Tortoise Shell (Reptiles) by D.H. Lawrence
TORTOISE SHELL (REPTILES) by D.H. Lawrence: A young woman named Rachel moves to a small town in the countryside, where she becomes obsessed with a tortoise shell she finds in a nearby field. The shell represents her own desire for independence and self-expression, but also her fear of losing the security and comfort of her old life. Through her interactions with the local villagers and her own inner turmoil, Rachel must come to terms with her own identity and find a balance between her desires and responsibilities.
By D.H. Lawrence · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Philosophical Literature · 523 words
First lines
The Cross, the Cross / Goes deeper in than we know, / Deeper into life; / Right into the marrow / And through the bone.
Along the back of the baby tortoise / The scales are locked in an arch like a bridge, / Scale-lapping, like a lobster's sections / Or a bee's.
What this Textopian page supports
Tortoise Shell (Reptiles) is listed on Textopian as a poem by D.H. Lawrence, dated 1914 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: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Philosophical Literature, Symbolism, Modernist Literature
- Length: 523 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Tortoise Shell (Reptiles) by D.H. Lawrence
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The text focuses on the description and contemplation of a tortoise, exploring themes of life and nature.
- Philosophical Literature — The work delves into existential themes and the mathematical symbolism of life, reflecting on deeper meanings.
- Symbolism — The tortoise and its shell serve as symbols for broader concepts such as life, complexity, and mathematical order.
Tags
reptiles · nature · symbolism · metaphor · philosophy · existentialism · identity · transformation · environment · animal behavior · human condition · literary analysis