By smartcubs The doctor in Vaikom Muhammad Basheer’s short story “The Snake and the Mirror” is a fascinating character, portrayed with a mix of humor, vulnerability, and introspection. Through his experiences, readers gain insights into his personality and his reflections on life.
Humorous and Self-Reflective
The doctor narrates the story with a keen sense of humor, often poking fun at himself and his past naivety. His recounting of the events, particularly his reactions during the encounter with the snake, reveals a humorous self-awareness. He acknowledges his own vanity and fear in a light-hearted manner, making him an endearing and relatable character.
Vain and Self-Conscious
At the beginning of the story, the doctor is depicted as somewhat vain and self-conscious. He spends time admiring himself in the mirror, contemplating his appearance and dreaming about his future. He imagines how he would look with a mustache and thinks about marrying a rich, fat woman who wouldn’t run away from him. This vanity is portrayed humorously, highlighting his youthful self-obsession.
Vulnerable and Fearful
When the snake drops onto his shoulder, the doctor’s vulnerability comes to the forefront. His initial reaction is one of sheer terror, as he remains motionless, too frightened to move or call for help. This moment strips away his vanity and exposes his primal fear, making him acutely aware of his mortality. His thoughts during this time are a mix of fear and resignation, reflecting a profound vulnerability.
Reflective and Philosophical
After the snake incident, the doctor becomes more reflective and philosophical. He contemplates the nature of fear and the randomness of life and death. This introspection leads him to a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world. He realizes the futility of his earlier vanity and becomes more humble and grounded.
Resilient and Optimistic
Despite the terrifying experience, the doctor remains resilient and optimistic. He continues to practice medicine and looks back on the incident with a sense of humor and acceptance. His ability to laugh at himself and find humor in his fear demonstrates a resilient spirit and an optimistic outlook on life. He takes the experience as a lesson, one that makes him more appreciative of life and its unpredictability.
Conclusion
The doctor in “The Snake and the Mirror” is a multi-dimensional character whose journey from vanity to vulnerability to philosophical reflection is both humorous and profound. His self-awareness, humor, and resilience make him a memorable and relatable character. Through his experiences, Basheer explores themes of fear, vanity, and the human condition, all while keeping the tone light and engaging.