D.H. Lawrence's poem “Snake” explores a variety of rich themes, many of which concern the relationship between humanity and nature, the tension between instinct and societal expectations, and the conflict between civilized behavior and primal impulses. The poem is often interpreted as a reflection on the poet's own internal conflict regarding the nature of human interaction with the natural world, particularly when confronted by creatures that evoke both awe and fear. Below are some of the key emergent themes in the poem:
1. The Conflict Between Instinct and Social Conditioning
One of the central themes in “Snake” is the tension between instinctive behavior and the learned social norms or moral codes that govern human actions. In the poem, the speaker, while encountering a snake at a water trough, initially reacts with an impulse to treat the creature as a fellow being in the natural world. He feels a kind of admiration for the snake, acknowledging its beauty and grace. However, this instinctive reaction soon clashes with the societal and moral expectations that have been instilled in him. The speaker’s education and upbringing tell him that snakes are dangerous, even evil, and he begins to feel guilty for his initial sympathy and respect.
The inner conflict between these two forces—his natural, empathetic instinct and the societal training to fear and harm the snake—ultimately drives the poem’s narrative. The speaker is torn between these contradictory impulses: on the one hand, he recognizes the snake’s right to exist and acknowledges its majesty, and on the other hand, he feels compelled to act in accordance with social conditioning, which tells him that the snake is something to be feared, harmed, or even killed.
2. The Nature of Guilt and Regret
The theme of guilt is prominent throughout the poem, particularly in the speaker's reflections on what happens after he throws a stick at the snake. When the snake comes to drink from the trough, the speaker’s first impulse is one of awe and respect. However, as the snake begins to retreat into the hole, the speaker is seized by a sense of guilt, a sense that he has somehow violated the natural order. This is compounded by his fear of societal condemnation. His guilt stems not only from his action but also from the realization that his initial, unrestrained response—admiration for the snake—was a more honest, primal reaction than the one he eventually acted on, which was driven by societal expectations.
Later in the poem, the speaker reflects on this moment with a deep sense of regret. The regret is compounded by the realization that, in attacking the snake, he may have lost something essential, something natural and pure in his character. He recognizes that in choosing to act based on societal norms, he has dishonored both the snake and his own instincts.
3. Humanity’s Alienation from Nature
Another important theme in “Snake” is the idea of humanity’s alienation from the natural world. The snake in the poem represents nature in its purest, untamed form, a creature that exists outside of human control or understanding. The speaker’s reaction to the snake reveals humanity’s often uneasy relationship with nature. On one hand, the snake represents something awe-inspiring, a creature of grace and dignity that is in its natural element. On the other hand, the speaker, shaped by societal views, sees the snake as a threat, something dangerous and evil.
The speaker’s eventual guilt and regret after throwing the stick at the snake symbolize the human tendency to suppress or attack that which is wild, unknown, or uncontrollable. By acting in fear, the speaker has distanced himself from the natural world and has placed himself in opposition to the snake’s right to exist. The poem highlights the alienation that comes with this act of aggression—humanity’s failure to live in harmony with nature, and the price paid for not acknowledging the intrinsic value of the natural world.
4. The Symbolism of the Snake
The snake itself is a complex symbol within the poem. Traditionally, snakes have been associated with danger, evil, and temptation, drawing from religious and mythological traditions such as the biblical story of Adam and Eve. However, in Lawrence’s portrayal, the snake is not merely a symbol of evil or danger, but also one of natural beauty, grace, and wisdom. The snake is described with admiration, and it appears to embody a kind of ancient knowledge that the speaker recognizes but is unable to fully embrace.
The snake’s behavior—its graceful approach to the water and its dignified retreat—seems to embody a form of wisdom and tranquility that the speaker admires but ultimately cannot accept. The snake becomes a symbol of nature’s indifference to human morality, suggesting that the natural world exists on its own terms, unaffected by the artificial constructs of human society.
5. The Role of Masculinity and Cowardice
The speaker’s final reaction, throwing the stick at the snake, can also be interpreted as a commentary on masculinity and the fear of appearing weak or cowardly. The speaker initially identifies with the snake’s calmness and dignity, but is soon gripped by a fear of appearing passive or effeminate in the face of a “dangerous” creature. In a sense, the speaker’s action is an attempt to assert control and power over something that represents a more primal, natural force. However, by doing so, the speaker is left with an overwhelming sense of regret, suggesting that true strength may lie in allowing oneself to be vulnerable and to act in accordance with one’s authentic feelings, rather than trying to conform to external expectations of masculinity or courage.
Conclusion
“Snake” is a profound meditation on the themes of human nature, guilt, social conditioning, and our often uneasy relationship with the natural world. Through the speaker's internal conflict and ultimate regret, Lawrence explores the cost of suppressing instinctive empathy in favor of societal expectations, and the alienation that comes from disregarding nature’s inherent value. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own relationships with nature and to question the forces that shape their perceptions and actions toward the natural world.
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