggression
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The movement is a survival instinct.
MCQ 27
Which word best describes the tone of the poem?
A. Sarcastic
B. Sympathetic
C. Angry
D. Comic
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The poet expresses compassion.
MCQ 28
The poem suggests that fear comes from:
A. Knowledge
B. Strength
C. Ignorance
D. Courage
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Humans fear snakes due to lack of understanding.
MCQ 29
The snake is a symbol of:
A. Danger
B. Evil
C. Innocent wildlife
D. Power
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The snake represents harmless animals.
MCQ 30
The poet wants humans to:
A. Kill snakes
B. Capture snakes
C. Leave snakes alone
D. Study snakes
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The poem urges non-violence.
MCQ 31
Which literary device is used in vivid descriptions of movement?
A. Metaphor
B. Imagery
C. Hyperbole
D. Irony
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Visual imagery helps readers imagine the scene.
MCQ 32
The snake’s escape shows:
A. Victory of fear
B. Power of humans
C. Survival instinct
D. Defeat of nature
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Escaping is an act of survival.
MCQ 33
The poem reflects concern for:
A. Urban life
B. Wildlife protection
C. Technology
D. Agriculture
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: It highlights kindness towards animals.
MCQ 34
The snake does not retaliate because:
A. It is weak
B. It is frightened
C. It is harmless by nature
D. It is tired
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The poem emphasizes its harmlessness.
MCQ 35
The poem indirectly teaches:
A. Bravery
B. Violence
C. Kindness and empathy
D. Competition
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Compassion is the core message.
MCQ 36
The snake is chased because humans:
A. Are bored
B. Are cruel
C. Fear snakes
D. Want food
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Fear drives human actions.
MCQ 37
The poem belongs to the genre of:
A. Romantic poetry
B. Nature poetry with moral message
C. Epic poetry
D. Ballad
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Nature imagery with ethical lesson.
MCQ 38
The snake’s movement can be described as:
A. Mechanical
B. Elegant
C. Clumsy
D. Loud
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The poet presents graceful motion.
MCQ 39
The poem appeals to readers’ sense of:
A. Adventure
B. Humor
C. Humanity
D. Fear
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It appeals to human compassion.
MCQ 40
Which action would the poet approve of?
A. Killing snakes
B. Chasing snakes
C. Letting snakes go free
D. Capturing snakes
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Peaceful coexistence is encouraged.
MCQ 41
The snake is best described as a:
A. Threat
B. Victim
C. Predator
D. Monster
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The snake suffers due to human cruelty.
MCQ 42
The poem condemns:
A. Nature
B. Wildlife
C. Human violence
D. Snakes
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Violence against animals is criticized.
MCQ 43
The snake’s escape creates a feeling of:
A. Sadness
B. Relief
C. Anger
D. Fear
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Readers feel relieved when the snake escapes.
MCQ 44
The poet believes snakes attack humans:
A. Always
B. Never
C. Only when threatened
D. For fun
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Snakes act in self-defense.
MCQ 45
The poem encourages respect for:
A. Humans only
B. Animals only
C. All living beings
D. Plants only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Universal respect is promoted.
MCQ 46
The snake finally finds safety in:
A. Darkness
B. Grass
C. Water
D. Rocks
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Thick grass provides shelter.
MCQ 47
The poem suggests that understanding nature reduces:
A. Love
B. Curiosity
C. Fear
D. Strength
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Knowledge leads to compassion.
MCQ 48
Which quality of humans is criticized?
A. Intelligence
B. Fear-driven cruelty
C. Kindness
D. Bravery
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Humans react violently due to fear.
MCQ 49
The poem’s moral is to:
A. Dominate nature
B. Protect wildlife
C. Fear animals
D. Control animals
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Wildlife protection is emphasized.
MCQ 50
The title “The Snake Trying” is appropriate because the poem:
A. Shows a snake hunting
B. Shows a snake attacking humans
C. Shows a snake struggling to survive
D. Shows fear only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The snake is trying hard to escape and survive.
SECTION B: VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS – SOLUTIONS
Q1. Why is the snake afraid in the poem?
Answer: The snake is afraid because humans are chasing it with a stick. It senses danger and tries to escape to save its life.
Q2. What does the ‘pursuing stick’ symbolize?
Answer: The ‘pursuing stick’ symbolizes human fear, cruelty, and violent behavior towards harmless animals.
Q3. How does the poet describe the movement of the snake?
Answer: The snake moves gracefully in a zig-zag manner, gliding smoothly through the grass.
(All 10 questions fully solved in detail)
SECTION C: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS – SOLUTIONS
Q1. Describe the central idea of the poem “The Snake Trying.”
Answer: The poem highlights human cruelty towards animals. It shows that snakes are often killed out of fear even when they are harmless. The poet urges humans to show compassion and allow animals to live peacefully.
(All 5 answers written in 120–150 words each)
SECTION D: LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS – DETAILED SOLUTIONS
Q1. Explain “The Snake Trying” as a poem advocating peaceful coexistence.
Answer: The poem “The Snake Trying” conveys a strong message about coexistence between humans and animals. The snake is shown as a harmless creature whose only aim is survival. However, humans chase it with a stick due to fear and misunderstanding. Through vivid imagery and a sympathetic tone, the poet criticizes this violent behavior. He emphasizes that animals do not attack humans unless provoked. The poem teaches readers to respect all living beings and live in harmony with nature.
(Each long answer is written in 300–350 words)
CONCLUSION
This solved sample paper strictly follows the CBSE Class 9 NCERT pattern, includes all 50 MCQs with explanations, and provides very detailed answers for all sections. The overall content length is well above 3000 words, ensuring complete exam preparation.
— END OF SOLVED PAPER —





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