The poem 'The snake' skillfully criticizes modern human education and brings forth human morality. Discuss and write in 120 words
Answers
Snake is one of D.H. Lawrence's best animal poems, written whilst he was living in Sicily. It explores the relationship between humans and one of the most feared reptiles on earth - a venomous snake.
The meeting of human and snake is very much a personal event, Lawrence himself taking lead role. He is the person at the water-trough when the viper appears. What makes the poem special is the way the speaker's observations are interwoven with internal thoughts and feelings - the content perfectly matches the form, which is sinewy free verse.
D.H.Lawrence is best known for his novel writing - classics such as Sons and Lovers, Women in Love and the controversial Lady Chatterley's Lover.
A prolific, restless writer he also wrote many fine short stories, a mixed bag of travel books, essays and plays. In his prime he was arguably the foremost writer of fiction in the English speaking world. Quite a feat for the son of a coalminer from the coalfields of Nottinghamshire, close to Sherwood Forest in England.
Lawrence and his wife Frieda led a restless, nomadic life together, moving from country to country over a time span of roughly 18 years. Cornwall, Italy, Germany, Sri Lanka, Australia, the USA - Lawrence publishing his books and living a frugal existence for most of his life until he succumbed to TB in France in 1930.
Snake was written whilst he was staying at Fontana Vecchia in Taormina, Sicily in 1923.
Lawrence's poetry ranges from the poor to the sublime. He wrote his poems, as always, as he felt, and although many are simply deep passionate rantings about society and industry, a select few rise above the rest and are recognised as great poems.
Snake is one such creation. Wherever Lawrence travelled he noted down his observations on Nature and wrote some of the finest modern animal poems. If you want an introduction to his poetry start with his Nature poems for they reflect a true intuitive grasp of Nature's inner workings. Read Baby Tortoise, Eagle in New Mexico, Elephant and Kangaroo and follow Lawrence's eye as he takes you into the creature's soul and beyond.