describe what the snake symbolizes in the poem snake by D.H.Lawrence
Answers
Symbolism in the poem Snake
The snake in the poem symbolizes man’s centuries old instinctive fear of snakes based on his fear of survival and conditioning ingrained deeper by scriptures. The poet knew intellectually that the snake visiting his water trough was not poisonous as the poet mentioned in the poem: “in Sicily the black, black snakes are innocent, the gold are venomous.” Yet the poet could not tame his fearful voice and compulsively threw a wooden log at the retreating snake.
But his action left him regretful and conscience stricken. He believed it was his education that made him act so insanely. It is not a fact that an educated person becomes hard-hearted. Education is supposed to make man a better human being. However, becoming a better human entails self-control and taming the savage and wild instincts at work in every human being. It requires a lot of self-watchfulness and control over oneself to bring those savage instincts. Education often fails to do this. The poet has indirectly conveyed to the readers that in spite of the advancement in various spheres, man is still the slave of his ancient instincts.