'The Piano (Notebook Version)' by D.H. Lawrence

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Somewhere beneath that piano's superb sleek black
Must hide my mother's piano, little and brown with the back
That stood close to the wall, and the front's faded silk, both torn
And the keys with little hollows, that my mother's fingers had worn.
Softly, in the shadows, a woman is singing to me
Quietly, through the years I have crept back to see
A child sitting under the piano, in the boom of the shaking strings
Pressing the little poised feet of the mother who smiles as she singsThe full throated woman has chosen a winning, living song
And surely the heart that is in me must belong
To the old Sunday evenings, when darkness wandered outside
And hymns gleamed on our warm lips, as we watched mother's fingers glideOr this is my sister at home in the old front room
Singing love's first surprised gladness, alone in the gloom.
She will start when she sees me, and blushing, spread out her hands
To cover my mouth's raillery, till I'm bound in her shame's heart-spun bandsA woman is singing me a wild Hungarian air
And her arms, and her bosom and the whole of her soul is bare
And the great black piano is clamouring as my mother's never could clamour
And the tunes of the past are devoured of this music's ravaging glamour.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Piano (Notebook Version) by D.H. Lawrence: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression

As I read D.H. Lawrence's "The Piano (Notebook Version)," I was struck by the power of his words to evoke vivid images and emotions. In just a few short stanzas, Lawrence captures the essence of a complex relationship between a mother and her son, expressed through the metaphor of a piano. This poem is a masterpiece of poetic expression, and deserves careful consideration and analysis.

Structure and Form

First, let's consider the structure and form of the poem. It consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, giving the poem a sense of symmetry and balance. The meter is iambic, with each line consisting of five feet, creating a rhythmic pattern that is both pleasing to the ear and consistent throughout the poem.

But it is not just the technical aspects of the poem's structure that make it so powerful. The repetition of phrases such as "softly, in the dusk" and "the boom of the tingling strings" creates a sense of familiarity and intimacy, drawing the reader into the world of the poem. The use of sensory imagery, such as "the scent of the elder bushes" and "the cold smell of potato mould," brings the poem to life and makes it feel real and tangible.

Theme and Meaning

The central theme of the poem is the complex and often conflicted relationship between a mother and her son. The piano is used as a metaphor for this relationship, representing both the joys and the sorrows that come with familial love. The mother's playing of the piano, "tinkling the ivories" and "with the great black piano appassionato," is a source of comfort and nostalgia for her, reminding her of happier times in her past.

But for the son, the piano represents a burden, a reminder of the sacrifices he has had to make to care for his mother. His "torn coat" and "ruined shoes" are evidence of his poverty and his lack of opportunities, and the piano serves as a symbol of the expectations and obligations that he feels he must fulfill.

The conflict between the mother and son is palpable, as they both struggle with their own emotions and try to reconcile their past with their present. The mother's desire to return to a happier time, when she was young and carefree, is in direct contrast to her son's need to move forward and make a better life for himself.

Language and Imagery

The language and imagery used in the poem are both powerful and evocative. The use of sensory details such as the "scent of the elder bushes" and the "cold smell of potato mould" create a vivid and realistic picture of the setting in which the poem takes place. The image of the mother's "vague, mild eyes" and "the smile on her face" conveys a sense of sadness and resignation, while the son's "sullen boyish rebellion" and "aching with the pent-up heat of frustration" express his anger and frustration at his situation.

The use of metaphors and similes is also noteworthy. The piano is compared to a "musical instrument" and a "great black piano appassionato," emphasizing its importance and significance to the characters. The mother's playing of the piano is likened to "a woman who is lost in passion," heightening the emotional intensity of the scene.

Conclusion

In conclusion, D.H. Lawrence's "The Piano (Notebook Version)" is a masterpiece of poetic expression. Through its carefully crafted structure, powerful imagery, and evocative language, it explores the complex and often conflicted relationship between a mother and her son. The use of the piano as a metaphor for this relationship is both effective and moving, highlighting the joys and sorrows that come with familial love. Overall, this poem is a testament to Lawrence's skill as a poet, and a powerful reminder of the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Piano (Notebook Version) by D.H. Lawrence is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and emotional piece of literature that captures the essence of nostalgia and longing. The poem is a reflection of the poet's childhood memories and his longing for the past.

The poem is written in free verse, which gives it a natural and flowing rhythm. The use of enjambment and caesura adds to the musicality of the poem. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and mood.

The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the main theme of the poem. The poet describes the sound of the piano as his mother plays it. He describes the sound as "tingling" and "thrilling" and says that it "rips" his heart. The use of onomatopoeia and alliteration adds to the musicality of the poem and creates a vivid image in the reader's mind.

The second stanza is more reflective and introspective. The poet describes how the sound of the piano takes him back to his childhood. He remembers how he used to sit under the piano and feel the vibrations of the music. He also remembers how his mother used to sing while she played the piano. The use of imagery and sensory details creates a vivid picture of the poet's childhood memories.

The third stanza is the most emotional and powerful. The poet describes how he feels when he hears the sound of the piano now. He says that it "brings the old Sunday evenings back" and that he feels "sobered" and "weary". The use of repetition and parallelism creates a sense of nostalgia and longing. The poet is longing for the past and the memories of his childhood.

The poem is a reflection of the poet's personal experiences and emotions. It is a powerful and emotional piece of literature that captures the essence of nostalgia and longing. The use of musical language and imagery creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind and adds to the emotional impact of the poem.

The poem is also a commentary on the power of music and its ability to evoke emotions and memories. The sound of the piano takes the poet back to his childhood and brings back memories of his mother. The poem shows how music can be a powerful tool for evoking emotions and memories.

The poem is also a reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The poet is longing for the past and the memories of his childhood, but he knows that he can never go back. The poem shows how time changes everything and how memories can be both beautiful and painful.

In conclusion, The Piano (Notebook Version) by D.H. Lawrence is a beautiful and emotional poem that captures the essence of nostalgia and longing. The use of musical language and imagery creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind and adds to the emotional impact of the poem. The poem is a reflection of the poet's personal experiences and emotions, and it is also a commentary on the power of music and the passage of time. It is a classic poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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