6. ‘Piano’ by D. H. Lawrence
Bio of the Poet
- D.H. Lawrence (1885–1930): English novelist and poet known for his exploration of emotional life, memory, and social constraints.
- ‘Piano’ reflects his deeply personal feelings and his complex relationship with childhood and music.
Detailed Summary
- An adult speaker listens to a woman singing and is transported back to his childhood, sitting under the piano as his mother plays.
- The music evokes a powerful memory that overwhelms him emotionally.
- Though he tries to resist, he is overcome with nostalgia and longing.
- He ends up weeping for the innocence and warmth of his lost youth.
Main Themes
- Nostalgia and Memory
- Mother-Child Bond
- Loss of Innocence
- Emotional Vulnerability
Literary Analysis
- Form: Three rhymed quatrains (AABB) – gives it a musical rhythm, like a lullaby.
- Tone: Melancholic, nostalgic, tender.
- Language:
- Soft, sensory language: “tinkling piano”, “vista of years”
- Juxtaposition: adult vs. child, present vs. past.
- Soft, sensory language: “tinkling piano”, “vista of years”
- Imagery:
- The piano symbolises warmth, security, maternal love.
- Final line: “I weep like a child for the past.” – emotionally raw ending.
- The piano symbolises warmth, security, maternal love.
Main Message
- The poem shows how a simple piece of music can resurrect powerful memories.
- It suggests that childhood emotions remain vivid and can overpower adult stoicism.
Expected Exam Questions
- How does Lawrence explore memory in ‘Piano’?
- What does the piano symbolise in the poem?
- How is emotion conveyed in the poem?
- Compare how memory is explored in ‘Piano’ and another poem of your choice.