Question

Why did the poet throw the wooden log at the snake?

Hint:

The poet’s action of throwing the log represents instinctive fear and humanity’s impulse to control or defend against perceived threats from nature.

Answer 1

In the poem, the poet throws the wooden log at the snake out of fear and instinctive self-defense. The snake, which is often associated with danger or menace in many cultural contexts, triggers the poet's reflexive response to protect himself. The act of throwing the log symbolizes the poet’s desire to drive away the threat and regain control over his environment. This reaction can be seen as an automatic and primal response to the presence of a dangerous creature.
However, the poet may also feel a sense of guilt or regret after throwing the log, as this action interrupts the natural interaction between the snake and its surroundings. The snake could symbolize nature or life in its purest form, and the poet’s attempt to intervene by throwing the log represents mankind’s tendency to interfere with the natural world. The poet’s action raises the question of whether such interference is necessary or if the natural world should be left to evolve on its own.
In conclusion, the poet throws the log because of a deep-seated instinct to protect himself, but this action may symbolize humanity’s broader struggle with the natural world—where fear and the need for control often result in destructive actions.