Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the colonel claim about a woman's reaction in a crisis?
What does the colonel claim about a woman's reaction in a crisis?
The colonel claims that a woman's unfailing reaction is to scream, suggesting she lacks control compared to a man.
What action does the hostess take when she senses danger in the room?
What action does the hostess take when she senses danger in the room?
The hostess summons a native boy and whispers to him to place a bowl of milk outside on the veranda.
How does the American naturalist react upon realizing there is a cobra in the room?
How does the American naturalist react upon realizing there is a cobra in the room?
The American quickly decides not to cause a commotion to avoid frightening the cobra into striking.
What challenge does the American propose to the guests?
What challenge does the American propose to the guests?
What is the significance of the bowl of milk to the American?
What is the significance of the bowl of milk to the American?
What ultimately reveals the presence of the cobra to the guests?
What ultimately reveals the presence of the cobra to the guests?
How does the hostess react after the danger is revealed?
How does the hostess react after the danger is revealed?
In what way does the colonel respond to the American's actions?
In what way does the colonel respond to the American's actions?
Flashcards
What kind of snake is present at the dinner party?
What kind of snake is present at the dinner party?
A type of snake that is known for its hood and its venomous bite.
What was the purpose of placing the bowl of milk?
What was the purpose of placing the bowl of milk?
The act of using a bowl of milk to attract a snake, which is then removed or killed, in order to protect the area from the snake.
What is 'control' as portrayed in the story?
What is 'control' as portrayed in the story?
A state of calmness and stillness, even in the presence of danger or discomfort.
What is 'not control' as shown in the story?
What is 'not control' as shown in the story?
The act of reacting impulsively or with a sense of panic when faced with a perceived threat or danger.
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What is the 'unfailing reaction' mentioned in the story?
What is the 'unfailing reaction' mentioned in the story?
The natural tendency for a person to respond to stimuli in a way that is instinctive and automatic. In the story, the guests are expected to scream upon witnessing the cobra.
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What does the American Naturalist represent in the story?
What does the American Naturalist represent in the story?
The act of calmly assessing a situation and taking measured and calculated actions to address the danger, rather than panicking or reacting impulsively.
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What stereotype is challenged in the story?
What stereotype is challenged in the story?
A common stereotype that women are more easily frightened than men. The story challenges and subverts this stereotype by showing the woman remaining calm.
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What is the main message of the story?
What is the main message of the story?
The story's central message is that one's understanding of control and composure, as well as the ability to react calmly and decisively in challenging situations, can influence the outcome of a crisis.
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Colonial Dinner Party in India
- A large dinner party is held by a colonial official and his wife in their spacious dining room.
- Guests including army officers, government attachés, their wives, and a visiting American naturalist are present.
- The room has a bare marble floor, open rafters, and wide glass doors opening onto a veranda.
Argument on Gender Roles
- A spirited discussion erupts between a young girl and a colonel about women's capabilities in a crisis.
- The colonel asserts that women instinctively react by screaming, lacking the nerve control of men, while the young girl disagrees.
American Naturalist's Observation
- The American naturalist observes the hostess with a strange expression.
- She subtly summons a native boy, whispers to him, and the boy quickly leaves the room.
- The American notices the boy placing a bowl of milk on the veranda.
Recognizing the Threat
- The American recognizes the bowl of milk as bait for a snake, realizing a cobra is present in the room.
- He deduces the cobra is likely under the table, given the lack of other possible hiding spots.
- He decides to remain silent, fearing sudden movement will startle the reptile into an attack.
- He challenges the guests to stay completely still for five minutes (300 counts), warning of penalties (50 rupees) for those who move.
The Cobra's Appearance and the Resolution
- Twenty guests remain motionless as the American counts.
- The American spots the cobra slithering towards the bowl of milk.
- He slams the veranda doors shut, preventing the cobra from reaching the bait.
- Guests express shock and surprise at the American's composure, and the colonial host praises his nerve control and control, and the hostess's faint smile reveals her involvement in the situation.
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