The Man and the Snake 1908

Walter Crane created this illustration, entitled "The Man and the Snake," during a period marked by significant shifts in social and political thought, including anxieties about class relations and betrayal. The narrative unfolds with a man rescuing a snake from the cold, only to be met with treachery when the snake threatens his family. Through this image Crane perpetuates the notion of the deceptive nature of those considered different, or 'other'. It reflects anxieties about the ungratefulness of the lower classes and the dangers of extending compassion to those deemed untrustworthy. The emotional impact of the piece lies in its cautionary message, which resonates with the fears of a society grappling with changing power dynamics. Crane's illustration serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of misplaced trust, thus shaping societal views on who is deserving of empathy and protection.