The Snake

      "The Snake" and the snake relate to American Literature by looking at it through Transcendentalism.  Transcendentalism itself is a time period of nature and realization about oneself and the things and world around you. "The Snake" has to do with transcendentalism because its a poem about the snake, who is actually symbolic to a man who has grown to have and notice self realization.   He (the snake), has grown and learned more about himself and the dangers, and opportunities around him.   The snake in  "The Snake" seems to be referring to a person.  The speaker uses description and adjectives that tend to describe the actually snakes every move. The first stanza explains the action in which the snake is taking. The snake here, is coming out of the shade and finds another shelter on a rock. This stanza describes the snake being relaxed and calm, while also implying the speakers tranquil attitude towards his life. The second stanza then turns the tone around, where we see the snake hide and draw away with fear. The speaker himself is showing the reader that he relates to the snake because he too, was shunned, and drew away from an uncomfortable state. The third, and final stanza along with the last two lines, talk about and explain the snakes "final steps", which can mean that the snake realizes he is better off hidden and not being out in the open for people to see and be judged. The speaker is relating himself to the snake here, by saying that they are comfortable lying behind the crowd and laying low. To end, the author could have wrote this poem to point out his adventures and longings to become who he is through all of his struggles and pains, and also the happy and positives moments in his life, which just might end up being the idea of laying low, and being content with solidity.