1. “Poison” by Roald Dahl page 337
CCRS –W9-10.1, W , W , RL , RL , SL , L , L9-10.2,L
Literary Skills – Understand irony and ambiguity

2. Background
This story is set in India during the time when it was a British colony, before gaining its independence in During the long years of British rule, colonial authorities controlled India’s laws, education system, army, and government, and the British people living in India enjoyed many of the privileges that came with power. Many Indians resented the control exercised by the British over their society and institutions. This simmering conflict underlies the tension in this story.

3. Quickwrite p. 336
At some point you’ve probably had to make a hard choice about what to do or say. Think about the choices you, or people you know, have faced in life. What factors influence our choices – our personalities, our needs and fears, or society’s values, for example? Explain your answer.

4. While Reading
Describe the situation facing Harry and Timber at the beginning of the story.
What choices do Timber and Harry consider to solve the problem?
What choice do they settle on to solve their problem?
What is ironic about Harry’s mother-of-pearl button?
Describe Harry’s treatment of Dr. Ganderbai.
Describe Dr. Ganderbai’s treatment of Harry.
Identify the ambiguity in the story.

5. ISN – ICE Method I = Introduce C = Cite E = Explain
Example: The text (or character) says, “ . . .”
C = Cite
Information from the text with parenthetical citation.
E = Explain
So what? What does this information prove?

6. Activity
The title of the story refers to two types of poison – a literal poison in the story and a symbolic poison. In a well-written paragraph, explain the literal and symbolic references. Cite at least two references to the story. Use the ICE method.
The ending of the story is both ironic and ambiguous. Do you think there really was a krait under the sheet, or did Harry imagine the snake was there? State your opinion citing at least two pieces of support from the text. Use the ICE method.