"Snake" by D. H. Lawrence.

Snake" by D. H. Lawrence

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Introduction

David Herbert Lawrence, known as D. H. Lawrence, was an English writer and poet. He was famous for exploring deep emotions and nature in his works. One of his well-known poems, "Snake," talks about nature, human instinct, and what society expects from us. In this blog post, we’ll look at Lawrence’s life, analyze the poem "Snake," and think about its themes and how Lawrence uses different writing techniques.

About the Author 

D. H. Lawrence was born in 1885 in Nottinghamshire, England. Growing up in a working-class family with a coal miner father and a schoolteacher mother, Lawrence developed a deep connection to the natural world around him. He became a teacher and then a full-time writer, known for his novels, short stories, and poems that often explored human emotions and societal norms. Some of his famous works include "Sons and Lovers," "Women in Love," and "Lady Chatterley's Lover." Lawrence traveled widely, which influenced his writing. He died in 1930, but his works continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and critique of industrial society.

 Background Information

D. H. Lawrence wrote "Snake" in 1923. He was very interested in how humans and nature interact. Lawrence grew up in the English countryside and traveled a lot, which influenced his writing. He often watched how people reacted to nature, and this poem shows that.

In Lawrence's time, people had strong ideas about how they should behave, even towards animals. In "Snake," the narrator feels a mix of admiration and fear when he sees the snake, but society tells him he should kill it. This struggle shows the conflict between our natural feelings and what society expects us to do.

 Poem Analysis

In "Snake," D. H. Lawrence tells a simple yet powerful story about a man and a snake. The poem starts with the man seeing the snake at his water trough on a hot day. This scene feels calm and ordinary, like something that could happen any day. The man is in his pajamas, which makes the moment seem casual and relaxed, showing he's comfortable and open to nature around him.

As the man watches the snake, he's amazed by its beauty and how smoothly it moves. Lawrence uses words like "yellow-brown slackness" and "soft-bellied" to describe the snake, creating a vivid and almost friendly image of it. The detailed description makes it clear that the snake has every right to be there, just like any other creature, and it doesn’t seem like a threat at all.

But then, the peaceful moment gets ruined by the man's internal conflict. He remembers that society says snakes are dangerous and that he should kill it. He hears voices in his head telling him that if he were a "real man," he would take a stick and kill the snake. This struggle shows how his admiration for the snake clashes with what society expects him to do.

The situation reaches its peak when the man gives in to these societal pressures and throws a log at the snake. This violent act, driven by fear and what society tells him is right, makes him feel instant regret and shame. The snake, unharmed, goes back into the darkness, and the man is left feeling guilty and sorry for what he did. This regret highlights how following societal expectations can make us go against our natural instincts and compassion.

Themes Explored

Nature vs. Human Instinct: The poem shows the narrator's admiration for the snake’s beauty and grace. But society teaches him to be aggressive towards it, showing the conflict between natural appreciation and learned behavior.

Conflict and Regret:The narrator feels a deep internal struggle. He is in awe of the snake but also scared. When he acts out of fear and throws a log at the snake, he immediately regrets it. This regret symbolizes the missed chance to live in harmony with nature.

Societal Expectations: Lawrence criticizes the societal norms that make us act violently towards creatures like snakes. The narrator’s struggle shows how society pressures us to act against our true feelings. The expectation to kill the snake to prove bravery highlights how society influences our actions in a negative way.

 Literary Devices

Imagery: Lawrence uses vivid descriptions to create a clear picture of the snake and the setting. Words like "yellow-brown slackness" and "small clearness" help readers visualize the scene and feel connected to the natural world.

Symbolism: The snake represents nature and the natural instincts within us. Throwing the log at the snake symbolizes how societal expectations can make us act against our true nature.

Irony: There’s irony in the narrator’s regret after he tries to harm the snake. Society tells him killing the snake is the right thing to do, but he feels shame and sadness afterwards. This shows the conflict between societal norms and personal integrity.

Repetition: Lawrence repeats phrases like "hot, hot day" to emphasize the setting and the narrator’s emotional state. This repetition creates a rhythm and draws readers into the narrator’s internal conflict.

Conclusion

"Snake" by D. H. Lawrence is a powerful poem that makes us think about our relationship with nature. It talks about instinct, societal expectations, and internal conflict, which are still relevant today. Lawrence’s use of vivid imagery and literary devices makes the poem emotionally impactful and thought-provoking.

The poem encourages us to question societal norms and find a more harmonious way to interact with nature. Reading more of D. H. Lawrence’s works can give us a deeper understanding of his views on humanity and nature. Engaging with literature that talks about social and environmental issues helps us become more empathetic and inspired to make positive changes. Lawrence’s themes and language encourage us to reflect on our actions and strive for a more just and compassionate world.