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.