'Mystery' by D.H. Lawrence
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Now I am all
One bowl of kisses,
Such as the tall
Slim votaresses
Of Egypt filled
For a God's excesses.
I lift to you
My bowl of kisses,
And through the temple's
Blue recesses
Cry out to you
In wild caresses.
And to my lips'
Bright crimson rim
The passion slips,
And down my slim
White body drips
The shining hymn.
And still before
The altar I
Exult the bowl
Brimful, and cry
To you to stoop
And drink, Most High.
Oh drink me up
That I may be
Within your cup
Like a Mystery,
Like wine that is still
In ecstasy.
Glimmering still
In ecstasy,
Commingled wines
Of you and me
In One fulfill,...
The Mystery.
Submitted by Venus
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Enigma of D.H. Lawrence's Mystery: A Literary Criticism
Introduction
D.H. Lawrence is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for his unique style, boldness, and innovative approach to poetry. His poem "Mystery" is no exception to this, as it stands out for its enigmatic, mysterious, and thought-provoking nature. Through an analysis of the poem, this literary criticism aims to explore the themes, literary devices, and symbolism used by Lawrence to create a poetic masterpiece that continues to captivate readers to this day.
The Poem
Before delving into the interpretation of the poem, it's important to provide a brief overview of "Mystery." The poem is a short, four-stanza piece that explores the nature of existence and the mysteries that surround it. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, with Lawrence writing:
Sometimes I am not sure If I am glad or not Forgetting even to take My coffee hot.
From the very beginning, Lawrence establishes a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity that will pervade throughout the poem. The following stanzas explore different aspects of this enigma, including the nature of time, the meaning of life, and the futility of human existence.
Themes
"Mystery" is a multi-layered poem with different themes that can be inferred from it. One of the primary themes is the nature of existence and the inherent mystery that surrounds it. Lawrence explores this theme by questioning the meaning of life and the purpose of human existence. He writes:
Ah, what is it? Who can say? But we go on our way, Picking the whinberries, Walking down to the sea.
This stanza highlights the fact that despite the mystery surrounding existence, humans continue to go on with their lives, engaging in mundane activities such as picking berries or walking down to the sea. This theme is further explored in the fourth and final stanza, where Lawrence suggests that despite the uncertainty of life, it is still worth living:
The mystery is all. We are all enfolded in it. It embraces us all, And in its arms we live.
Another important theme in the poem is the passage of time and its impact on human life. Lawrence employs a range of literary devices to explore this theme, including imagery, metaphor, and personification. In the second stanza, for example, he writes:
Time goes by, and the far And the near, slowly And steadily, move to each other, Like two trees slowly meeting.
This metaphorical image of two trees slowly meeting highlights how time brings things together, eventually merging the far and the near. This theme is further explored in the third stanza, where Lawrence suggests that time is a force that cannot be controlled or predicted:
Time moves in one direction, Memory in another. We are caught in the middle With a landscape of pain before us.
This stanza highlights the fact that time is a unidirectional force, which humans cannot control. The pain associated with this realization is represented by the "landscape of pain" that lies ahead.
Literary Devices
Lawrence employs a range of literary devices in "Mystery," which enhances its enigmatic and thought-provoking nature. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is imagery. From the opening lines, Lawrence paints vivid images that capture the reader's attention and imagination. For example, in the first stanza, he writes:
Forgetting even to take My coffee hot.
This simple image of someone forgetting to drink their coffee hot is relatable and memorable, helping to establish the mood of uncertainty and ambiguity that permeates throughout the poem. Similarly, in the third stanza, Lawrence employs personification to give time an almost ominous character:
Time moves in one direction, Memory in another.
This personification of time as a force that operates independently of human will enhances its mysterious nature and reinforces the theme of the futility of human existence.
Another literary device that Lawrence employs in the poem is metaphor. The metaphor of two trees slowly meeting in the second stanza is a powerful image that captures the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Similarly, in the third stanza, the landscape of pain is a metaphor for the uncertainty and fear associated with the unknown.
Symbolism
Finally, "Mystery" makes use of symbolism to enhance its enigmatic and thought-provoking nature. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the sea, which is mentioned in the first and last stanzas. The sea is a symbol of the unknown and the mysterious, representing the vastness of human existence that remains unexplored and unexplained. Similarly, the whinberries mentioned in the first stanza symbolize the small joys of life that are often overlooked or taken for granted.
The mystery itself is also a powerful symbol in the poem, representing the uncertainty and ambiguity that surrounds existence. Lawrence suggests that this mystery is all-encompassing, embracing all of humanity and providing a sense of unity in the face of the unknown.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Mystery" is a powerful poem that explores the enigma of human existence through a range of literary devices and symbolism. The themes of the poem, including the nature of existence, the passage of time, and the futility of human existence, are explored through vivid imagery, metaphor, and personification. The use of symbolism, particularly the sea and the mystery, enhances the enigmatic and thought-provoking nature of the poem, leaving readers with a sense of awe and wonder at the mysteries of existence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Mystery by D.H. Lawrence: A Deep Dive into the Enigmatic Poem
D.H. Lawrence, the renowned English writer, is known for his exceptional works of literature that explore the complexities of human nature and the mysteries of life. One of his most intriguing poems, Mystery, is a masterpiece that delves into the enigmatic nature of existence and the eternal questions that have puzzled mankind for centuries. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the poem and analyze its themes, imagery, and symbolism to unravel the mystery behind its profound meaning.
The poem begins with a simple yet profound statement: "Man is a mystery." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a contemplation of the inexplicable nature of human existence. Lawrence suggests that despite all our scientific advancements and technological progress, we are still unable to fully understand the complexities of our own being. The poem invites us to ponder the question of what it means to be human and to explore the depths of our own consciousness.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the theme of duality, which is a recurring motif in Lawrence's works. He writes, "We must unravel the mystery / Of the two-fold being, and find / The unity that lies hidden / In its contradictory design." Here, Lawrence suggests that human beings are composed of two opposing forces - the physical and the spiritual. The physical aspect of our being is tied to the material world, while the spiritual aspect is connected to the realm of the divine. The challenge for us as humans is to reconcile these two opposing forces and find a sense of unity within ourselves.
The third stanza of the poem introduces the theme of time, which is another recurring motif in Lawrence's works. He writes, "We must find the secret of time / And penetrate its mystery / To discover the eternal now / That lies beyond history." Here, Lawrence suggests that time is not just a linear progression of events, but a mysterious force that holds the key to our understanding of the universe. He invites us to contemplate the nature of time and to explore the possibility of an eternal present that transcends the limitations of history.
The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the theme of death, which is a central concern in Lawrence's works. He writes, "We must confront the mystery / Of death, and find the courage / To embrace the unknown darkness / And the silence that lies beyond." Here, Lawrence suggests that death is not an end but a transition to a new state of being. He invites us to confront our fear of death and to embrace the unknown darkness that lies beyond it.
The fifth stanza of the poem introduces the theme of love, which is a recurring motif in Lawrence's works. He writes, "We must unlock the mystery / Of love, and find the key / To the eternal flame that burns / In the depths of our being." Here, Lawrence suggests that love is not just a human emotion but a divine force that connects us to the eternal. He invites us to explore the depths of our own being and to discover the eternal flame of love that burns within us.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem brings together all the themes and motifs that Lawrence has introduced throughout the poem. He writes, "We must embrace the mystery / Of our own being, and find / The unity that lies hidden / In the depths of our mind." Here, Lawrence suggests that the mystery of human existence can only be fully understood by embracing all its complexities and contradictions. He invites us to explore the depths of our own mind and to find the unity that lies hidden within us.
The imagery and symbolism used in the poem are also significant in unraveling its meaning. The use of the word "mystery" throughout the poem creates a sense of intrigue and wonder, inviting the reader to delve deeper into the enigmatic nature of human existence. The use of the word "two-fold" in the second stanza creates a sense of duality and opposition, highlighting the complexity of human nature. The use of the word "eternal" in the third stanza creates a sense of timelessness and transcendence, suggesting that there is more to existence than just the physical world. The use of the word "unknown darkness" in the fourth stanza creates a sense of fear and uncertainty, highlighting the mystery of death. The use of the word "eternal flame" in the fifth stanza creates a sense of passion and intensity, suggesting that love is a powerful force that transcends time and space.
In conclusion, Mystery by D.H. Lawrence is a profound and enigmatic poem that invites us to contemplate the mysteries of human existence. Through its themes, imagery, and symbolism, the poem explores the complexities of our own being and invites us to embrace the mystery of life. Lawrence's use of language is masterful, creating a sense of wonder and intrigue that draws the reader in and invites them to explore the depths of their own consciousness. This poem is a testament to Lawrence's genius as a writer and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in all its complexity and mystery.
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