CBSE Class 9 English Beehive Notes Chapter 5 PDF Download

CBSE Class 9 English Beehive  Notes Chapter 5: Chapter 5 of the  Class 9 syllabus, titled "The Snake and the Mirror," is a story by  Vaikom Muhammad Basheer.

It narrates a humorous and intriguing incident in the life of a young doctor who encounters a snake in his room. The story highlights themes of fear, ego, and irony. 

 Students must understand the key elements of the plot, characterization, and narrative style for the exam pattern, as the chapter may be tested on comprehension, themes, and character analysis in both written exams and internal assessments.

CBSE Class 9 English Beehive  Notes Chapter 5 The Snake and The Mirror

"The Snake and the Mirror" is a story by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. The narrator, a homeopathic doctor, recounts a terrifying experience he had with a snake while resting in his small rented room. He begins by describing how he lived alone as a bachelor in a poorly maintained room.

One evening, after a meal at a restaurant, he returned to his room and heard a familiar noise from the roof. He ignored it, as his room was in poor condition, with rats often scurrying around the beams. Without electricity, he lit a kerosene lantern to see.

Because the doctor didn’t earn much, he couldn’t afford a nice home. He had around sixty rupees in his suitcase, along with a few clothes, including a single black coat he often wore. He took off his coat, shirt, and vest, hung them up, opened the windows, and moved his bed closer to the wall to sleep, but the humid weather kept him awake.

He went outside to the veranda for some fresh air, but it was dry outside. Returning to his room, he sat down to read a medical book. While reading, he noticed a mirror and a small comb near it.

As he admired himself in the mirror, he thought about how he could improve his looks and smiled. He even imagined marrying a wealthy woman doctor so that if he ever made a mistake, she wouldn’t be able to chase him.

Lost in his thoughts, he didn’t notice the sudden silence or the rats scurrying. Suddenly, he heard a soft thud and saw a large snake slithering onto his chair and then wrapping around his left arm.

The snake was very close to his face, and the doctor, terrified, froze in place. He felt as though this was a punishment for his arrogance and realized that he was just an ordinary person.

As the snake moved away, it slithered toward the mirror and seemed to admire its reflection. Seizing the opportunity, the doctor quietly escaped and ran to a friend’s house.

The next morning, he returned to find his belongings had been stolen, except for the dirty vest left hanging in the room. When his listeners asked about the snake, the doctor concluded that it was likely distracted by its beauty and never saw it again.

Conclusion of CBSE Class 9 English Beehive  Notes Chapter 5 The Snake and The Mirror

The conclusion of The Snake and the Mirror emphasizes the theme of vanity and the unpredictability of life. The doctor's encounter with the snake serves as a humbling experience, showing him that no matter how self-assured or proud one may feel, nature can quickly remind us of our vulnerability. 

 His initial self-obsession and thoughts about marriage reveal his superficiality, but the snake's unexpected presence forces him to reflect on his limitations.

In the end, the doctor's narrow escape and the theft of his belongings highlight the unpredictability of fate. The story leaves a lasting lesson on humility, suggesting that external appearances and pride are fleeting and that life can change in the blink of an eye.

CBSE Class 9 English Beehive Notes Chapter 5 PDF

Below, we have provided the PDF for  CBSE Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 5, The Snake and the Mirror. This chapter narrates a fascinating and humorous story by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, where the protagonist, a homeopathic doctor, faces a life-changing encounter with a snake. 

The story explores themes of vanity, fear, and humility, offering valuable lessons for students. Download the PDF to get a detailed overview, summary, and important points from the chapter for better understanding and exam preparation.