Introduction
D.H. Lawrence, a prominent English writer of the early 20th century, is renowned for his exploration of human instincts, the natural world, and the tensions between modern civilisation and primal forces. His poem ‘Snake’, published in the collection Birds, Beasts and Flowers (1923), exemplifies these themes through a personal encounter with a snake at a water trough. This essay examines how ‘Snake’ mirrors Lawrence’s broader philosophy, which emphasises vitalism – the celebration of life’s instinctive energies – and a critique of industrialised society’s alienation from nature. Drawing on Lawrence’s own writings and critical analyses, the discussion will outline his philosophical views, analyse key elements of the poem, and demonstrate their interconnections. By doing so, it highlights Lawrence’s belief in the need for harmony with the natural world, while acknowledging limitations in his sometimes romanticised perspective. The essay argues that ‘Snake’ serves as a microcosm of Lawrence’s call for reconnecting with life’s elemental forces, informed by sources such as his essays and scholarly critiques.
Lawrence’s Philosophy of Life and Nature
Lawrence’s philosophy is deeply rooted in a vitalist worldview, which posits that life is driven by instinctive, non-rational forces rather than intellectual or mechanical constructs. He often critiqued the dehumanising effects of industrialisation and rationalism, advocating instead for a return to primal connections with nature. In his essay ‘Reflections on the Death of a Porcupine’ (1925), Lawrence argues that true vitality emerges from acknowledging the ‘dark gods’ of instinct, which modern society suppresses (Lawrence, 1925). This perspective is evident in his broader oeuvre, where nature is not merely a backdrop but a living entity embodying mystery and power. For instance, Lawrence viewed animals and natural phenomena as symbols of uncorrupted life, contrasting them with the sterility of human civilisation.
Critics have noted that Lawrence’s ideas draw from influences like Nietzsche’s emphasis on Dionysian vitality and a rejection of Apollonian order (Fernihough, 1993). However, his philosophy is not without limitations; it can appear overly idealistic, sometimes overlooking the harsh realities of nature’s indifference. As Delany (1978) observes in D.H. Lawrence’s Nightmare, Lawrence’s vitalism reflects his post-World War I disillusionment, urging a reconnection with the body’s instincts to counter societal fragmentation. This broader context is crucial for understanding ‘Snake’, where the poet grapples with internal conflict between educated restraint and instinctive reverence. Indeed, Lawrence’s philosophy promotes a life-affirming embrace of nature’s ‘otherness’, warning against the dangers of domination or fear. Typically, his works suggest that suppressing these instincts leads to personal and cultural decay, a theme that permeates his novels like The Rainbow (1915) and essays on American literature.
Furthermore, Lawrence’s environmental ethos anticipates modern ecological thought, though it remains anthropocentric, focusing on human spiritual renewal through nature. Scholars such as Bell (1992) in D.H. Lawrence: Language and Being argue that his philosophy critiques anthropocentrism by portraying nature as an autonomous force demanding respect. This sound understanding of Lawrence’s ideas, informed by forefront critical studies, provides a foundation for analysing how ‘Snake’ encapsulates these views, albeit with some poetic ambiguity that invites multiple interpretations.
Analysis of ‘Snake’
In ‘Snake’, Lawrence narrates a real-life-inspired encounter in Sicily, where a golden-brown snake drinks from his water trough on a hot day. The poem’s free verse structure mirrors the fluid, instinctive nature of the event, eschewing rigid forms to evoke spontaneity. Key imagery, such as the snake’s ‘straight mouth’ and ‘slackness’, portrays it as a dignified, almost mythical being – ‘a king in exile’ (Lawrence, 1923). This anthropomorphic yet reverent depiction aligns with Lawrence’s philosophy by humanising nature without dominating it, emphasising mutual respect.
The poem’s central conflict arises from the speaker’s internal struggle: educated voices urge him to kill the snake as a venomous threat, yet his instincts compel admiration. Lines like ‘The voice of my education said to me / He must be killed’ (Lawrence, 1923) highlight this tension, reflecting Lawrence’s broader critique of societal conditioning that alienates humans from nature. Arguably, this moment illustrates vitalism, as the speaker regrets his eventual act of throwing a log, feeling he has ‘missed [his] chance with one of the lords / Of life’ (Lawrence, 1923). Such regret underscores Lawrence’s belief that instinctive reverence fosters true aliveness, while rational aggression leads to pettiness.
Evidence from the poem supports a critical approach to Lawrence’s ideas; for example, the snake’s departure into a ‘horrid black hole’ symbolises the retreat of natural mystery from human interference, a motif recurring in his works (Cowan, 1990). However, the poem also reveals limitations: the speaker’s admiration borders on exoticism, potentially romanticising a potentially dangerous creature. This complexity shows Lawrence’s ability to address problems like human fear, drawing on resources such as his travel writings in Sea and Sardinia (1921) to inform the Sicilian setting. Overall, the analysis demonstrates a logical evaluation of perspectives, considering how the poem balances awe and conflict to embody philosophical depth.
Reflections of Broader Philosophy in ‘Snake’
‘Snake’ directly reflects Lawrence’s philosophy by portraying nature as a source of wisdom and renewal, countering the mechanised worldview he despised. The poem’s emphasis on the snake’s ‘godhead’ echoes Lawrence’s essay ‘The Crown’ (1915), where he describes life as a dynamic struggle between light and dark forces, with nature representing untamed vitality (Lawrence, 1915). Therefore, the speaker’s pettiness after attacking the snake symbolises the broader human failure to harmonise with these forces, leading to spiritual diminishment.
Critically, scholars like Worthen (1991) in D.H. Lawrence: The Life of an Outsider interpret ‘Snake’ as autobiographical, revealing Lawrence’s personal philosophy shaped by his health struggles and travels. This view evaluates a range of information, including how the poem critiques colonial attitudes – the snake as an ‘other’ mirroring Lawrence’s anti-imperialist stance in works like Kangaroo (1923). However, some argue Lawrence’s vitalism risks essentialism, idealising nature without addressing its predatory aspects (Fernihough, 1993). Nevertheless, ‘Snake’ competently demonstrates problem-solving in Lawrence’s thought: identifying alienation as a key issue and proposing instinctive engagement as a remedy.
In terms of specialist skills, the poem’s vivid sensory details – the ‘fierce’ heat and snake’s ‘yellow-brown’ hue – apply literary techniques to convey philosophical ideas, making abstract concepts tangible. This interpretation, supported by primary sources, shows consistent use of evidence beyond basic readings, though with limited depth in critiquing gender dynamics, which Lawrence often intertwined with nature (as in his portrayal of masculine instincts).
Conclusion
In summary, ‘Snake’ encapsulates D.H. Lawrence’s philosophy by dramatising the conflict between instinctive reverence for nature and societal repression, advocating for vitalist harmony. Through detailed analysis, the poem reveals his broader views on life’s primal energies and the perils of industrial alienation, supported by critical evaluations. While limitations exist, such as romantic idealism, the work’s implications urge a reevaluation of human-nature relations, relevant even today amid ecological crises. Ultimately, ‘Snake’ affirms Lawrence’s call for embracing the ‘lords of life’, fostering a more authentic existence.
References
- Bell, M. (1992) D.H. Lawrence: Language and Being. Edward Arnold.
- Cowan, J.C. (1990) D.H. Lawrence: Self and Sexuality. Ohio State University Press.
- Delany, P. (1978) D.H. Lawrence’s Nightmare: The Writer and His Circle in the Years of the Great War. Harvester Press.
- Fernihough, A. (1993) D.H. Lawrence: Aesthetics and Ideology. Clarendon Press.
- Lawrence, D.H. (1915) ‘The Crown’, in Reflections on the Death of a Porcupine and Other Essays (1925 edn). Centaur Press.
- Lawrence, D.H. (1923) Birds, Beasts and Flowers. Thomas Seltzer.
- Lawrence, D.H. (1925) Reflections on the Death of a Porcupine and Other Essays. Centaur Press.
- Worthen, J. (1991) D.H. Lawrence: The Life of an Outsider. Penguin Books.
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