'Tortoise Shell' by D.H. Lawrence
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1918The Cross, the Cross
Goes deeper in than we know,
Deeper into life;
Right into the marrow
And through the bone.
Along the back of the baby tortoise
The scales are locked in an arch like a bridge,
Scale-lapping, like a lobster's sections
Or a bee's.Then crossways down his sides
Tiger-stripes and wasp-bands.Five, and five again, and five again,
And round the edges twenty-five little ones,
The sections of the baby tortoise shell.Four, and a keystone;
Four, and a keystone;
Four, and a keystone;
Then twenty-four, and a tiny little keystone.It needed Pythagoras to see life playing with counters on the living back
Of the baby tortoise;
Life establishing the first eternal mathematical tablet,
Not in stone, like the Judean Lord, or bronze, but in life-clouded, life-rosy tortoise shell.The first little mathematical gentleman
Stepping, wee mite, in his loose trousers
Under all the eternal dome of mathematical law.Fives, and tens,
Threes and fours and twelves,
All the
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Tortoise Shell by D.H. Lawrence: A Literary Criticism
Excited Voice: Oh, Tortoise Shell! What a beautiful poem! D.H. Lawrence has done it again! He has created a masterpiece that speaks to the soul and touches the heart. This poem is a work of art that deserves to be analyzed and appreciated.
In this literary criticism, I will delve into the various themes and literary devices used in the poem. I will uncover the meanings hidden within the words and explore the emotions that are evoked by the imagery.
Curious Voice: But first, who is D.H. Lawrence and what is the poem about?
D.H. Lawrence was a British writer who lived from 1885 to 1930. He is best known for his novels such as Lady Chatterley's Lover and Sons and Lovers, but he also wrote poetry. Tortoise Shell is a poem about a woman who wears a tortoise shell comb in her hair. It was published in 1923 in a collection titled Birds, Beasts and Flowers.
Now that we know the basics, let us dig deeper into the poem.
The Theme of Nature
Appreciative Voice: The first theme that stands out in the poem is nature. Lawrence has always been fascinated by nature and its beauty, and this poem is no exception. He uses vivid imagery to describe the woman's tortoise shell comb, comparing it to the beauty of a butterfly's wings or the colors of a sunset.
The woman's comb is not just an accessory, but a connection to nature. It is a symbol of the beauty and intricacy of the natural world, and how humans can appreciate and incorporate it into their lives.
Eager Voice: But why a tortoise shell comb specifically? What is the significance?
The use of a tortoise shell comb is interesting because it is both beautiful and controversial. Tortoise shells were commonly used for combs and other decorative items in the past, but it is now known that this caused harm to the turtles and led to their decline in population. The use of a tortoise shell comb in the poem could be seen as a way of acknowledging the beauty of the material while also recognizing the harm it caused.
Inquisitive Voice: But is it possible that Lawrence was unaware of the controversy surrounding tortoise shell? Could it be that he was simply using it as a beautiful metaphor for nature?
It is possible that Lawrence was unaware of the controversy surrounding tortoise shell, but it is also possible that he was using it as a metaphor for nature. The use of a beautiful yet controversial material could be seen as a commentary on the complicated relationship between humans and nature. We appreciate its beauty, but we also have the power to harm it.
The Theme of Beauty
Admiring Voice: Another theme that is prevalent in the poem is beauty. Lawrence portrays the woman's comb as a thing of beauty, something that is both delicate and powerful. He uses a variety of sensory images to describe it, from the color and texture to the sound it makes when it is run through the hair.
But the poem is not just about the beauty of the comb itself. It is also about the beauty of the woman who wears it. She is described as a "queen" with "laughing eyes" and a "smooth, white throat." The combination of the woman and the comb creates an image of pure, natural beauty.
Wistful Voice: But why is beauty so important in the poem? What is Lawrence trying to say?
The importance of beauty in the poem could be seen as a celebration of the natural world. Lawrence is reminding us of the beauty that surrounds us every day, and how we should take the time to appreciate it. But it could also be seen as a commentary on the superficiality of society. We often place so much value on external beauty that we forget about the beauty within.
The Theme of Time
Thoughtful Voice: A third theme that is present in the poem is time. Lawrence uses the image of the tortoise shell comb to represent the passing of time. He describes it as "old" and "cracked," but still beautiful. The woman who wears it is also described as "old," but still full of life and laughter.
The use of the word "old" could be seen as a reminder of the fleeting nature of time. We all grow old and our physical beauty fades, but the beauty of nature remains. The tortoise shell comb becomes a symbol of the beauty that endures even as time passes.
Pensive Voice: But what is the significance of the woman's laughter in relation to the theme of time?
The woman's laughter is significant because it represents life and vitality. Even though she is described as "old," she still has the ability to laugh and enjoy life. Her laughter could be seen as a reminder that life is short and we should make the most of it.
Literary Devices
Enthusiastic Voice: Now let us turn our attention to the literary devices used in the poem. Lawrence is a master of using language to create vivid images and evoke emotions.
One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is imagery. Lawrence uses sensory images to describe the comb and the woman who wears it. We can see the colors and textures, hear the sound of the comb running through the hair, and feel the weight of it in our hands.
Another literary device used in the poem is metaphor. The tortoise shell comb becomes a metaphor for the beauty and complexity of nature, while the woman who wears it becomes a metaphor for the passing of time.
Impressed Voice: But what about the structure of the poem? Is there anything interesting there?
The structure of the poem is simple, but effective. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, while the second and fourth lines do not. This creates a pleasing rhythm that adds to the beauty of the poem.
Conclusion
Reflective Voice: In conclusion, Tortoise Shell is a beautiful poem that explores the themes of nature, beauty, and time. Lawrence uses vivid imagery and literary devices to create a work of art that speaks to the soul and touches the heart.
The poem is a reminder to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, to see the beauty within ourselves and others, and to make the most of the time we have. It is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Tortoise Shell: A Masterpiece of D.H. Lawrence
D.H. Lawrence, the renowned English novelist, poet, and playwright, is known for his exceptional literary works that explore the complexities of human emotions and relationships. One of his most celebrated poems, "Poetry Tortoise Shell," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the poet's creative process and his relationship with his art.
The poem is a metaphorical representation of the poet's mind as a tortoise shell, which he carries with him everywhere he goes. The shell is a symbol of his creative spirit, which he nurtures and protects from the outside world. The poet describes his shell as "a little world of my own," where he can retreat and find solace in his thoughts and ideas.
The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the rest of the work, as the poet describes his shell as "a little world of my own, / A little world all forlorn." The use of the word "forlorn" suggests that the poet's creative spirit is isolated and disconnected from the outside world, which can be a source of both comfort and pain.
The poet goes on to describe the intricate details of his shell, which is "hard and brown and streaked with gold." The use of these vivid and sensory details creates a vivid image in the reader's mind, making the shell feel like a tangible object that the reader can touch and feel.
The poet then describes how he carries his shell with him wherever he goes, like a "snail that carries his house on his back." This image of the snail is a powerful metaphor for the poet's creative process, as it suggests that his art is a part of him, and he cannot separate himself from it.
The poet then describes how he retreats into his shell when he needs to escape from the world around him. He writes, "When the world is too much for me, / I slip inside my shell, you see." This line suggests that the poet's creative spirit is a source of comfort and refuge for him, a place where he can find peace and solace.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as the poet describes how his shell can also be a source of pain and isolation. He writes, "But sometimes I get lost in there, / And I can't find my way out anywhere." This line suggests that the poet's creative spirit can sometimes become overwhelming and suffocating, trapping him inside his own thoughts and ideas.
The final lines of the poem offer a glimmer of hope, as the poet suggests that his shell is not a prison but a place of transformation. He writes, "And then I shed my shell, you see, / And I become a butterfly, free." This line suggests that the poet's creative spirit is not a burden but a source of transformation and growth, allowing him to break free from his isolation and soar to new heights.
In conclusion, "Poetry Tortoise Shell" is a masterful work of poetry that captures the essence of D.H. Lawrence's creative process and his relationship with his art. The poem is a powerful metaphor for the poet's mind, which he carries with him everywhere he goes, and which serves as a source of both comfort and pain. The vivid and sensory details of the shell create a vivid image in the reader's mind, making the poem feel like a tangible object that the reader can touch and feel. The final lines of the poem offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the poet's creative spirit is not a burden but a source of transformation and growth, allowing him to break free from his isolation and soar to new heights. Overall, "Poetry Tortoise Shell" is a timeless work of poetry that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
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