A Man and a Calf Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What does the speaker compare the creature's drinking to?

The speaker compares the creature's drinking to the behavior of cattle.

What duality is represented in the voices the speaker hears regarding the snake?

One voice advises to kill the snake, while the other expresses a liking for it and a wish for its peaceful departure.

Why is the snake considered 'innocent' in Sicily?

The black snakes are considered innocent, while the gold snakes are known to be venomous.

In what way does the setting influence the speaker's attitude toward the snake?

<p>The setting, being a hot Sicilian day with Mount Etna smoking, creates a vivid backdrop that makes the snake's presence feel more tranquil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What metaphorical significance does the phrase 'burning bowels of the earth' have in the context of the poem?

<p>It symbolizes the raw, primal nature of the earth and the life forces within it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sicilian Snakes

In Sicily, black snakes are harmless, while golden snakes are poisonous.

The Speaker's Conflict

The speaker struggles with their desire to kill the snake due to its poisonous nature, but instead feels positive emotions towards it.

The Snake's Characteristics

The snake is described as earth-brown, earth-golden, and behaving like cattle - drinking and flickering its tongue.

The Speaker's Education

The speaker has been taught that golden snakes are dangerous and need to be killed.

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The Speaker's Compassion

The speaker contradicts their education by feeling positive emotions towards the snake, despite knowing it's poisonous.

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Study Notes

A Man and a Calf

A man observes a calf drinking water.
The calf's actions are described as those of a drinking cattle, including looking vaguely at the man and flicking its tongue.
The calf is described as earth-brown and earth-golden, highlighting its connection to the land, specifically Sicilian July with Etna smoking.
The narrator's internal conflict is presented.
The narrator's education, and the perceived nature of a snakes, suggests the calf should be killed.
A voice within the narrator questions the action, and highlights affection for the calf and the quiet way it came for water.
The desire for the calf to depart peacefully and thanklessly is presented.

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Description

Explore the complex relationship between a man and a calf in this reflective quiz. Delve into the narrator's internal conflict and his observations of the calf's behavior against the backdrop of Sicilian summer. This quiz invites you to think critically about themes of affection, nature, and moral dilemmas.