'Piano' by D.H. Lawrence

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1918Softly, in the dusk, a woman is singing to me;
Taking me back down the vista of years, till I see
A child sitting under the piano, in the boom of the tingling strings
And pressing the small, poised feet of a mother who smiles as she sings.In spite of myself, the insidious mastery of song
Betrays me back, till the heart of me weeps to belong
To the old Sunday evenings at home, with winter outside
And hymns in the cozy parlor, the tinkling piano our guide.So now it is vain for the singer to burst into clamor
With the great black piano appassionato. The glamor
Of childish days is upon me, my manhood is cast
Down in the flood of remembrance, I weep like a child for the past.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Piano: A Journey Through Time and Melody

D.H. Lawrence, the English writer, poet and literary critic, is known for his controversial and provocative works that challenged the norms of his time. One of his most celebrated poems, "Piano", is a perfect example of his unique style and approach to poetry. Written in 1918, "Piano" is a nostalgic and emotional journey through time and melody, exploring the power of music to evoke memories and emotions.

At first glance, "Piano" appears to be a simple and straightforward poem, but upon closer examination, it reveals a complex and multi-layered meaning. Through the use of vivid imagery, sensory language, and poignant metaphors, Lawrence creates a powerful and evocative portrait of a man who is transported back in time by the sound of a piano.

The Structure and Form of the Poem

The poem is composed of three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. It follows a regular rhyme scheme of ABAB, with the last line of each stanza repeating the first line of the poem. The use of repetition reinforces the nostalgic and cyclical nature of the poem, as the man is transported back in time by the sound of the piano.

The poem is written in free verse, with no strict meter or rhyme scheme. This allows Lawrence to experiment with the rhythm and pace of the poem, creating a sense of fluidity and movement that mirrors the music he describes.

The Imagery and Sensory Language

One of the most striking aspects of "Piano" is the use of vivid imagery and sensory language. Lawrence paints a vivid picture of the man's surroundings, using sensory details to evoke a sense of time and place.

For example, in the first stanza, he describes the "soft pedal" of the piano, which creates a "tinkling" sound. This creates a sense of intimacy and delicacy, as if the man is eavesdropping on a private moment. The use of the word "tinkling" also conveys a sense of nostalgia and innocence, as if the man is transported back to a simpler time.

In the second stanza, Lawrence uses imagery to describe the man's emotional state. He describes the "vagrant" memories that flood the man's mind, as he is transported back in time by the sound of the piano. This creates a sense of disorientation and confusion, as the man is overwhelmed by his emotions.

In the final stanza, Lawrence uses sensory language to describe the power of the music. He describes the "boom of the tingling strings" and the "cosseted warmth" of the piano. This conveys a sense of power and intensity, as if the music is a force that cannot be resisted.

The Metaphors and Symbolism

Throughout the poem, Lawrence uses metaphors and symbolism to convey deeper meanings and emotions. One of the most prominent symbols is the piano itself, which represents the man's past and his emotional state.

In the first stanza, the piano is described as a "melancholy, long withdrawing roar". This metaphor creates a sense of distance and detachment, as if the man is listening to the piano from a distance. It also conveys a sense of sadness and loss, as if the man is mourning the passing of time.

In the second stanza, the piano is described as a "mournful hymn". This creates a sense of reverence and solemnity, as if the man is listening to a sacred ritual. It also conveys a sense of sadness and mourning, as if the man is mourning the loss of his youth and innocence.

In the final stanza, the piano is described as a "vortex" that pulls the man back in time. This conveys a sense of power and intensity, as if the music is a force that cannot be resisted. It also suggests that the man is trapped in a cycle of nostalgia and longing, unable to escape the memories that the piano evokes.

The Themes and Meanings

At its core, "Piano" is a poem about nostalgia and the power of music to evoke memories and emotions. The man in the poem is transported back in time by the sound of the piano, and is overwhelmed by his emotions and memories.

The poem also explores the theme of aging and the passage of time. The man is mourning the passing of his youth and innocence, and is struggling to come to terms with his mortality.

Another theme is the power of art to transcend time and space. The piano is a symbol of the man's past, but it is also a timeless and universal symbol of beauty and creativity. The music of the piano is able to transport the man beyond his own time and place, and connect him to something greater than himself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Piano" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of nostalgia, aging, and the power of art. Through the use of vivid imagery, sensory language, and poignant metaphors, Lawrence creates a portrait of a man who is transported back in time by the sound of a piano. The poem is a testament to the power of music to evoke memories and emotions, and to the enduring nature of beauty and creativity. It is a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today, over a century after it was written.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Piano: A Masterpiece by D.H. Lawrence

If you are a lover of poetry and music, then you must have heard of the Poetry Piano, a masterpiece written by the renowned poet and novelist D.H. Lawrence. This piece of art is a perfect blend of music and poetry, and it has been a source of inspiration for many artists and poets around the world.

The Poetry Piano was written in 1918, during the First World War, and it was published in the same year in the English Review. The poem is a reflection of the poet's thoughts on the war and the impact it had on the world. It is a powerful piece of literature that captures the emotions and sentiments of the time.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which represents a different aspect of the war. The first part is titled "The Piano," and it describes the sound of a piano playing in the midst of the war. The second part is titled "The Nightingale," and it describes the sound of a nightingale singing in the midst of the war. The third part is titled "The Soldier," and it describes the life of a soldier during the war.

The first part of the poem, "The Piano," is a beautiful description of the sound of a piano playing in the midst of the war. The poet describes the sound as "a soft, sad, and beautiful sound" that "floats on the air." The sound of the piano is a contrast to the chaos and destruction of the war, and it brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the scene.

The second part of the poem, "The Nightingale," is a beautiful description of the sound of a nightingale singing in the midst of the war. The poet describes the sound as "a pure, clear, and beautiful sound" that "fills the air with its melody." The sound of the nightingale is a symbol of hope and beauty in the midst of the darkness and despair of the war.

The third part of the poem, "The Soldier," is a powerful description of the life of a soldier during the war. The poet describes the soldier as "a man of steel" who is "hardened by the war." The soldier is a symbol of strength and courage in the midst of the chaos and destruction of the war.

The Poetry Piano is a masterpiece of literature that captures the emotions and sentiments of the time. It is a powerful reflection of the impact of the war on the world, and it is a source of inspiration for many artists and poets around the world. The poem is a perfect blend of music and poetry, and it is a testament to the power of art to capture the essence of the human experience.

In conclusion, the Poetry Piano is a masterpiece of literature that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated. It is a powerful reflection of the impact of the war on the world, and it is a source of inspiration for many artists and poets around the world. The poem is a perfect blend of music and poetry, and it is a testament to the power of art to capture the essence of the human experience.

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