“The feeling of a cold, slithering body across his chest made the officer’s heart pound in his throat. He whispered, ‘It’s a krait! It’s a krait!’”
Roald Dahl (1916–1990) is best known for his children’s books, but he also wrote numerous dark, suspenseful short stories for adults. “Poison” was first published in Collier’s magazine in 1950 and later included in the collection Someone Like You (1953). The story explores themes of racism, fear, irrational behavior, and psychological tension. roald dahl poison pdf
(Only a few lines are quoted to illustrate style; the full text remains protected.) “The feeling of a cold, slithering body across
Dahl is a master of the "red herring." For pages, the reader is fixated on the physical danger of the krait. We are sweating right along with Harry. By the time we realize the snake isn't there, Dahl has already hooked us. The switch from physical danger to a psychological character study is seamless. “Poison” was first published in Collier’s magazine in
The story is a sharp critique of British colonial attitudes. Throughout the crisis, Dr. Ganderbai is professional, calm, and heroic. Harry, the white colonial officer, is the one who is weak, hysterical, and ultimately cruel. The ending reveals that despite the doctor saving him, Harry cannot let go of his prejudice. The "poison" is the toxic mindset of the colonizer.
