Question

What contradictory thoughts did the poet have upon seeing the snake?

Hint:

In poetry questions, highlight the poet’s emotional conflict and connect it with themes like nature vs. social conditioning.

Answer 1

Concept: This question refers to D.H. Lawrence’s poem \textit{Snake}. The poet experiences an inner conflict between his natural admiration for the snake and the socially taught fear and hostility toward it. Answer: Upon seeing the snake, the poet experienced contradictory thoughts. On one hand, he felt a sense of fascination and respect for the snake’s calm and dignified presence. He admired its beauty and considered it a noble creature. On the other hand, the voice of education and societal norms told him that the snake was dangerous and should be killed. This created an internal struggle between instinctive admiration and learned fear. Explanation: The poet’s conflicting thoughts can be understood as:

Admiration and respect: He was mesmerized by the snake’s grace and treated it like an honored guest.
Fear and social conditioning: His upbringing taught him that snakes are harmful and must be attacked.
Moral conflict: He felt guilty and confused, torn between his natural feelings and imposed beliefs.