The Snail by William Cowper – Textual Questions and Answers

William Cowper’s poem The Snail offers a fascinating look at the humble creature’s cautious and self-sufficient nature. Through vivid imagery and simple yet profound language, Cowper highlights the snail’s ability to retreat into its shell for safety, its solitary lifestyle, and its satisfaction with its own company.

To deepen our understanding of the poem, we will explore a set of comprehension questions and exercises related to its meaning, themes, and structure. This article provides multiple-choice questions, true-or-false statements, and interrogative transformations to test and reinforce our grasp of the poem’s ideas. Let’s begin!

1. Choose the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:

(a) With the slightest touch, the snail shrinks into its house with (i) displeasure (ii) pleasure (iii) pain (iv) surprise

(b) In its house, the snail lives with (i) parents (ii) friends (iii) relatives (iv) no one

2. State whether the following statements are True or False. Provide sentences/phrases/words in support of your answer:

(a) The snail fears to fall from the wall.
Answer: False
Supporting statement: “The snail sticks close, nor fears to fall.”

(b) The snail comes out of his house during a storm.
Answer: False
Supporting statement: “Within that house secure he hides / When danger imminent betides / Of storm, or other harm besides.”

3. Answer the following questions:

(a) What does the snail usually stick itself to?
The snail usually sticks itself to grass, leaf, fruit, or wall.

(b) What makes the snail well-satisfied?
The snail is well-satisfied because he lives alone and is his own whole treasure.

4. Change the following sentences into questions, as directed:

(a) Siraj always rises early. (Interrogative sentence using ‘does’)
Answer: Does Siraj always rise early?

(b) Joyce is the best singer in the class. (Information question using ‘who’)
Answer: Who is the best singer in the class?

(c) He saw the rainbow. (Interrogative sentence using ‘did’)
Answer: Did he see the rainbow?

(d) I go to school by bus. (Information question using ‘how’)
Answer: How do you go to school?

5. Write a letter (within 100 words) to the editor of an English daily about the disturbances caused by the thoughtless use of loudspeakers.

Click here for the letter

William Cowper’s The Snail is a thoughtful reflection on self-reliance, caution, and contentment. Through our exploration of questions and answers, we have analyzed the snail’s unique way of life and its symbolic significance in the poem. By understanding its themes and literary elements, we gain a deeper appreciation of Cowper’s poetic craft.

Comprehension exercises like these not only enhance our grasp of the poem but also sharpen our analytical skills. As we reflect on the snail’s quiet resilience, we may find parallels to our own need for security and independence in an ever-changing world.