“The Rattler” Essay Example

the snake.

In other words, the man understands that there are more important things to be concerned about than the well-being of the snake. The rattlesnake poses a threat to the man’s community. There is a good chance that the poisonous snake will, at some point, harm one of the lightly shod ranchers, and the man is not willing to risk the safety of his loved ones merely for the preservation of the snake’s existence. Valiantly, the man decides to risk his life by trying to kill the snake in order to protect the others on the ranch, a decision any other considerate human being in his position would make.

After killing the snake, the man clearly asserts that he did not choose to “cut the rattles off for a trophy” but instead dropped the snake in a bush. During the time period in which the story took place, it must have been commonplace for one to cut the rattles off a rattlesnake after killing it in order to brag about the accomplishment. However, the man chooses not to cut the rattles off, proving that he is not boastful. The man, through his thoughts and actions, proves to be respectful, thoughtful, selfless, and humble, thus inviting the reader to feel sympathy for him.