Snake (D.H. Lawrence)

 About the Author:

D. H. Lawrence (1885—1930) was an English writer. He was a writer of novels, short stories, poems, plays, essays, travel books, paintings, translations, and literary criticism. His collected works represent an extended reflection upon the dehumanizing effects of modernity and industrialization. After a brief foray into formal poetics in his early years, his later poems embrace organic attempts to capture emotion through free verse. E.M. Forster, in an obituary notice, challenged this widely held view, describing him as, “The greatest imaginative novelist of our generation.”

Introduction:

D. H. Lawrence. The poem describes a memorable encounter between the poet and a snake at a water trough on a hot day in Sicily. Through this simple incident, Lawrence explores themes such as nature, human instincts, fear, and guilt.

Respect for Snake:

The poem begins when the speaker goes to a water trough to fetch water and finds a snake drinking there. The snake has arrived first, so the speaker patiently waits for it to finish. As he watches the snake, he admires its beauty, dignity, and calm behavior. The snake appears harmless and majestic, and the speaker feels a sense of respect for it.

Dilemma:

However, the speaker's education and social conditioning tell him that a snake, especially a golden-colored one, is dangerous and should be killed. He experiences an inner conflict between his natural admiration for the creature and the voice of society that encourages fear and violence. Finally, influenced by these teachings, he throws a piece of wood at the snake. The snake quickly retreats into its hole.

Dishonour:

Immediately after this action, the speaker feels ashamed and guilty. He realizes that he acted against his true feelings. He compares the snake to a king who has been dishonoured and regrets his cowardice. The poem ends with the speaker wishing that the snake would return so that he could make amends for his behaviour.

Harmony with Nature:

The central theme of the poem is the conflict between human instinct and social conditioning. Lawrence suggests that people often lose their natural respect for nature because of fear and prejudice taught by society. The poem also emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and respecting all living creatures.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, "Snake" is a powerful poem that presents a simple incident with deep meaning. Through vivid imagery and personal reflection, D. H. Lawrence shows the beauty of nature and the human tendency to act against conscience. The poem teaches readers to respect nature and to question irrational fears and prejudices.

Don’t Quit (Edger Albert Guest)

 About the Author:

Edgar Albert Guest was a British-born U.S. writer whose poems were widely read during the first half of the 20th century. Guest’s family relocated from Warwickshire, England to the United States in 1891, when Guest was 10 years old. Edgar Guest began his career at the Detroit Free Press in 1895, where he first worked as a copyboy. He was soon promoted to police writer and later to exchange editor, and in 1904 he began writing verse for the Free Press under the heading "Chaff." Those columns evolved into an immensely popular daily feature entitled "Breakfast Table Chat,". In 1916 Guest published A Heap O' Livin', a collection of verse that eventually sold more than 1,000,000 copies. That work was followed by Just Folks (1918), Rhythms of Childhood (1924), Life's Highway (1933), and Living the Years (1949).

Introduction:

“Don't Quit" is one of the most inspiring and motivational poems written by Edgar A. Guest. The poem conveys a powerful message about perseverance, determination, and hope. Through simple yet meaningful language, the poet encourages readers to remain strong and continue their efforts even when they face difficulties and failures in life.

Hardship and Emotional Burden:

The poem begins by describing situations that are familiar to everyone. There are times in life when everything seems to go wrong. People may experience failure in their studies, careers, relationships, or personal ambitions. During such moments, they feel discouraged and exhausted. The poet acknowledges these hardships and understands the emotional burden they create. However, instead of surrendering to despair, he urges people to keep moving forward with courage and confidence.

Perseverance:

A major theme of the poem is perseverance. Edgar A. Guest emphasizes that setbacks and failures are natural parts of life. Every successful person has faced obstacles and disappointments before reaching success. Failure should not be viewed as the end of the journey but as an opportunity to learn and improve. Therefore, determination and patience are essential qualities for overcoming challenges.

Hope:

Another important idea in the poem is hope. The poet repeatedly stresses that success may be much closer than it appears. Often people quit when they are on the verge of achieving their goals because they cannot see the progress they have already made. Circumstances can change unexpectedly but only perseverance brings rewards, at the very moment when one feels like giving up. This optimistic outlook encourages readers to maintain faith in themselves and their abilities.

Hard Work and Success:

The poem also highlights the unpredictable nature of life. According to the poet, success and failure are not always permanent conditions. A person who fails today may succeed tomorrow, while someone who is successful may face challenges later. Therefore, people should not judge their future based on present difficulties. Instead, they should continue working hard and trust that their efforts will eventually produce positive results.

Literary Style:

The language and style of the poem are simple, direct, and conversational. Edgar A. Guest uses encouraging words that speak directly to the reader. The rhyme and rhythm make the poem easy to read and memorable.

Relevance:

The poem is highly relevant in the modern world, where people often encounter stress, competition, and uncertainty. Students facing examinations, professionals struggling in their careers, and individuals dealing with personal difficulties can find encouragement in its message. The poem teaches that resilience and persistence are the keys to success and personal growth.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, "Don't Quit" is a timeless poem that offers valuable guidance for life. Through its uplifting message, Edgar A. Guest teaches readers to remain hopeful, patient, and determined in the face of adversity. The poem reminds us that success often comes after repeated efforts and that giving up should never be an option.