What is the strange story described in the poem The Child And The Snake by Mary Lamb?

Answer 1

The Child And The Snake - A Poem By Mary Lamb.

Mary Lamb is noted for her Children's Literature. She was the sister of the famous English literary figure Charles Lamb. In her poem The Child And The Snake, she establishes that an innocent and friendly relationship is possible between a child and a snake.

Every morning Henry was fed with milk and bread by his fond mother which he always carried to the nearby river bank, to be shared with his friend, a bird. He was very proud of this friend and each day when he came back he talked and talked a lot about this pretty bird which came everyday to feed with him. It loved him and his milk and it was as smooth and soft as silk. He told it's name was Gray Pate. The anxious mothr decided to meet Henry's friend in person. One day she secretly followed him to the river bank and was shocked to see that her son's friend was not a bird, but a snake. Her conscience told her not to shriek, because the least small noise that may be made by her would make the cunning snake afraid and bite the boy. Therefore she stood still under a spreading tree, secretly watching the activities of the child and the snake. Soon she realised that there was no ground for her fears since the pair actually seemed to be satisfied and friendly with each other.

The mother watching the child and the snake secretly could see that they were sharing milk and bread. They were talking like familiar friends and once Henry was even seen tapping the snake on the head with his spoon. Even then the snake remained very polite and obedient to the playful child. It was only when the child rose and bid good-bye to the snake that the mother was really relieved of her anxiety. The danger was over and her fear changed to joy. Innocence is the basis of true friendship, whether it be man or beast or bird.