Going Back by D.H. Lawrence (1940)
"Going Back" by D.H. Lawrence is a short story that explores the themes of nostalgia, longing, and the search for meaning in life. The protagonist, a middle-aged man named Jack, returns to his hometown after many years away, seeking to reconnect with his past and find a sense of purpose in his life. As he wanders through the town, Jack is struck by the changes that have taken place since he left, and he begins to feel a deep sense of disillusionment and dissatisfaction with his current circumstances. He becomes increasingly fixated on the past, and the memories he has of his youth, as he struggles to come to terms with the emptiness and meaninglessness of his present life. Despite his efforts to find solace in the familiarity of his hometown, Jack is ultimately unable to shake off the feeling of dislocation and disorientation that has been plaguing him for years. The story ends on a note of melancholy and uncertainty, as Jack is left to ponder the elusive nature of happiness and fulfillment in life.
By D.H. Lawrence · First published 1940 · Genre: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romantic · 214 words
First lines
THE NIGHT turns slowly round, Swift trains go by in a rush of light; Slow trains steal past. This train beats anxiously, outward bound.
But I am not here. I am away, beyond the scope of this turning; There, where the pivot is, the axis Of all this gear.
I, who sit in tears, I, whose heart is torn with parting; Who cannot bear to think back to the departure platform; My spirit hears
Voices of men Sound of artillery, aeroplanes, presences, And more than all, the dead-sure silence, The pivot again.
What this Textopian page supports
Going Back is listed on Textopian as a poem by D.H. Lawrence, dated 1940 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: D.H. Lawrence
- Date: 1940 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romantic, Biographical Fiction, Social Realism
- Length: 214 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Going Back by D.H. Lawrence
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Going Back?
- How does this poem by D.H. Lawrence fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- Twenty Years Ago by D. H. Lawrence
- The Memory by Gilbert Parker
- So Thou Art Gone by Gilbert Parker
- End Of Another Home Holiday by D. H. Lawrence
- Country Sentiment Neglectful Edward by Robert Graves
- A Memory by Francis Sherman
Genres
- Fiction — Being a work by D.H. Lawrence, it is primarily a work of fiction set in a real world.
- Literary Fiction — D.H. Lawrence's works are known for their profound exploration of human relationships and emotions, typically considered a hallmark of literary fiction.
- Romantic — Lawrence's stories often involve complex romantic and sexual relationships.
- Biographical Fiction — A portion of Lawrence's work draws from his personal life experiences.
Tags
nostalgia · identity · memory · self-discovery · relationships · conflict · family · past · regret · journey · introspection · change