"A Mine Of Serpents" by Shena MacKay. A Semiotic Approach.

A Mine of Serpents by Shena MacKay A Mine of Serpents by Shena MacKay is a story about a landlord, Gerald Creedy, who is being manipulated by one of his tenants, Madame Alphonsine, by means of a wax puppet in which she introduces small needles. He is presented as a rather selfish and grumbling man, who likes to tease small children and make fun of the others. (1) A Mine of Serpents. The title says much …

…shots and fireworks. The "fat" cylinder can be compared to the "heavy" shawl that she wears. Smoke, flames and the "grinning Guy" suggest an uncanny atmosphere. The "truce" that Gerald makes is his way of reconciling with Harold. The serpents aren't gone, but they float in the sky. This means that evil exists and is beyond our power to control it. It keeps floating above us and one never knows on whom it will stop.