SAQ on the poem "The Snail" ( Class X )

Sl.	Short Answer Type Questions	Answers
1	Who is the author of the poem "The Snail"?	William Cowper
2	What is the poem "The Snail" about?	The behavior and characteristics of a snail.
3	How does the snail stick to its surroundings?	The snail sticks closely to grass, leaves, fruits, or walls.
4	Why does the snail not fear falling?	It behaves as if it's a part of its surroundings, feeling secure.
5	What does the poet mean when he says the snail sticks "as if he grew there"?	The snail seems so well-attached that it's as if it's a natural part of its surroundings.
6	What does the snail do when there's danger from a storm or harm from the weather?	It hides securely within its shell.
7	How does the snail react to the slightest touch on its horns?	It retracts into its shell with displeasure.
8	What does the snail possess as its sole treasure?	The snail possesses only itself, with no other possessions.
9	In what way does the snail dwell in its environment?	It dwells alone, blending into its surroundings.
10	What does "his self-collecting power" refer to in the poem?	It refers to the snail's ability to retract into its shell.
11	What is the central theme of "The Snail"?	The theme is the snail's self-sufficiency and adaptability.
12	How does the poem describe the snail's reaction to touch?	It reacts with displeasure, retracting into its shell.
13	What is the significance of the snail's behavior in the poem?	The snail's behavior reflects resilience and contentment with simplicity.
14	How is the snail characterized in the poem?	It's described as self-reliant and untroubled by its solitary existence.
15	Why does the poet use the word "imminent" in the line "When danger imminent betides"?	It emphasizes that danger is approaching or close at hand.
16	How does the snail's behavior contrast with other creatures in the natural world?	The snail's behavior emphasizes self-preservation and self-reliance, unlike many other creatures.
17	What message or lesson can readers take from "The Snail"?	The poem conveys the idea of finding contentment in simplicity and self-sufficiency.
18	How does the snail symbolize self-sufficiency in the poem?	It relies only on itself for protection and security.
19	What do the snail's actions reveal about its adaptability?	The snail adapts to its environment by retracting into its shell when needed.
20	How does the poem suggest that the snail is at ease with its own company?	The snail dwells alone and is content with its own presence.
21	What is the significance of the word "chattels" in the line "Except himself has chattels none"?	It means the snail has no possessions other than itself.
22	How does the poem describe the snail's response to storms?	The snail hides within its shell when storms approach.
23	What does the poet mean by "house" in the poem?	The "house" refers to the snail's shell.
24	How does the snail's behavior reflect its relationship with nature?	The snail's behavior demonstrates a harmonious connection with its natural surroundings.
25	What is the emotional state of the snail when it retracts into its shell?	It experiences displeasure when retreating.
26	Why does the snail choose to live alone in its environment?	The snail is content with its own presence and doesn't seek companionship or possessions.
27	What do the snail's characteristics reveal about its survival instincts?	The snail's characteristics show its ability to protect itself when needed.
28	How does the poem highlight the snail's resilience?	The snail's resilience is evident in its ability to withstand danger and unfavorable weather.
29	What is the significance of the snail being "whole treasure" to itself?	It emphasizes the snail's self-contentment and independence.
30	What does the poem suggest about embracing simplicity in life?	The poem suggests that finding contentment in simplicity is a valuable trait.
31	How does the snail's reaction to touch represent self-preservation?	The snail's quick withdrawal shows its instinct to protect itself.
32	Why does the snail represent a unique perspective on life in nature?	Its self-sufficiency and adaptability make it stand out among creatures.
33	What might the poet admire about the snail's behavior?	The poet may admire the snail's ability to find security in its own self-sufficiency.
34	How does the snail's dwelling relate to its surroundings?	The snail blends into its surroundings, appearing as if it's part of the natural landscape.
35	What qualities does the snail possess that enable it to adapt to its environment?	Self-reliance, adaptability, and the ability to hide when needed.
36	How does the poem characterize the snail's response to adverse conditions?	The snail's response is one of resilience and self-protection.
37	What does the snail symbolize in the natural world?	It symbolizes adaptability and self-sufficiency in nature.
38	How does the poem portray the snail's relationship with its home (shell)?	The snail's home is its source of security and protection.
39	Why might the poet appreciate the snail's self-contained nature?	The snail's self-containment can be seen as a symbol of simplicity and contentment.
40	How does the snail's behavior contrast with human desires for possessions?	The snail is content with itself, unlike humans who often seek material possessions.
41	What makes the snail's behavior a subject of interest in the poem?	Its unique qualities of self-preservation and adaptability are of interest.
42	What is the role of the snail's shell in the poem?	The shell provides the snail with safety and protection.
43	What might the poet want readers to learn from the snail's example?	The poet may want readers to appreciate simplicity and self-sufficiency in life.
44	How does the snail's behavior reflect a sense of security and self-reliance?	The snail relies on itself for protection, feeling secure in its solitude.
45	How does the poem emphasize the snail's resilience and adaptability?	The snail can withstand adverse conditions by retracting into its shell.
46	Why is the snail content with being its "own whole treasure"?	The snail finds contentment within itself and doesn't seek external possessions.
47	What can readers appreciate about the snail's approach to life in the poem?	Readers can appreciate the snail's self-sufficiency and ability to adapt to its environment.
48	How does the poem highlight the snail's ability to survive in nature?	The snail's behavior showcases its survival instincts and adaptability.
49	What does the snail's behavior teach us about finding contentment?	The snail's behavior teaches us to find contentment in simplicity and self-sufficiency.
50	What does the snail's behavior symbolize in the larger context of the natural world?	The snail symbolizes the value of adaptability and self-reliance in nature.