⭐ 1. Why does the poet wait for the snake to finish drinking?
Answer:
The poet waits because the snake reached the water trough before him. He treats
the snake as a living being and shows respect and patience. This shows that the
poet is civilized, sensitive, and respectful towards nature.
⭐ 2. Describe the conflict in the poet’s mind.
Answer:
The poet faces an inner conflict between social education and natural instincts.
Education tells him that poisonous snakes must be killed, but his instincts make him
admire the snake and treat it like a guest. This confusion leads to guilt and regret
later.
⭐ 3. Why does the poet compare the snake to a king?
Answer:
The poet compares the snake to a king because of its calm, graceful, and majestic
movement. He calls it a “king in exile” to show respect and admiration for the snake
as a powerful and dignified creature.
⭐ 4. What made the poet throw a log at the snake?
Answer:
When the snake was leaving, a sudden fear and social conditioning overcame the
poet. Influenced by voices of education, he threw a log at the snake, though he
immediately regretted this shameful act.
⭐ 5. Why does the poet feel guilty after hitting the snake?
Answer:
The poet feels guilty because the snake had done no harm. He considers his action
mean, vulgar, and unnecessary. He curses modern education that teaches violence
instead of respect for life.
⭐ 6. Explain the reference to the albatross.
Answer:
The reference to the albatross comes from Coleridge’s The Ancient Mariner. Just like