Snake Summary

The poem "Snake" by D.H. Lawrence was initially released in 1923. He is among the most well-known English literature authors from the 20th century. He was a painter, poet, author, and storyteller. His book Birds, Beasts, & Flowers contains a section on reptiles that includes the poem "Snake." The author created the poem while residing in Taormina, Sicily. There is no rhythm to the poem. It's written in free poetry, like a story. The poem exemplifies the modern approach to poetry writing.

Theme

The poem 'Snake' describes in detail the poet's experience with a snake near his water trough. The poet first describes how the snake fascinates him, but subsequently, terror overtakes him, causing him to act inappropriately and feel horrible about it. He claimed that his emotions were comparable to those of the ancient mariner.

The poet recounts how a snake visited his water trough on a hot day to sip water. The poet hurled a wood at it, but the snake slid into a hole and fled. The poet berated himself for what he did because he felt guilty. The poem's theme is what he replies in response.

Summary

The author expresses his enthusiasm and reverence for snakes in the poem "Snake." Despite his admiration for them as God's magnificent creations, he nevertheless fears them due to the early lessons he received.

The poet resided in Taormina, Sicily, where it was a scorching day. In an effort to find some relaxation, the speaker goes to fill his water pitcher at a trough. The speaker is taken aback as a snake unexpectedly surfaces from the water. The snake is characterized as graceful and golden-brown, with majestic motions. The snake's presence excites and frightens the speaker at the same time. He, therefore, anxiously awaited his opportunity to use the water trough.

The snake seemed to be harmless, and the poet enjoyed its beauty. He understood that the snake had just arrived to get some water to slake its thirst. It would calmly return to its home. The poet's head was filled with a lot of contradictory ideas. He claims that throughout his early education, he learned that snakes with a golden brown color are poisonous and hazardous. His inner voice begged him to kill him, yet he was in awe of God's creations.

The snake was not aware of the poet's presence. It lifted its head dreamily and sipped water to its full joy. It licked its lips while moving its forked tongue. The snake had a divine appearance. It slowly turned and went away from the trough, indicating that it was likely returning to its burrow. The poet was horrified to see the snake slithering away. He picked up a wood log to scare the snake away and threw it at it. He missed the target, but the snake felt danger and dashed inside the hole.

On the other hand, the poet peered at the snake with curiosity while feeling guilty for dishonorably treating his guest. He was sorry for trying to harm the snake. He initially felt flattered that it had come to his watering hole to drink, but later, terror drove him to kill the little creature. He realized that his sentiments of regret were quite comparable to those of an old mariner who had killed an albatross. He felt that beating his "guest" was wrong and sinful. He began to despise himself and his education as a person.

The poet hoped and longed for the snake to emerge from his dig holes so that he might apologize and make right for what he had done. According to the poet, the snake represents an uncrowned king. As a result, it is exiled and hides deep inside the Earth. He felt that he lost the opportunity to enthrone and honor the king. The poet desires to crown a snake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, D.H. Lawrence's poem "Snake" tackles the intricacies of human-animal connections and the battle between civilization & nature in a way that is both thought-provoking and contemplative. Lawrence encourages readers to consider their views toward nature and the constraints imposed by societal conventions using vivid images and introspective language. The poem challenges us to examine our anxieties and prejudices by highlighting the transforming potential of encounters with the untamed. In the end, "Snake" encourages us to embrace a closer relationship with nature and acknowledge the significant effects that coming into contact with the wild may have on how we perceive and comprehend ourselves and the world around us.