Return by D.H. Lawrence (1923)
The poem explores themes of longing, absence, and emotional disconnection. The speaker returns to a beloved figure, who seems to reject or turn away from them despite their evident desire for the speaker's presence. This creates a tension between the speaker's yearning and the beloved's apparent anger or discomfort. The speaker reflects on the pain of this emotional distance, likening it to broken music, which symbolizes the disruption of harmony in their relationship. The speaker questions why their return is met with such aloofness, suggesting a deep sense of hurt and confusion. The imagery of music serves as a metaphor for the connection that once existed, now marred by absence and unresolved feelings. The poem captures the complexity of human emotions, particularly the struggle to reconnect after a period of separation, highlighting the fragility of relationships and the impact of unexpressed feelings. Ultimately, it conveys a poignant sense of loss and the desire for reconciliation, while also acknowledging the barriers that can arise between individuals.
By D.H. Lawrence · First published 1923 · Genre: Fiction, Romance, Bildungsroman · 102 words
First lines
Now I am come again, you who have so desired My coming, why do you look away from me? Why does your cheek burn against me -- have I inspired Such anger as sets your mouth unwontedly?
Ah, here I sit while you break the music beneath Your bow; for broken it is, and hurting to hear: Cease then from music -- does anguish of absence bequeath Me only aloofness when I would draw near?
What this Textopian page supports
Return is listed on Textopian as a novel by D.H. Lawrence, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: D.H. Lawrence
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Romance, Bildungsroman, Psychological, Modernist
- Length: 102 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Return 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 Return?
- How does this novel 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 — As an author, D.H. Lawrence writes in-depth character analysis and in-depth situations, telling the inner story of the characters, which falls under the category of fiction.
- Romance — Lawrence's work often delves into emotional relationships and their complexities, fitting the genre of romance.
- Bildungsroman — Lawrence's novels often follow the psychological and moral growth of characters from youth to adulthood, which is characteristic of the Bildungsroman genre.
- Psychological — Lawrence's work often gives insight into the psychological state and motivations of his characters, thus aligning with the psychological genre.
Tags
nature · identity · self-discovery · spirituality · relationships · conflict · modernity · tradition · alienation · introspection · emotional turmoil · human experience