Hi ktd, let me say firstly, I need a break, too...I am feeling quite exhausted, even bug-eyed by now with all this computer work/ other active threads. So let us go slowly, at a 'tortoise's pace', as I said before.
We will consider this one a slow, mellow 'summer' discussion so pop in, when and IF you can. These poems are real mind benders, as all Lawrence's work is, so it gets quite exhausting. I have enjoyed all your insightful posts, so enjoy your break, you deserve it...you did a fine job!
I will go slowly with this one and Virgil is on vacation, so let's just consider this our vacation, as well. I have not even read the poem yet. I merely posted it. If you miss this poem there are others but really we will do this one super slow so you might still be able to participate -- don't worry about it and have a nice, relaxing break!
I don't know that much about evolution and in fact I would like to read Darwin's book and may someday in the near future. Therefore I agree with what you say here. I think that if we over analysis the poem it will loose it's charm and loveliness. I think Lawrence merely observed the patterns and thought on them, pondering the idea of patterning in the universe and how all creatures and the world/universe are connected in this way.
I feel this way, too; I do think it is a wonderful observation and an astounding idea!I feel this is Lawrence’s belief, and therefore is his truth. I don’t think it really matters whether this is an original concept or not, that is the concept conveyed in this poem. I don’t think it is the universal truth, but I still like the idea.
Perhaps so but with Lawrence, when one knows things about his other philosophies/ideas it is hard to disregard them entirely. I think it is fine to take the poem as it is and for each person to interpret it in their own mind and personally, as to what it means to them. You are right in that a poem should stand alone and be self-explanatory. I think this poem very well does that, don't you? It is just that you must excuse Virgil and I since we have some prior knowledge of Lawrence's use of crosses and what they personally meant to him. Also the knowledge is in our minds of just how Lawrence interpreted religion. This poem may be early when Lawrence still believed in one supreme God. I do not know but the poem does seem to indicate that and whatever one wants to believe is perfectly correct and acceptable. This poem is meaningful to each person in a different way.There are other meanings with reference to Lord and the Cross? A poem should almost wholly be self-explanatory without needing one to do research on parts of the poem. I feel like I recognized what Lawrence was trying to achieve in that poem, and I’m satisfied with what I saw.
I agree.I think this goes for almost every poem written, whether the author is established or not.
Enjoy your break! ~ JanineI’m going to take a break, Janine. Feel free to continue the discussion without me; don’t feel bad about do so. I’ll come back to the discussion soon…if you are still discussing them.