Literary Analysis: Short Story Excerpt

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.