Snake by D.H. Lawrence: Poem Analysis

Snake by D.H. Lawrence

Poem Overview

• Written in 1923 by D.H. Lawrence, a British novelist, poet, and playwright
• Published in the collection "Birds, Beasts and Flowers"

Key Elements

• The poem is about a snake that visits the speaker's water trough
• The speaker is initially frightened, but then becomes fascinated by the snake's beauty and power

Imagery and Symbolism

• The snake represents chaos, freedom, and primal energy
• Water trough symbolizes life, vitality, and nourishment
• The speaker's conflicting emotions (fear and fascination) reflect the duality of human nature

Themes

• The struggle between reason and instinct
• The allure of the unknown and the primal
• The speaker's inner conflict between civilization and savagery

Poetic Devices

• Free verse, with no rhyming scheme or consistent meter
• Rich, vivid imagery and descriptive language to convey the speaker's emotions and the snake's presence
• Enjambment and caesura used to create a sense of flow and tension

Critical Interpretations

• The poem is often seen as an exploration of Lawrence's own psyche and his fascination with the natural world
• Some critics interpret the snake as a symbol of the speaker's own repressed desires and unconscious mind

Snake by D.H. Lawrence

Poem Context

• Written in 1923
• Part of the collection "Birds, Beasts and Flowers"
• Author: D.H. Lawrence, a British novelist, poet, and playwright

Poem Content

• The poem is about a snake's visit to the speaker's water trough
• Speaker's initial fear gives way to fascination with the snake's beauty and power

Symbolism and Imagery

• Snake represents chaos, freedom, and primal energy
• Water trough symbolizes life, vitality, and nourishment
• Speaker's conflicting emotions reflect the duality of human nature

Themes

• Struggle between reason and instinct
• Allure of the unknown and the primal
• Inner conflict between civilization and savagery

Poetic Style

• Free verse, no rhyming scheme or consistent meter
• Rich, vivid imagery and descriptive language
• Enjambment and caesura create a sense of flow and tension

Author's Perspective

• Explores Lawrence's own psyche and fascination with the natural world
• Snake may symbolize repressed desires and the unconscious mind