poem says nbsp He even poured a little paraffin upon the bitten toe and put a match to it nbsp This shows his practical mind He believes pain can be reduced through physical steps not through spiritual words The word sceptic helps us see his strong belief in action Rejection Of Superstition The villagers think the scorpion s movement spreads poison They say prayers to stop the Evil One But the father does not accept these ideas The word sceptic shows his clear distance from such beliefs He stands for reason at a time when others depend on superstition His character reflects a modern way of thinking inside a traditional village scene Concern And Love Even though he is a sceptic he is also a caring husband His many attempts show deep concern for his wife He tries every method because he wants her pain to end His rational mind and his love work together during the long night of suffering The word sceptic reveals the father as a man of science calm action and clear thinking He does not follow superstition He trusts reason and earthly remedies Through this word the poet shows a strong contrast between traditional belief and modern understanding It also highlights the father s deep care for his wife