Bare Fig-Trees (Trees)
BARE FIG-TREES (TREES) by D.H. Lawrence: A poetic exploration of the human experience, this novella delves into themes of sexuality, desire, and the search for meaning in a seemingly barren world. The protagonist, a young woman named Katherine, finds herself drawn to a grove of fig trees that have been stripped of their leaves, leaving only their bare branches. This image serves as a metaphor for the emptiness and desolation she feels in her own life, as well as the broader human condition. Through her encounters with the fig trees and the people around her, Katherine grapples with the idea of finding purpose and fulfillment in a world that seems to offer little solace or hope.
By D.H. Lawrence · First published 1924 · Genre: Fiction, Drama, Poetry · 606 words
First lines
Fig-trees, weird fig-trees Made of thick smooth silver, Made of sweet, untarnished silver in the sea-southern air -- I say untarnished, but I mean opaque -- Thick, smooth-fleshed silver, dull only as human limbs are dull With the life-lustre, Nude with the dim light of full, healthy life That is always half-dark, And suave like passion-flower petals, Like passion-flowers, With the half-secret gleam of a passion-flower hanging from the rock, Great, complicated, nude fig-tree, stemless flower-mesh, Flowerily naked in flesh, and giving off hues of life.
What this Textopian page supports
Bare Fig-Trees (Trees) is listed on Textopian as a short story by D.H. Lawrence, dated 1924 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: D.H. Lawrence
- Date: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Drama, Poetry, Nature
- Length: 606 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bare Fig-Trees (Trees) by D.H. Lawrence
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Bare Fig-Trees (Trees)?
- How does this short story by D.H. Lawrence fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Cypresses Trees by D. H. Lawrence
- Bare Almond Trees Trees by D. H. Lawrence
- Trees F S Flint by D. H. Lawrence
- Leaves by Frederic Manning
- Round Pond Richard Aldington by D. H. Lawrence
- Figs Fruits by D. H. Lawrence
Genres
- Fiction — Most of D.H. Lawrence's works fall into the genre of fiction, and this book's title suggests it is a commentary on natural and human life, which are common themes in fictional literature.
- Drama — D.H. Lawrence frequently infused dramatic elements into his works, leading to heightened emotional significance and character development, which the book's title can suggest.
- Poetry — Considering D.H. Lawrence was also a greatly admired poet, the book's title can suggest symbolic use of natural elements which is often found in poetry.
- Nature — The use of the fig-tree in the title may imply it focuses on the exploration of the natural world, a theme often seen in D.H. Lawrence's works.
Tags
nature · trees · symbolism · growth · seasons · life · death · transformation · rural · landscape · philosophy · existentialism