The Snail by William Cowper | Madhyamik English Question and Answer
The Snail by William Cowper is an important Poetry chapter for WBBSE Class 10 English. The poem closely observes the habits of a snail and shows how the creature protects itself, lives independently and remains satisfied within its own small world.
The snail sticks closely to grass, leaves, fruit or a wall and does not fear falling. When danger approaches, it withdraws completely into its house. The poem therefore presents the snail as a self-sufficient creature that is secure within its own shell. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
The Snail – Madhyamik English Question and Answer
This article presents important objective, short-answer and descriptive questions based on the poem. The main focus is on the snail’s attachment to surfaces, its protective shell, its reaction to danger and its self-sufficient nature. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
The Snail – MCQ Questions and Answers
1. The snail does not fear to —
(A) Sleep (B) Fall (C) Hide (D) Move2. A storm is a matter of ______ for the snail.
(A) Joy (B) Comfort (C) Danger (D) Pleasure3. The snail leads a life of —
(A) Self-denial (B) Self-negation (C) Self-forgetfulness (D) Self-sufficiency4. The snail’s danger mainly comes from —
(A) Weather (B) Little boys (C) Birds (D) Disease5. With the slightest touch, the snail —
(A) runs away (B) falls down (C) shrinks into its house (D) moves towards another snailThe Snail – Answer the Following Questions
1. What does the snail usually stick itself to?
Answer: The snail usually sticks itself closely to grass, a leaf, fruit or a wall. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
2. How does the snail stick itself?
Answer: It sticks so closely to the surface that there is no fear of falling. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
3. When does the snail hide inside its house?
Answer: The snail hides inside its house when danger becomes imminent, especially during a storm or other harmful weather. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
4. What happens when the snail’s horn is touched?
Answer: The snail immediately shrinks into its house when its horn is touched. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
5. How does the snail seem to grow?
Answer: It seems to grow together with its house, as if the creature and its shell are one. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
6. Where does the snail dwell?
Answer: The snail dwells wherever it chooses to make its small home and remains securely attached to its surroundings.
7. How does the snail live?
Answer: The snail leads a self-sufficient life and is satisfied with its own small world. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
8. What does the word “chattel” mean?
Answer: “Chattel” means wealth, property or belongings. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
9. What does the phrase “his own whole treasure” suggest?
Answer: It suggests that the snail considers itself complete and self-sufficient within its own shell and does not need outside possessions.
10. What is the snail’s response to danger?
Answer: The snail protects itself by withdrawing completely into its shell.
The Snail – Important Questions and Answers
1. Describe the snail’s way of protecting itself.
Answer: The snail has a strong natural defence. Whenever danger approaches, it collects itself and retreats into its hard shell. Even the slightest touch to its horn causes it to withdraw into the safety of its house. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
2. How does the poem show that the snail is self-sufficient?
Answer: The snail does not depend on others for its security. Its shell serves as its house and protection, and it is satisfied with its own small world. This makes the snail an example of self-sufficiency. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
3. Why does the snail not fear to fall?
Answer: The snail sticks very closely to grass, leaves, fruit or a wall. Because of this strong attachment, it does not fear falling. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
4. What kinds of danger are mentioned in the poem?
Answer: The poem mainly mentions storms and other forms of harmful weather as dangers to the snail. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
5. Why does the snail shrink into its house?
Answer: The snail shrinks into its house to protect itself from danger. Its shell provides a secure place where it can remain safe from external harm.
6. Why is the snail described as “his own whole treasure”?
Answer: The expression suggests that the snail is content with what it possesses within its own little world. It does not need outside wealth or possessions and is satisfied with itself. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
The Snail – Central Idea
The central idea of The Snail is the remarkable self-sufficiency and self-protection of the snail. The creature has its own house, its own protection and its own way of surviving.
Cowper presents the snail as completely secure within its shell. When danger approaches, it does not fight or run away; instead, it withdraws into its house. This simple behaviour becomes the central focus of the poem. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
The most important characteristic of the snail is its self-sufficiency. Its shell is simultaneously its home, protection and possession, allowing it to remain independent and secure.
The Snail – Major Themes
The snail is completely satisfied within its own small world.
The creature withdraws into its shell whenever it senses danger.
Its shell provides a secure home that remains with the snail.
The snail lives alone and does not depend on external possessions.
The snail is well satisfied with its own little world.
The snail survives by staying close to surfaces and responding quickly to danger.
The Snail – Important Images and Expressions
| Expression / Image | Meaning or Significance |
|---|---|
| Grass, leaf, fruit or wall | The surfaces to which the snail attaches itself closely. |
| His house | The snail’s protective shell and secure home. |
| Slightest touch | Even a small disturbance makes the snail withdraw. |
| Storm | An example of danger caused by weather. |
| Self-sufficient life | The snail remains content and independent within its own world. |
| Own whole treasure | The snail considers its own self and shell sufficient as its complete possession. |
The Snail – Important Points for Revision
- The poem is written by William Cowper.
- The snail sticks closely to grass, leaf, fruit or wall.
- It does not fear falling because of its strong attachment.
- Its shell is both its house and its protection.
- The snail hides inside its shell when danger becomes imminent.
- Storm and harmful weather are presented as forms of danger.
- The slightest touch to the horn makes the snail shrink into its house.
- The snail seems to grow together with its house.
- The snail leads a self-sufficient life.
- It dwells alone and is satisfied with its own world.
- The poem presents the snail as independent and secure.
The Snail – Quick Revision Table
| Question Point | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Poet | William Cowper |
| Common surfaces | Grass, leaf, fruit and wall |
| Why does it not fear falling? | It sticks closely to the surface |
| Where does it hide? | Inside its house or shell |
| When does it hide? | When danger becomes imminent |
| Main danger | Storm and harmful weather |
| Reaction to a touch | It shrinks into its house |
| Meaning of chattel | Wealth, property or belongings |
| Way of life | Self-sufficient |
| Main quality | Independence and self-protection |
How to Prepare The Snail for Madhyamik English
For examination preparation, first read the complete poem and understand the snail’s behaviour. Then revise the important facts, expressions and short-answer questions. The poem is short, so careful reading can help you remember the important details accurately.
Read the poem → understand where the snail lives → revise its protective behaviour → learn the important expressions → practice MCQs → prepare short answers → revise the central idea and themes.
Focus Areas for Examination
- What the snail sticks itself to and how it does so.
- Why the snail does not fear falling.
- When the snail hides inside its shell.
- What happens when its horn is touched.
- Why the snail is called self-sufficient.
- What “chattel” means.
- What is meant by “his own whole treasure.”
- The main idea of self-protection and independence.
Conclusion
The Snail by William Cowper is a simple observation of a small creature, but the poem highlights important qualities such as independence, security, self-protection and contentment. The snail carries its own house with it and remains satisfied within its own small world.
For WBBSE Class 10 examination preparation, special attention should be given to the snail’s attachment to grass, leaves, fruit and walls, its reaction to danger, its protective shell, its self-sufficient life and the meanings of important expressions from the poem. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
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