Hi Everyone!! This article will share The Snail Questions & Answers.
This poem is written by Ruskin Bond. In my previous posts, I have shared the questions and answers of Painting The Breeze, Telesilla and The Gates of Argos and Owls In The Family so, you can check these posts as well.
The Snail Questions & Answers
Word Galaxy
- Tender – soft
- Chancing – trying out
- Brave – deal with a difficult situation
- Slithers – creeps
- Flinch – jerk back
Question 1: What does the line, ‘The grass is greener on the other side?’ What does it mean in context of the poem?
Answer: In context of the poem, the quoted lines mean the grass on the other side of the road was fresher and lusher than the side on which the snail was. The proverb ‘the grass is greener on the other side’ means we always believe that other persons are happier and leading a better life than us.
Question 2: Why can’t the snail cross the road like the others?
Answer: The snail cannot cross the road like others because it is not made to weave, dodge or move quickly. As a result, it must wait carefully for the passersby to move and the carts to pass before it can move forward. Even then, each step it takes is a risk to its life.
Question 3: Which line in the poem indicates that the Snail was not aware of the danger in its life?
Answer: The line ‘though all unaware of the danger of being squashed’ indicates that the Snail was not aware of the danger to its life.
Question 4: Which word used by the poet indicates the determination of the snail?
Answer: The word used to indicate the determination of the snail is ‘intent’.
Question 5: Read and answer the questions:
On his long journey, I across the busy path.
(a) What did the snail do to start the journey?
Answer: The snail left the safety of a rocky ledge and set out to start the journey.
(b) What is the phrase ‘busy path’ referring to?
Answer: The phrase ‘busy path’ is referring to the road crowded with passersby and vehicles that are crossing the road.
(c) Why was the snail crossing the road?
Answer: The Snail was crossing the road because the grass was greener on the other side. He thought that it is a better place than the rocky ledge.
Question 6: Read and answer the questions:
He does not pause or flinch
A cartwheel misses by an inch.
(a) Why do you think the snail did not pause or flinch?
Answer: The snail did neither pause nor flinch because its eyes were set on the delicious green grass on the other side of the road.
(b) What catastrophe did the snail manage to avoid?
Answer: The snail managed to avoid the wheel of the cart by an inch. This was the catastrophe that the snail managed to avoid.
(c) What was the snail’s reward for braving the dangers of the road?
Answer: The snail was rewarded for its perseverance by the presence of rich leaf mould and tall grass on the other side of the road.
Question 7: Read and answer the questions:
I salute you, Snail
Somehow, you’ve made me feel quite small.
(a) Why is the poet saluting the snail?
Answer: The poet is full of admiration for the little snail. It is a tiny creature but displays great courage and determination to risk all and reach its goal. That is why the poet salutes the snail.
(b) Explain the meaning of the word ‘small’ in the context.
Answer: In the quoted line, the word ‘small’ means the poet is humbled by the determination and courage shown by the tiny snail. He feels that in spite of his bigger size and ability to move faster, he would not be able to display the bravery the snail did.
(c) Why does the poet use the word ‘somehow’?
Answer: The word ‘somehow’ implies that in spite of the apparent insignificance of the snail, it has made the poet feel inferior. The snail is much smaller in size than the poet but yet the poet feels small and insignificant in presence of something so brave and purposeful.
Question 8: Write the message conveyed by this poem.
Answer: Through this poem, the poet wants to convey the message that one needs to be focused and determined to achieve the goals. success or failure depends on our ‘will power’ so, we should work hard to achieve success.
So, these were The Snail Questions & Answers.