Tortoises

"Tortoises" by D. H. Lawrence is a collection of poetic pieces written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of existence, solitude, and the intricate patterns of life through the metaphor of tortoises. Lawrence delves into the philosophical and emotional aspects of the tortoises’ lives, reflecting on both their individual journeys and their familial connections. The book consists of several poems that depict the life stages and characteristics of tortoises, using rich and expressive language to convey deeper meanings. In "Baby Tortoise," the struggle and solitary nature of the young tortoise's first moments are highlighted, while "Tortoise-Shell" reflects on the beauty and complexity of their shells as a symbol of life's mathematical structure. "Lui et Elle" presents a dynamic between male and female tortoises, showcasing themes of desire and companionship. As the poems progress, Lawrence explores the tortoise's experiences and the existential cries of life, culminating in the closing poem "Tortoise Shout," which contemplates the profound effects of sexuality and the longing for completeness. Through these vignettes, Lawrence captures both the simplicity and the profundity of life, urging readers to reflect on their own existence and connections to the world around them. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

David Herbert Lawrence was an English novelist, short story writer, poet, playwright, literary critic, travel writer, essayist, and painter. His modernist works reflect on modernity, social alienation and industrialization, while championing sexuality, vitality and instinct. Four of his most famous novels — Sons and Lovers (1913), The Rainbow (1915), Women in Love (1920), and Lady Chatterley's Lover (1928)— were the subject of censorship trials for their radical portrayals of romance, sexuality and use of explicit language.