Question

What is pettiness in reference to poem snake

Answer 1

The snake did not harm the poet in any way. But the poet heard the voice of his education and threw a stick at the snake. Hence, he feels guilty of his deed and so he calls his sin a 'pettiness'.

Answer 2

The poet calls his deed an act of pettiness because it was not at all necessary for the poet to kill the snake. It was an impulsive meant act which was harmless, but was attacked by the poet as he was ruled by his voice of education.