Question

Write the summary of any one of the following poems:
Snake

Hint:

"Snake" highlights the conflict between human instinct and societal expectations, focusing on the loss of innocence and the consequences of violence.

Answer 1

"Snake" is a poem written by D.H. Lawrence that explores the theme of the natural world, the complexity of human emotions, and the conflict between civilization and instinct. The poem begins with the speaker encountering a snake at a water-trough. The snake is described as beautiful and majestic, with its movements evoking awe and reverence. The speaker reflects on the snake’s regal qualities and feels a sense of admiration for it. However, the speaker’s admiration is soon replaced by a sense of guilt, as he remembers that the snake is supposed to be a dangerous creature, and human instinct urges him to act against it.
The conflict in the poem arises when the speaker feels torn between his instinct to treat the snake as a sacred creature and the learned fear and hostility toward it instilled by society. The tension between these two impulses creates an inner struggle in the speaker, who wishes to act out of reverence but feels compelled to kill the snake in order to conform to societal expectations. Eventually, the speaker regrets his decision to harm the snake, realizing that his act of violence was driven by societal conditioning rather than his true feelings.
In conclusion, "Snake" reflects Lawrence's interest in the complexities of human nature and the conflict between our instinctual, natural responses and the pressures of civilization. The poem is a meditation on the loss of innocence and the destructive consequences of acting out of fear or prejudice.