Analysis of T.S. Eliot’s ‘Journey of the Magi’ and D.H. Lawrence’s ‘Snake’
Journey of the Magi – T.S. Eliot
A cold coming we had of it. – T.S. Eliot
Analysis
1. Voice and Mood
Voice: The poem is written in the third person, as if one of the Magi is recounting the story as an imaginary character.
Mood: The poet writes without strong emotions. The character recounts an event from the past, a significant episode. The tone is skeptical, disillusioned, and somewhat bitter, reflecting a past suffering. The primary tone is one of disappointment.
2. Summary
The Magi describes a difficult journey undertaken long ago during a harsh season. They longed for the comforts of home and were uncertain of their purpose. They arrived at a place where they understood nothing and received no information. Despite these challenges, they reached their destination. The speaker reflects that, despite everything, they would repeat the journey, though unsure if they would find what they sought. Ultimately, they lost hope of returning to their homeland. The hope that the Messiah would be seen has been fulfilled, but now they question its reality and express a desire to die.
3. Topic
The central theme is disillusionment and the loss of the will to live after experiencing disappointment.
4. Parts
- Part A (Lines 1-20): Description of the painful journey, ending with a sense of doubt.
- Part B (Lines 21-31): Reaching their destination despite a lack of information.
- Part C (Lines 32-43): Reflection on the journey, its consequences, and the desire for death.
Snake – D.H. Lawrence
Analysis
1. Voice and Mood
Voice: The poem is written in the first person as a monologue with the speaker’s conscience, not directed at anyone. Verses 25 and 26 are in the third person, evoking the speaker’s elders and their trials.
Mood: The prevailing emotion is regret.
2. Summary
The poet recalls encountering a snake drinking water from his trough on a hot day. After describing the snake’s appearance, the speaker’s conscience tells him that he should kill the snake because it is poisonous. This creates a conflict between his feelings and social convention. He hesitates to kill the snake because he admires it. He feels like a coward because he cannot act. After some hesitation, as the snake departs, the speaker impulsively throws a stick at it, but misses. In the end, he regrets his action, feeling belittled by his own behavior and upbringing. He feels sadness and longs to see the snake again.
3. Topic
The poem explores the conflict between personal feelings and the principles instilled through education. It also examines the ambiguous relationship between humans and animals.
4. Parts
- Part A (Lines 1-21): Two moments: lines 1-13 describe the snake, and lines 16-21 introduce the speaker and the encounter on a summer day.
- Part B (Lines 22-40): The dilemma between education and the speaker’s feelings.
- Part C (Lines 41-54): The snake begins to withdraw, and the speaker emerges from his trance.
- Part D (Lines 55-62): The assault on the snake.
- Part E (Lines 63-72): Feelings of guilt and shame, feeling inferior for behaving like a scoundrel, resulting in lingering guilt.