The conflict that exists between man and nature is as old as time itself, when Satan in his snake form tempted Adam & Eve in Eden’s Garden. The Rattler is a tale about a character torn in his morals between duty and ethics. In the end he chooses to follow his morals and kills rattlesnake. The author chose to write in the first person, which enabled the reader’s active engagement as the plot progressed. The author describes a regretful interaction between man and the natural world in “The Rattler”, using sensory details, expressive diction, and a description of the encounter.
The snake’s initial appearance is harmless. Because its head was “not pulled back to attack,” the narrator had the instinct “to let him do his thing” and go his own. This description gives the impression that there is no malice in the snake’s intentions, and it just wants to be intrigued. It is clear that the narrator was not hunting, as he let the snake run. As the passage continues, the narrator is still in turmoil. He thinks “sporting death” gives him a sense of satisfaction that he cannot feel. However, after reflecting, he realizes that killing the snake was his duty. The audience will feel sympathy for him if he describes his internal conflict.
The snake is treated as a noble and respected creature by the narrator, who calls it “him”. The narrator realizes the snake is not a mindless creature, but a highly intelligent animal with an air of nobleness. The description gives the impression of a confident, knightly figure who is calm and at ease with its surroundings. Respect for this snake comes from its fairness, as it “sportively” warns the reader that the animal is capable of killing and will do so when threatened. The narrator, however, understands that he was attacked unprovoked, so the decision to kill him is not made. The narrator can see the snake’s intelligence when he notices he has a hoe. This reminds him that he is unsure whether to kill the snake.
The narrator does not feel any pride at killing the snake, unlike hunters. The narrator feels no pride in killing the snake. He would rather have let it live. The snake is not seen as a prize to be taken, but rather as a creature to be respected and loved. The narrator, after killing the serpent, feels remorseful. He is sickened by his act. The reader is able to empathize and can understand the reasons why the narrator committed the act.
The man was regretful of his actions until the very end. The man believed the snake to be a living intelligent being, who deserved a chance to live. But his senses of duty convinced him that he had to kill it, in order for the ranchers to remain safe. The conflict between man and nature exemplifies the message that the author wants to convey to readers: that doing your duty can mean sacrificing your moral values.
