UNIT 6: D.H. LAWRENCE: “SNAKE”

UNIT 6: D.H. LAWRENCE: “SNAKE”

D.H. Lawrence’s Life

D.H. Lawrence, born in 1885, came from a humble working-class family in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire. Growing up in a mining town, Lawrence witnessed the hardships faced by coal miners, which influenced his later works. Though not inclined towards academics, he received his early education on scholarships and developed a love for books and literature instilled by his mother. After working briefly at a factory, he became a pupil teacher and obtained a teaching certificate. However, his passion for writing emerged, leading him to publish poems, short stories, and fiction. Tragedy struck when Lawrence lost his beloved mother and faced health issues. He abandoned teaching to focus on writing. Lawrence run away with Frieda Weekly, marrying her in Germany in 1914. They traveled extensively, encountering influential writers such as Katherine Mansfield, Ezra Pound, and T.S. Eliot. Mistakenly accused of espionage during the war, Lawrence faced challenges and voluntarily exiled himself from England, leading to enriching experiences in various countries.

D.H. Lawrence’s Work

D.H. Lawrence, a renowned writer, has left an enduring literary legacy with his remarkable works. His notable novels include “The White Peacock” (1911), “The Trespasser” (1912), “Sons and Lovers” (1913), “The Rainbow” (1915), “Women in Love” (1920), and “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” (1928). Lawrence’s poetry collections encompass works such as “Love Poems and Others” (1913), “Birds, Beasts and Flowers” (1923), and “Pansies” (1929). Additionally, his short story anthologies like “The Prussian Officer and Other Stories” (1914) and “England, My England and Other Stories” (1922) showcase his talent. Lawrence also ventured into playwriting, producing plays like “The Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd” (1914) and “The Daughter-in-Law” (1912). He chronicled his travels in books such as “Twilight in Italy and Other Essays” (1916) and “Sea and Sardinia” (1921). Despite facing financial and health struggles, Lawrence persisted in writing until his death on March 2, 1930, leaving behind a rich literary heritage.

Summary of the Poem-

In the poem “Snake” by D.H. Lawrence, the speaker encounters a snake at his water trough and reflects on his conflicting emotions and societal conditioning. The poem begins with the speaker’s observation of the snake’s arrival, describing its graceful and mysterious presence. Initially, the speaker feels a mix of fear and admiration, recognizing the snake’s beauty and ancient lineage. However, his ingrained fear of snakes, stemming from societal norms and beliefs, leads him to fetch a log and throw it at the snake. As the snake retreats, the speaker experiences a sense of guilt and shame for his actions. He contemplates the snake’s inherent right to exist and questions his own moral superiority. Ultimately, the poem delves into themes of man’s relationship with nature, the instinctual versus the civilized, and the profound impact of societal conditioning on our perceptions and behaviours.

Question and Answer

Q.1. Discuss the life and works of the poet D.H. Lawrence.

Answer- D.H. Lawrence, born into a working-class family in 1885, faced many challenges in his early life. Growing up in the mining town of Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, he witnessed the hardships of coal miners, which influenced his later works. Although Lawrence didn’t show much interest in academics, his mother instilled in him a love for books and literature. After completing his education, he worked briefly at a factory before becoming a teacher. Despite setbacks and personal losses, including the death of his mother, Lawrence pursued his passion for writing and published poems, short stories, and fiction. He married Frieda Weekly and embarked on extensive travels across Europe and beyond, meeting prominent literary figures along the way. Lawrence’s notable works include novels like “Sons and Lovers,” “Women in Love,” and “Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” as well as poetry collections and short story anthologies. Despite financial difficulties and health issues, Lawrence continued writing until his death from tuberculosis in 1930.

Or

D.H. Lawrence, born in 1885, grew up in a working-class family in the mining town of Eastwood, Nottinghamshire. Despite the hardships faced by his family, Lawrence’s mother instilled in him a love for literature and music. After completing his education, he briefly worked at a factory before becoming a teacher. However, his true passion lay in writing, and he began publishing poems, short stories, and fiction.

Lawrence faced personal setbacks, including the loss of his mother and battles with illness. He married Frieda Weekly and embarked on travels across Europe, encountering influential writers such as Katherine Mansfield, W.H. Davies, Ezra Pound, and T.S. Eliot. Lawrence faced accusations of being a spy during wartime, leading to voluntary exile and extensive travels across various countries.

His notable works of fiction include novels like “Sons and Lovers,” “Women in Love,” and “Lady Chatterley’s Lover.” Lawrence also wrote poetry anthologies such as “Love Poems and Others” and short story collections like “The Prussian Officer and Other Stories.” He ventured into playwriting and documented his travels in works like “Twilight in Italy” and “Sea and Sardinia.”

Despite financial difficulties and challenges, Lawrence persisted in writing. He battled illness and passed away in 1930. His final resting place is a chapel in New Mexico. Lawrence’s enduring literary contributions continue to captivate readers worldwide.

Q.2. Give a detailed explanation of the poem “Snake” by D.H. Lawrence.

Or

Give a summary of the poem Snake by D. H. Lawrence.

Answer- The poem “Snake” by D.H. Lawrence explores into the speaker’s encounter with a snake and the complex emotions it evokes. The poem explores themes of fear, admiration, guilt, and the conflict between societal norms and primal instincts.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the snake’s sudden appearance at his water trough. The snake is portrayed as a mysterious and beautiful creature. The speaker experiences a mix of fear and fascination, acknowledging the snake’s ancient lineage and grace.

However, societal conditioning and fear of snakes prompt the speaker to react impulsively. He fetches a log and throws it at the snake, causing it to retreat. Immediately, a sense of guilt and shame engulfs the speaker as he contemplates his actions. He questions whether he had the right to disrupt the snake’s peaceful existence.

The poem reflects on the separation between civilization and nature, as well as the conflict between human instincts and societal expectations. It raises profound questions about man’s relationship with the natural world and the consequences of our actions. Ultimately, “Snake” challenges the reader to ponder the complexities of human nature and our place in the natural order.

Q.3. Discuss the major themes that emerge from the poem “Snake”

Answer- The poem “Snake” by D.H. Lawrence explores two major themes that emerge from the encounter between the narrator and the snake:

1. Image of the Snake:

The poem revolves around the central image of a snake that is depicted as gentle and harmless. The snake continues its activities without causing trouble, portraying a sense of grace and composure. Despite being aware of the narrator’s presence, it does not perceive any danger until the narrator becomes a potential threat. The snake’s innocence and non-aggressive nature challenge common perceptions and stereotypes associated with snakes. The poet compares the snake to a god or king in exile, highlighting its composure and dignity even in the face of danger.

2. Man and Education:

The narrator’s initial response to the snake is one of honour and hospitality. However, the “voice of education” influences the narrator’s thoughts and actions. The rational voice in the narrator’s head leads to considerations of killing the snake based on cultural beliefs and ego-driven impulses. The poem explores the conflict between societal conditioning and personal feelings. It reflects on the difficulty of unlearning ingrained thought processes and justifying one’s actions. The narrator’s inner turmoil and confusion showcase the unique wiring of the human brain and the need for self-reflection.

These themes highlight the contrast between the snake’s innocence and the narrator’s conflicting emotions influenced by societal expectations and education.

Q.4. Explain the style and language in the poem “Snake” by D.H. Lawrence.

Answer- The poem “Snake” by D.H. Lawrence opens with the striking image of a snake at a water-trough on a hot day. The narrator is captivated by the charm of the snake and personifies it as a male presence throughout the poem. The use of repetitive phrases and emphasis on the snake’s presence and the narrator’s response heightens the sense of their interaction. The poem is written in free verse and employs various literary devices such as repetition, similes, metaphors, and onomatopoeia. The onomatopoeic sounds add life and movement to the poem, while similes compare the snake to drinking cattle and the grandeur of a king or a god. Metaphors are used to describe the snake as one of the Lords of Life and the narrator’s conflicting thoughts as the voice of his education. The imagery and language in the poem effectively capture the powerful presence of the snake and the narrator’s muddled thoughts, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Q.5. Explain with reference to context:

a) “And depart peaceful, pacified, and thankless,

Into the burning bowels of this earth?

Was it cowardice, that I dared not kill him?

Was it perversity, that I longed to talk to him?

Was it humility, to feel so honoured?”

Answer– In these lines from the poem “Snake” by D.H. Lawrence, the narrator questions his own thoughts and feelings about the snake. He wonders if he was being cowardly by not wanting to kill the snake. He also questions why he had a strong desire to talk to the snake, which he considers a form of perversity. Additionally, he reflects on whether feeling honoured in the presence of the snake was an act of humility.

The context reveals the narrator’s inner conflict and confusion. He contemplates whether his actions and emotions were justified or not. He ponders if it was fear that prevented him from killing the snake or if his desire to communicate with it was unusual. The narrator also questions the nature of his feelings of honour and humility in the snake’s presence.

These lines highlight the narrator’s introspection and his attempt to understand his own motivations and reactions.

b) “And I wished he would come back, my snake.

For he seemed to me again like a king,

Like a king in exile, uncrowned in the underworld,

Now due to be crowned again.

And so, I missed my chance with one of the lords

Answer– In these lines from the poem “Snake” by D.H. Lawrence, the narrator expresses his longing for the snake to return. He compares the snake to a king in exile, someone who once held power but is now living in the underworld, away from his rightful crown. The narrator sees the snake’s departure as a missed opportunity to be in the presence of a regal figure.

The context of these lines reflects the narrator’s admiration for the snake’s majestic presence. The snake’s departure leaves the narrator with a sense of regret and a desire for its return. The comparison to a king highlights the narrator’s perception of the snake as a dignified and powerful being.

The lines also suggest a certain level of reverence for the snake, as the narrator sees it as a figure deserving of a crown. The longing for the snake’s presence underscores the impact it had on the narrator and the missed chance to be in the company of such a majestic creature.

Q.6. How is the ‘snake’ described in the opening lines of the poem by D. H. Lawrence?

Answer– In the opening lines of the poem “Snake” by D.H. Lawrence, the snake is described as being “earth-brown.”