The story “The Snake” by John Steinbeck revolves around the events involving a biologist named Dr. Phillips and a mysterious woman. Dr. Phillips was conducting an experiment on starfish when a woman with black entered his room in a mysterious manner. She approached him with the sole intention of purchasing a male rattlesnake from Dr. Phillips, who is a biologist. Moreover, the woman requested Dr. Phillips to feed a rat to the male rattlesnake, so she could observe the entire process. Eventually, the woman left and never returned again. This short story by John Steinbeck is known for its complexity and has sparked numerous discussions. It is highly symbolic, although the exact meaning is not readily apparent.
“The shadow is the unseen reptilian tail that man still carries with him,” writes Jung, referring to its representation as the “dangerous aspect of the unrecognized darker side of one’s personality.” Acting as a mediator between our ego and the outside world, the persona can be seen as the “mask worn by actors” to display a social personality that may differ from one’s true self. According to Jung, the anima represents the “soul-image” and serves as the embodiment of a man’s life force or vital energy. In the male psyche, this anima is usually projected onto women and acts as a mediator between one’s ego and their inner unconscious world. Within this context, the woman in focus serves two roles: that of Dr. Phillips’ shadow and his anima. Examining her appearance and behaviors throughout the story, it becomes evident that she embodies Dr. Phillips’ unconscious side. This is exemplified by the author’s deliberate and detailed description of her. In essence, the woman simultaneously fulfills both roles as she enters Dr. Phillips’ life for the first time.”
