ACCURSED EDUCATION
The process by which society transmits its accumulated knowledge,
skills and values from one generation to another is called education.
Education is considered a blessing. However, in his poem, "Snake",
D.H. Lawrence thinks of it a curse. It is because it crushes his
feelings of affection and sense of beauty for the snake, and it induces
him to kill it.
Firstly, he thinks of his education as accursed because it
demolishes his feelings of affection for the snake. The natural man in
the poet is delighted and honoured to have this reptile at his
water-trough.However, the educated man in the poet warns him that snake
is a mortal foe of man. Hence the natural feelings of affection are
defeated by the rational feelings of hatred.
Secondly, he calls his education accursed because it does not allow
him to appreciate the beauty of the snake. No doubt, the unique shape,
colouration and locomotion of snake makes it the most beautiful animal
in the world. The instincts of the poet wants to enjoy the beauty,
fairness and grace of the snake but the ophidiophobia generated by his education ceases him to do so.
Thirdly, he condemns his education because it misleads him. It
compels him to assassinate the snake. He hits it with a log. However,
the snake does not come back to bite him. It proves the innocence and
harmlessness of the snake. Thus the attempt to kill the snake was not an
act of bravery but of Vandalism committed by an educated man.
Shahbaz Asghar (03338602196)
