Sally E. Rivera
English 112
November 10, 2016
“Analysis of ‘The Rattler’”
The Rattler is a short story that details the events that lead to the death of a rattler snake. The
story highlights how a man out on a walk happens upon a snake. At first, the unnamed narrator
had no intentions of harming or killing the snake. However, on second thoughts, he decides to
kill the rattler snake in a bid to help protect innocent women and men, children, dogs, and horses,
which might be harmed by the snake if he left it alive. The man takes it as his duty to kill the
snake to the benefit all parties that might not have been aware of its existence. Of importance is
the snake’s lack of interest in fighting at first, and its decision to stand up for its life when
