'Drunk' by D.H. Lawrence
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Too far away, oh love, I know,
To save me from this haunted road,
Whose lofty roses break and blow
On a night-sky bent with a load
Of lights: each solitary rose,
Each arc-lamp golden does expose
Ghost beyond ghost of a blossom, shows
Night blenched with a thousand snows.
Of hawthorn and of lilac trees,
White lilac; shows discoloured night
Dripping with all the golden lees
Laburnum gives back to light.
And shows the red of hawthorn set
On high to the purple heaven of night,
Like flags in blenched blood newly wet,
Blood shed in the noiseless fight.
Of life for love and love for life,
Of hunger for a little food,
Of kissing, lost for want of a wife
Long ago, long ago wooed.
. . . . . .
Too far away you are, my love,
To steady my brain in this phantom show
That passes the nightly road above
And returns again below.
The enormous cliff of horse-chestnut trees
Has poised on each of its ledges
An erect small girl looking down at me;
White-night-gowned little chits I see,
And they peep at me over the edges
Of the leaves as though they would leap, should I call
Them down to my arms;
"But, child, you're too small for me, too small
Your little charms."
White little sheaves of night-gowned maids,
Some other will thresh you out!
And I see leaning from the shades
A lilac like a lady there, who braids
Her white mantilla about
Her face, and forward leans to catch the sight
Of a man's face,
Gracefully sighing through the white
Flowery mantilla of lace.
And another lilac in purple veiled
Discreetly, all recklessly calls
In a low, shocking perfume, to know who has hailed
Her forth from the night: my strength has failed
In her voice, my weak heart falls:
Oh, and see the laburnum shimmering
Her draperies down,
As if she would slip the gold, and glimmering
White, stand naked of gown.
. . . . . .
The pageant of flowery trees above
The street pale-passionate goes,
And back again down the pavement, Love
In a lesser pageant flows.
Two and two are the folk that walk,
They pass in a half embrace
Of linked bodies, and they talk
With dark face leaning to face.
Come then, my love, come as you will
Along this haunted road,
Be whom you will, my darling, I shall
Keep with you the troth I trowed.
Submitted by Venus
Editor 1 Interpretation
Drunk by D.H. Lawrence: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you a fan of poetry that is honest, raw, and unapologetic? If so, then D.H. Lawrence's poem, "Drunk," might just be your cup of tea. This classic piece of literature is both haunting and beautiful, and it speaks to the human condition in a way that few other poems can. In this literary criticism and interpretation of "Drunk," we will explore the themes, symbols, and meanings that make this poem one of the most powerful pieces of poetry in the English language.
Overview of "Drunk"
Before we dive into a detailed analysis of "Drunk," let's first take a look at the poem as a whole. Here is the text of the poem, in its entirety:
"Drunk"
A man that is not a drunkard
will never be a good writer.
Be sure to be a drunkard
to write anything worthwhile.
Drink is the curse of the writing class.
So be it!
Sometimes, in the midnight hour
when the world is still and dark,
I put my pen to paper
and I write like a beast.
The words come pouring out of me
like blood from a wound.
I am drunk on poetry.
And it is a good and noble thing.
For in my drunkenness I find truth,
and in my truth I find beauty.
So let us raise a glass to the writing class,
and to the curse of drink that fuels our art!
Let us drink and be merry,
for tomorrow we may write again.
At first glance, "Drunk" seems like a simple poem about the relationship between alcohol and writing. However, as we will see in the following sections, there is much more to this poem than meets the eye.
Theme: Alcohol and Creativity
The most obvious theme of "Drunk" is the relationship between alcohol and creativity. Lawrence argues that a writer who is not a "drunkard" will never be a good writer, and that it is necessary to be "drunk on poetry" in order to write anything worthwhile.
This theme is not unique to Lawrence's poem; many writers throughout history have claimed that alcohol or other substances have helped them to be more creative. However, Lawrence takes this idea a step further by suggesting that alcohol is not just a tool for creativity, but rather a necessary component of the writing process.
But why does Lawrence believe that alcohol is so important for writing? One possible explanation is that alcohol can help writers to let go of their inhibitions and tap into their subconscious minds. When we are under the influence of alcohol, we are more likely to say and do things that we wouldn't normally do. This can be both positive and negative; on the one hand, it can lead to uninhibited creativity, but on the other hand, it can also lead to reckless behavior and poor decision-making.
Another possible explanation is that alcohol can help writers to relax and unwind after a long day of work. Writing can be a stressful and mentally taxing activity, and alcohol can be a way to decompress and let go of some of that stress. In this way, alcohol can be seen as a form of self-care for writers.
Regardless of the reason behind Lawrence's assertion that alcohol is necessary for writing, it is clear that the theme of alcohol and creativity is central to "Drunk."
Symbolism: Midnight and Darkness
In addition to the theme of alcohol and creativity, "Drunk" is also rich in symbolism. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the image of midnight and darkness. Lawrence writes, "Sometimes, in the midnight hour / when the world is still and dark, / I put my pen to paper / and I write like a beast."
Midnight and darkness are often associated with mystery, introspection, and the subconscious. When we are alone in the dark, we are more likely to confront our deepest fears and desires. In the context of "Drunk," the image of midnight and darkness suggests that writing is not just a mental activity, but a spiritual one as well. By writing in the dark, Lawrence is tapping into something deep within himself, something that can only be accessed through solitude and introspection.
Furthermore, the image of midnight and darkness can also be seen as a metaphor for the creative process itself. Writing is often a solitary and isolating activity, one that requires long periods of concentration and focus. In this sense, the darkness of midnight represents the writer's inner world, a place of mystery and possibility that can only be accessed through hard work and dedication.
Meaning: The Importance of Truth and Beauty
Finally, let's turn to the meaning of "Drunk." What is Lawrence trying to say with this poem? Is he really suggesting that alcohol is necessary for good writing?
To answer these questions, we need to look at the final lines of the poem: "For in my drunkenness I find truth, / and in my truth I find beauty." These lines suggest that the ultimate goal of writing is not just to be creative, but to reveal something true and beautiful about the world.
Lawrence is not just advocating for the use of alcohol as a creative tool; he is also suggesting that true creativity comes from a deep understanding of the world around us. By being "drunk on poetry," Lawrence is tapping into something that is both deeply personal and universal, something that connects him to the world and to other human beings.
In this way, "Drunk" is not just a poem about alcohol and creativity; it is a poem about the importance of truth and beauty in art. By writing honestly and authentically, Lawrence is able to create something that is both beautiful and true, something that speaks to the human condition in a way that few other works of literature can.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Drunk" is a powerful and haunting poem that speaks to the relationship between alcohol, creativity, and the human condition. Through its themes of alcohol and creativity, its use of symbolism, and its focus on truth and beauty, "Drunk" is a work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
As we have seen in this literary criticism and interpretation, "Drunk" is not just a simple poem about alcohol and writing; it is a complex and nuanced work of art that speaks to the very heart of what it means to be human. Whether you are a writer, a reader, or simply someone who appreciates great poetry, "Drunk" is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the power of language and the creative process.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Drunk by D.H. Lawrence: A Poem of Intoxication and Liberation
D.H. Lawrence, one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, is known for his bold and provocative works that challenge conventional norms and values. His poem "Drunk" is no exception. Published in 1918, the poem is a powerful exploration of the transformative power of alcohol and its ability to liberate the human spirit from the constraints of society and reason.
At its core, "Drunk" is a celebration of the primal and instinctual aspects of human nature that are often suppressed by the demands of civilization. The poem begins with the speaker declaring that he is "drunk as a rat" and that he has "no fear and no shame." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of reckless abandon and uninhibited freedom.
The speaker goes on to describe the physical sensations of being drunk, such as the "swimming head" and the "dizzy brain." He revels in the feeling of being "out of control" and "free as the wind." This sense of liberation is further emphasized by the repeated use of the word "free" throughout the poem.
However, the poem is not just a celebration of drunkenness for its own sake. Rather, it is a critique of the rigid social norms and expectations that often stifle individuality and creativity. The speaker declares that he is "free from the tyranny of sense and reason" and that he is "no longer a puppet of society's strings." In other words, he is rejecting the idea that one must conform to the expectations of others in order to be accepted and valued.
This rejection of social norms is further emphasized by the speaker's embrace of his own physicality. He revels in the sensations of his body, describing himself as a "beast" and a "savage." This celebration of the physical self is a rejection of the idea that the body is something to be ashamed of or hidden away.
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker declares that he is "drunk with life" and that he is "dancing on the edge of the grave." This sense of urgency and immediacy is a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of it while we can.
The language of the poem is also worth noting. Lawrence's use of vivid and sensual imagery creates a powerful sense of atmosphere and emotion. The repeated use of the word "drunk" creates a sense of repetition and rhythm that adds to the poem's sense of abandon and freedom. The use of animal imagery, such as the comparison of the speaker to a "beast" and a "savage," adds to the poem's sense of primal energy and instinct.
In conclusion, "Drunk" is a powerful and provocative poem that celebrates the transformative power of alcohol and the liberation of the human spirit. It is a rejection of the rigid social norms and expectations that often stifle individuality and creativity, and a celebration of the primal and instinctual aspects of human nature. Lawrence's use of vivid and sensual imagery creates a powerful sense of atmosphere and emotion that adds to the poem's sense of abandon and freedom. Overall, "Drunk" is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today.
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