“The Snail” by William Cowper
Summary: In
"The Snail," William Cowper explores the life of a snail, which is
portrayed as a self-sufficient and cautious creature. The snail sticks closely
to its home (its shell), which it carries wherever it goes. When in danger or
when disturbed, the snail quickly retreats into its shell, finding comfort and
safety within. The snail is content to be alone, independent, and self-reliant,
symbolizing a life of simplicity and solitude. The poem also suggests that the
snail's hermit-like existence is ideal for someone who seeks peace and
security.
Analysis
of "The Snail":
The poem focuses on the
snail's independence and self-sufficiency. Cowper contrasts the slow,
deliberate movements of the snail with the chaos of the outside world, where
the snail has no need for external help or company. The snail’s ability to
retreat into its shell represents the idea of self-protection and inner
security, choosing a peaceful, solitary life over the complexities of the
world. The poem praises the snail for its contentment and self-reliance, suggesting
that a life free from dependency on others is fulfilling.
Explanation
of Important Lines and Phrases
1.
“To grass, or leaf, or fruit, or wall, / The snail sticks close, nor fears to
fall”
This line shows the snail’s
attachment to its environment and its confidence in its ability to stay safe,
without fear of falling. It suggests a strong connection between the snail and
its surroundings, symbolizing self-sufficiency.
2.
“Within that house secure he hides, / When danger imminent betides”
The snail retreats into its
shell (its "house") when it feels threatened. This highlights its
self-protective nature, seeking refuge and security when in danger.
3.
“Give but his horns the slightest touch, / His self-collecting power is such”
The "horns" refer
to the snail's antennae. Upon the slightest disturbance, the snail quickly
withdraws into its shell, demonstrating its ability to protect itself at the
first sign of danger.
4.
“Where’er he dwells, he dwells alone, / Except himself has chattels none”
The snail lives alone and is
content with its solitude. It does not need possessions or companions to be
happy, emphasizing the value of independence and simplicity.
5.
“Thus, hermit-like, his life he leads, / Nor partner of his banquet needs”
The snail lives like a
hermit, solitary and independent. It doesn’t require companionship, even while
feeding, underscoring its self-sufficiency.
6.
“Who seeks him must be worse than blind, / (He and his house are so combined)”
The snail’s home is
inseparable from it; anyone trying to find the snail must be very unaware, as
the snail and its shell are one.
7.
“As if he grew there, house and all / Together.”
This suggests that the
snail’s shell is so closely attached to its body that it seems as if the snail
and its house are inseparable. The phrase highlights the snail’s total
dependence on its shell for protection and comfort.
8.
“When danger imminent betides / Of storm, or other harm besides / Of weather.”
This indicates that the snail
retreats into its shell when it faces any danger, whether from a storm or any
other threat. It emphasizes the snail’s instinctive reaction to seek safety
when danger approaches.
9.
“His self-collecting power is such.”
This phrase refers to the
snail’s ability to retreat into its shell at the slightest touch. It shows the
snail’s quick, instinctive response to perceived danger and its power to protect
itself by withdrawing into its shell.
10.
“Well satisfied to be his own / Whole treasure.”
The snail is content with its
solitary existence, finding fulfillment in being independent and not needing
anything beyond itself. This phrase underscores the theme of self-sufficiency
and contentment with what one has.
11.
“Thus, hermit-like, his life he leads.”
The phrase compares the snail
to a hermit, a person who lives alone and avoids the company of others. It
reflects the snail’s solitary nature and its preference for independence over
social interaction.
12.
“And if he meets one, only feeds / The faster.”
If the snail encounters
another snail, instead of engaging socially, it continues to focus on feeding.
This shows that the snail prefers solitude and does not seek companionship,
even when given the opportunity.
13.
“He and his house are so combin'd / If, finding it, he fails to find / Its
master.”
This highlights the
inseparable nature of the snail and its shell. It’s almost impossible to find
one without the other. The snail and its house are so intertwined that anyone
seeking the snail would be "blind" if they didn’t recognize both
together.
** These phrases deepen the theme of solitude, self-sufficiency, and
protection in the poem, showcasing how the snail is a symbol of independence
and peaceful existence.
Title Significance
The title "The
Snail" is significant as it directly refers to the creature that
symbolizes self-reliance, independence, and contentment with a simple life. The
snail’s ability to carry its home on its back and retreat into it when
threatened represents a metaphor for living life in a way that is detached from
external worries and dependencies. The title reflects the core message of the
poem: the snail’s life of solitude and security is a model of peaceful,
self-sufficient living.
Questionnaire
from ABTA Test Paper:
Page:
21
1.Where
does the snail stick itself and how?
Ans:
2.
When does the snail hide in his house?
Ans:
Page:
70
1.How
does the snail react when someone touches its horns?
Ans:
2.
When does the snail feed faster?
Ans:
Page:
1.?
Ans:
2.?
Ans:
Additional
Questions:
1.
What does the snail do in the prospect of danger?
The
snail retreats into its shell to protect itself in prospect of danger.
2.
What makes the snail well-satisfied and why?
The
snail is content with its solitary life, being independent and carrying its own
shelter, which makes it self-sufficient.
3.
Where does the snail stick?
The
snail sticks to grass, leaves, fruit, or walls.
4.
How does the snail react when his horns are given the slightest touch?
The
snail quickly withdraws into its shell with discomfort.
5.
What is meant by "self-collecting pow'r"?
It
refers to the snail’s ability to pull itself into its shell when it senses
danger.
6.
Where does the snail hide himself?
The
snail hides inside its shell.
7.
What does the word 'chattels' mean?
'Chattels'
means possessions or belongings. In the poem, it refers to the snail’s lack of
external possessions.
8.
When does the snail feel uneasy? Or, What is the cause of displeasure of the
snail?
The
snail feels uneasy or displeased when its horns are touched or when it senses
danger.
9.
How does the snail shrink into the house in times of danger?
The
snail shrinks quickly into its shell, using its self-protective instinct.
10.
How does the snail live his life?
The
snail lives a solitary, hermit-like life, content to be alone and self-reliant.
11.
How does the snail stick itself to various objects?
The
snail sticks itself to surfaces like grass, leaves, fruit, or walls by using
its slime.
12.
What danger does a snail have?
The
snail is vulnerable to environmental threats, like predators or bad weather.
13.
Why doesn't the snail fear to fall?
The
snail is not afraid of falling because it moves slowly and has its house for
protection.
14.
Why does the snail shrink himself?
The
snail shrinks into its shell to protect itself when it senses danger.
15.
How strong is the self-collecting power of a snail?
The
snail has a strong instinct to quickly retreat into its shell at the slightest
touch or danger.
16.
What does the snail carry with himself?
The
snail carries its shell, which serves as its home and protection.
17.
How does the snail sense danger?
The
snail senses danger through its antennae (horns), which detect disturbances
around it.
18.
Why does the snail dwell alone?
The
snail lives alone because it is self-sufficient and does not need
companionship.
19.
What is meant by the expression "whole treasure?"
"Whole
treasure" refers to the snail's complete contentment with its own self and
its home, symbolizing the idea that its most valuable possession is its
independence.
20.
How does the snail use its house?
The
snail uses its shell as a protective shelter, retreating into it whenever it
feels threatened.
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