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Questions and Answers
What was the narrator doing when they heard the unusual barking?
What was unique about Neela's barking in this situation?
What type of plants were in the yard?
What was facing Neela in the yard?
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How was the cobra positioned?
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What is the initial reaction of the narrator when they see the snake?
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What is the doctor's advice to the narrator about the snake?
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What is the current state of the dog and the snake?
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Why does the narrator's sister ask if they are crying?
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What is the doctor's warning to the narrator?
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Study Notes
Scene Setting
- Early evening, around six-thirty or seven, following a long, hot day.
- The protagonist is cooking dinner, experiencing a relief from the heat.
Neela's Behavior
- Neela, the dog, exhibits various vocalizations: bright barking, pleading yips, and rare growls, indicating a friendly disposition.
- Neela’s unusual high-pitched bark signifies panic, prompting a closer look.
Garden Description
- The setting includes a garden with a pomegranate tree, an orange tree, and flowering plants like jasmine and jacaranda.
- The protagonist cares for the garden, keeping the plants alive, indicating a personal connection.
Encounter with the Cobra
- Neela is fixed in position, displaying signs of distress: tail taut, ears pinned, head level with spine.
- A cobra is present, raised two feet off the ground, with its hood fanned out and eyes fixed on Neela, creating a tense standoff.
- The cobra's delicate tongue is noted, contributing to the description of its intimidating presence.
Emotional Response
- The protagonist feels an instinctual urge to confront the cobra but is paralyzed by fear.
- A phone call is made to the sister, who advises on seeking help from Dr. Ramanathan regarding the snake.
Interaction with Sister
- The sister expresses exasperation but reassures, directing the protagonist to stay calm.
- The protagonist is emotionally vulnerable, likening her actions to a child.
Consultation with Dr. Ramanathan
- Dr. Ramanathan advises to remain inside and observe, emphasizing that interference could escalate danger for Neela.
- The cobra is positioned outside, with the dog maintaining a stare, indicating a tense but stable situation.
Observational Strategy
- The protagonist sets up a chair by the window to keep watch, illustrating a determined yet anxious attempt to remain vigilant.
- The "dance" between the dog and cobra is characterized by silence and tension, heightening the sense of danger.
Key Themes
- The struggle between instinctive behavior and emotional response in crisis situations.
- The nature of animals in confrontation, highlighting instinct and survival.
- Emotional ties to pets and the anxiety that arises from their potential danger.
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Description
Analyze a passage from a short story to identify literary devices, tone, and character inference. What can we infer about the narrator and the dog, Neela? Study the language, imagery, and atmosphere created by the author.
