Illicit (D. H. Lawrence)
The narrative explores themes of intimacy and existential contemplation against a backdrop of nature's grandeur and turmoil. The setting features a stark contrast between the vibrant, yet fleeting beauty of a rainbow and the ominous presence of thunder and mountains. The imagery evokes a sense of isolation, with laborers depicted as static figures in the landscape, emphasizing the disconnect between human existence and the natural world. The relationship between the two central figures is underscored by their physical closeness, symbolized by the mention of naked feet and the scent of hair, suggesting a raw, unfiltered connection. This intimacy is juxtaposed with the chaotic elements of nature, represented by lightning and the dark boat navigating the river, which serves as a metaphor for life's uncertainties and the passage of time. Ultimately, the work reflects on the transient nature of existence, where the only certainty lies in the bond shared between the two characters. As external forces loom, their relationship becomes a sanctuary amidst the tumult, highlighting the significance of human connection in the face of life's impermanence. The concluding sentiment reinforces the idea that, despite the chaos surrounding them, their shared presence is a profound source of solace.
By D.H. Lawrence · First published 1928 · Genre: Fiction, Romance, Drama · 166 words
First lines
In front of the sombre mountains, a faint, lost ribbon of rainbow, And between us and it, the thunder; And down below, in the green wheat, the labourers Stand like dark stumps, still in the green wheat.
You are near to me, and your naked feet in their sandals, And through the scent of the balcony's naked timber I distinguish the scent of your hair; so now the limber Lightning falls from heaven.
Adown the pale-green, glacier-river floats A dark boat through the gloom -- and whither? The thunder roars. But still we have each other.
The naked lightnings in the heaven dither And disappear. What have we but each other? The boat has gone.
What this Textopian page supports
Illicit (D. H. Lawrence) is listed on Textopian as a short story by D.H. Lawrence, dated 1928 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: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Romance, Drama, Psychological, Literary Fiction
- Length: 166 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Illicit (D. H. Lawrence) 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 Illicit (D. H. Lawrence)?
- 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?
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Genres
- Fiction — D. H. Lawrence is known for his works of fiction, and his novel 'Illicit' follows the same pattern.
- Romance — Much of Lawrence's work contains elements of romance, involving interpersonal relations and human emotions.
- Drama — The novel contains dramatic elements, involving conflicts and resolution.
- Psychological — Lawrence's works often delve into the psychological aspects of his characters, exploring their motivations, desires and fears.
Tags
love · desire · forbidden · passion · relationships · society · morality · sexuality · intimacy · betrayal · conflict · human nature