D.H. Lawrence's Poetry Analysis: Bat and Mountain Lion

Vocabulary and key concepts derived from the analysis of D.H. Lawrence's poems 'Bat' and 'Mountain Lion'.

Theme of "Bat"

The poem is about disgusting bats, their chaotic flight at night, and the author’s absolute disgust and fear of them.

Setting of "Bat"

Lawrence is sitting on a terrace at nightfall in Florence, Italy, looking toward the west beyond Pisa and the mountains of Carrara.

"Tired flower of Florence"

A metaphor used in the poem to describe the city of Florence as it enters the gloom of night.

Arno

The name of the "obscure" river in Florence with a current that the green light enters against.

Swallows

Birds with pointed wings and deeply forked tails that the author initially mistakes the bats for.

Parabola

A metaphor used to describe the quick, curved flying movement of the creatures under the bridge arches.

"Sewing the shadows together"

A metaphor comparing the acrobat movements of the birds/bats to a needle and thread sewing material together.

Black glove

A simile used to describe a bat being thrown up at the light and falling back.

"Changing guard"

A military metaphor used to describe the wavering instant when swallows give way to bats by the Ponte Vecchio.

Pipistrello

An Italian word used in the poem which means "little piper".

Infinitesimal

A complex word meaning extremely small, used to describe the pipe the bat plays.

Vindictive

A word meaning spiteful or mean, used to describe the indefinite voices of the bats.

Bits of umbrella

A simile used by Lawrence to describe the wings of the bats.

Old rag

A simile used to describe how bats hang themselves up disgustingly upside down to sleep.

Chinese Bat Symbolism

In China, the bat is a symbol for happiness, which Lawrence contrasts with his own personal disgust.

Serrated

A term used to describe the jagged or notched wings of the bat against the sky.

Atmosphere of "Bat"

A very depressive atmosphere providing a dark and gloomy sense of night and the creatures inhabiting it.

Setting of "Mountain Lion"

A Mexican canyon during the annual January snow, likely during daylight hours.

Color Contrast

While "Bat" mentions only black, "Mountain Lion" uses peaceful and earthy colors like blue, green, yellow, white, and orange.

Structural Chaos

In "Bat", Lawrence uses no rhyme, no specific style, uneven lines, and no rhythm to illustrate the chaotic flight of the bats.