Hunting Snake

By Judith Wright

Judith Wright
Judith Wright was a prolific Australian poet, critic, and short-story writer, who published more than 50 books. Wright was also an uncompromising environmentalist and social activist campaigning for Aboriginal land rights. She believed that the poet should be concerned with national and social problems. At the age of 85, just before her death, she attended in Canberra at a march for reconciliation with Aboriginal people.

Introduction
Judith Wright was born in Australia. She was very interested in the nature of her country. She liked snakes; even though she was afraid she respected them. The authors aim was to make us feel what she felt.

Description of stanzas
There are four stanzas, each one has four verses. The first stanza talks about the moment when she sees the snake and the climate of that day. The second stanza mentions the characteristics of the snake and the fear of the author. The third stanza introduces the fear and the importance of standing still. The fourth stanza shows the relief when the snake continued its way.

Interpretation
There are contradictions and contrasts in the poem. For example, in the first stanza the author mentions warmth and then coldness by saying froze. In the last stanza there is an example of contradiction because it says cold, dark and splendid. It is strange to think that something cold and dark can be splendid. There is also a contrast between the people and the snake. The people stand still and the snake moves.

Rhyme and message

The rhyme of the poem is A-B-A-B in all the stanzas. The message of the poem is to be careful with the snake, the author wants us to admire and respect it.

Themes
This poem has some similarities with "Horses because both describe the main features of two different animals and the abilities they have. They outline the animals physical appearance, and compare them to other objects which are similar in different aspects.

Conclusion
Apart from describing the snake, this poem tries to make us aware of animals territory, because we are invading their living space and natural environment. Thats why sometimes they react violently or aggressive as a defensive reaction because they feel threatened