PART – II ENGLISH SECOND SEMESTER – 2322E Unit II: D.H. Lawrence - "Snake"

 PART – II ENGLISH SECOND SEMESTER – 2322E

Unit II: D.H. Lawrence - "Snake"

Original Poem:

Snake

1. A snake came to my water-trough

2. On a hot, hot day, and I in pajamas for the heat,

3. To drink there.

4. In the deep, strange-scented shade of the great dark carob tree

5. I came down the steps with my pitcher

6. And must wait, must stand and wait, for there he was at the trough before me.

7. He reached down from a fissure in the earth-wall in the gloom

8. And trailed his yellow-brown slackness soft-bellied down, over the edge of the stone trough

9. And rested his throat upon the stone bottom,

10. And where the water had dripped from the tap, in a small clearness,

11. He sipped with his straight mouth,

12. Softly drank through his straight gums, into his slack long body,

13. Silently.

14. Someone was before me at my water-trough,

15. And I, like a second-comer, waiting.

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Explanation of the Poem with Original Lines

In "Snake," D.H. Lawrence captures a moment of interaction between a man and a snake at a water trough. The speaker is both fascinated and conflicted, feeling a sense of admiration for the creature but also facing internalized fear and societal expectations. Through vivid imagery, Lawrence explores themes of nature, instinct, and the clash between learned and primal responses.

1. Lines 1-3:

o “A snake came to my water-trough / On a hot, hot day, and I in pajamas for the heat, / To drink there.”

o The poem begins with the speaker noticing a snake at his water-trough. The setting—a hot day—adds to the stillness and intensity of the moment. The snake’s presence at the trough marks the start of an encounter that stirs both admiration and apprehension in the speaker.

2. Lines 4-6:

o “In the deep, strange-scented shade of the great dark carob tree / I came down the steps with my pitcher / And must wait, must stand and wait, for there he was at the trough before me.”

o The speaker describes the shaded area around the water-trough, enhancing the atmosphere. The repetition of “must wait” emphasizes the snake’s claim to the space, highlighting a sense of reverence and hesitation on the speaker’s part.

3. Lines 7-13:

o “He reached down from a fissure in the earth-wall in the gloom / And trailed his yellow-brown slackness soft-bellied down, over the edge of the stone trough / And rested his throat upon the stone bottom.”

o Lawrence’s detailed imagery captures the snake’s movements, portraying it as a graceful and almost majestic creature. The phrase “yellow-brown slackness” describes the snake’s color and relaxed posture, evoking a sense of natural beauty.

4. Lines 14-15:

o “Someone was before me at my water-trough, / And I, like a second-comer, waiting.”

o The speaker acknowledges feeling like an intruder, as though the snake has a rightful claim to the water. This line conveys a sense of humility and respect for the snake, as the speaker waits quietly for it to finish drinking.

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Two-Mark Questions with Answers

1. What is the main theme of "Snake"?

o The main theme of "Snake" is the clash between instinctual admiration for nature and societal fear of dangerous creatures. The poem explores human conflict in viewing animals as both beautiful and threatening.

2. How does Lawrence use imagery to describe the snake?

o Lawrence uses vivid imagery to describe the snake’s color, movement, and peaceful behavior, creating a sense of admiration and emphasizing its natural beauty.

3. What internal conflict does the speaker face?

o The speaker faces a conflict between his admiration for the snake’s grace and his learned fear of it, highlighting the tension between nature and societal norms.

4. How is the setting significant in the poem?

o The hot, shaded setting under a carob tree adds to the stillness of the moment, emphasizing the tension and the quiet interaction between the speaker and the snake.

5. Why does the speaker feel like a “second-comer” at his own water-trough?

o The speaker feels like a “second-comer” because he senses that the snake has as much right to the water as he does, showing his respect for the creature’s presence.

6. What role does silence play in the poem?

o Silence enhances the peacefulness of the encounter and reflects the speaker’s reverence for the snake, adding to the stillness and solemnity of the moment.

7. How does Lawrence portray the snake's movements?

o Lawrence portrays the snake’s movements as slow and graceful, using descriptive language that emphasizes its beauty and calm demeanor.

8. What emotions does the speaker experience in the poem?

o The speaker experiences a mix of awe, respect, fear, and guilt, reflecting the complexity of his reaction to the snake.

9. How does societal perception influence the speaker’s response to the snake?

o Societal perception instills fear in the speaker, causing him to feel conflicted between his admiration for the snake and his learned instinct to see it as a threat.

10. What does the poem suggest about humanity’s relationship with nature?

o The poem suggests that humanity’s relationship with nature is complex, marked by both fascination and fear. It emphasizes the need to respect and coexist with nature rather than succumb to irrational fears.

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Five-Mark Questions with Answers

1. Analyze the use of imagery in "Snake" and its impact on the reader's perception of the creature.

o Lawrence’s vivid imagery in "Snake" paints the creature as a beautiful and peaceful being, countering common fears associated with snakes. By describing the snake’s “yellow-brown slackness” and “soft-bellied” form, Lawrence creates a visual of a harmless, serene animal. This imagery challenges the reader’s perception, encouraging them to view the snake with the same respect and admiration as the speaker. The detailed description of its movements and the quietness of the encounter evoke a sense of calm, making the snake’s presence almost reverent.

2. Discuss the theme of human conflict with nature in the poem.

o The poem illustrates the conflict between human instinct to admire nature and societal teachings that instill fear of certain creatures. The speaker’s admiration for the snake’s beauty is clouded by his learned fear, representing humanity’s struggle to reconcile primal instincts with socialized attitudes. Lawrence uses this tension to highlight how societal biases can distort natural appreciation, suggesting that humanity’s relationship with nature is complicated by ingrained fears and misunderstandings.

3. Evaluate the significance of the setting in "Snake" and how it contributes to the poem’s themes.

o The setting—a hot day by a shaded water trough under a carob tree—creates an atmosphere of stillness and contemplation, enhancing the solemnity of the encounter. This environment mirrors the speaker’s internal conflict, as he is both drawn to and wary of the snake. The quiet, intimate setting underscores themes of reverence and respect for nature, contrasting with the speaker’s fear. By situating the interaction in such a serene setting, Lawrence emphasizes the natural right of the snake to exist peacefully, reinforcing the idea of coexistence with nature.

4. Examine the significance of the speaker’s internal conflict in the poem.

o The speaker’s internal conflict reveals the clash between personal admiration for the snake and societal fear. His admiration for the snake’s beauty and tranquility is interrupted by a voice urging him to kill it, reflecting the impact of societal teachings on his natural instincts. This conflict highlights humanity’s complicated relationship with nature, where awe and respect often compete with irrational fears. The speaker’s guilt after contemplating violence against the snake underscores his awareness of this internal struggle, making the poem a reflection on the complexities of human nature.

5. Analyze how the poem "Snake" reflects the theme of respect for nature.

o "Snake" conveys a deep respect for nature, as the speaker hesitates to disturb the snake at the water trough, recognizing its right to share the space. Lawrence’s portrayal of the snake as a calm, harmless creature encourages readers to appreciate its beauty rather than react with fear. The speaker’s sense of guilt after contemplating harm reveals his underlying reverence for the snake, suggesting a moral obligation to respect all forms of life. The poem advocates for coexistence with nature, emphasizing the importance of overcoming societal biases to honor the natural world.

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Essay Question with Detailed Answer

Essay Question: Discuss the theme of internal conflict in D.H. Lawrence’s "Snake" and analyze how it reflects the complexities of human interaction with nature.

• Introduction:

o D.H. Lawrence’s "Snake" explores the theme of internal conflict through the speaker’s encounter with a snake at a water trough. The poem delves into the complexities of human interaction with nature, highlighting the tension between admiration and fear. Lawrence uses the speaker’s internal struggle to reflect on societal teachings that conflict with natural instincts, ultimately illustrating the challenges of coexisting with nature.

• Subtitles and Explanations:

1. Admiration for the Snake:

 The speaker’s admiration for the snake is evident in his detailed descriptions of its color and movement. He is captivated by the creature’s calm demeanor, suggesting an instinctual appreciation for its beauty. This admiration sets the stage for the internal conflict, as the speaker’s natural respect for the snake clashes with societal expectations.

2. Societal Influence and Fear:

 Despite his admiration, the speaker feels compelled to act on learned fears, reflecting the impact of societal influence. A “voice” within him urges him to kill the snake, representing the pressure to conform to cultural norms that view snakes as dangerous. This inner voice symbolizes the conflict between natural instincts and societal conditioning.

3. The Significance of Waiting:

 The speaker’s decision to wait for the snake to finish drinking demonstrates his respect for the creature’s autonomy. This hesitation reveals a sense of reverence, contrasting with the fear-driven impulse to harm it. The act of waiting symbolizes the possibility of peaceful coexistence, suggesting that respect for nature requires patience and restraint.

4. Guilt and Regret:

 After contemplating violence against the snake, the speaker experiences guilt and regret, indicating his awareness of the moral implications of his actions. This guilt reflects an inner recognition of the snake’s right to exist and serves as a critique of societal biases that encourage fear over understanding.

5. Lawrence’s Critique of Societal Norms:

 Through the speaker’s internal conflict, Lawrence critiques societal norms that promote fear of certain animals. By illustrating the speaker’s struggle between admiration and fear, the poem questions the validity of these ingrained biases, suggesting that they hinder a true appreciation of nature’s beauty.

6. The Complexity of Human Emotions:

 The speaker’s complex emotions highlight the intricacies of human interaction with nature. His simultaneous admiration and fear reveal the difficulty of reconciling personal feelings with societal expectations, making the poem a reflection on the layered nature of human instincts and emotions.

7. Conclusion:

 In conclusion, "Snake" by D.H. Lawrence captures the theme of internal conflict as a reflection of humanity’s complex relationship with nature. Through the speaker’s struggle to balance admiration and fear, Lawrence advocates for a respectful coexistence with the natural world. The poem serves as a reminder to overcome societal biases and embrace a perspective that honors the beauty and autonomy of all creatures.