3. Whistling of Birds
1. Description of Winter
Q. No. 1: Give a description of winter as presented by the writer in this essay.
Answer: D. H. Lawrence is of the opinion that winter is actually another name of death. It brings with it silence, fear and anxiety. It affects all the objects of nature whether they are human beings, animals or anything else. Everything is winter stricken. All the birds ignore their activities. The water of all the pools, lakes, streams and the rivers is frozen. It forces all the birds and beasts to ignore their activities. The grounds are replete with the dead bodies of the birds. Their remains are an indication that winter has done something to them. Even the plants and trees wither or die. The lumps of earth are also frozen. There is rule of silence everywhere. In short, nothing can save itself from the destruction of winter. The writer has used the following images to show the cruel and destructive aspect of winter i.e. bloody cloaks of the birds, heavy silence of frost, black tide and torn carcasses, etc. (Words: 160)
2. Description of Spring
Q. No. 2: Give a description of spring as presented by the writer.
Answer: In the essay, “Whistling of Birds,” D. H. Lawrence is of the opinion that spring is the season of life. Everything wears a new outlook. The wind gets warm. The sun is seen shining. Wild birds begin to whistle. They seem to welcome the spring season. Life comes into existence. There are colours everywhere. The warm and soothing wind blows from sea side. The whistling of birds is heard. This whistling is an indication that spring has arrived with full force. One should forget the death, destruction and tragic killing of winter during this season. The trees must blossom and the birds must sing. There is a new heaven and a new earth. A pleasant atmosphere is observed. The writer has used following images to show the joy of spring. 1. Gleams of sunshine. 2. Silvery sounds. 3. Threads of silver. 4. The glimmering of new creation, etc. (Words: 148)
3. Theme of the Essay OR The Writer’s Views about Life & Death OR Symbolic Significance of the Essay
Q. No. 3: What is theme of the essay? OR Discuss the writer’s view about life and death. OR “Life and death are incompatible”. Discuss.
Answer: In this essay, the writer presents a contrast between spring and winter. He is of the opinion that winter brings with it silence, fear and anxiety. It affects all the objects of nature whether they are human beings, animals or anything else. On the other hand, spring is the season of life. Everything wears a new outlook. The wind gets warm. The sun is seen shining. Wild birds begin to whistle. This whistling is an indication that spring has arrived with full force. However, it is shocking and surprising for the writer. It shows that the cycle of season goes on unstopped. Spring goes and winter comes and winter goes and spring comes. “Change is the law of life”.
With reference to the cycle of seasons, the writer gives his view about life and death. The writer wants to say that, “Life and death are incompatible”. When there is death, there is no life. We are for life or we are for death. Life and death cannot exist together. Death takes us and we pass into darkness. Life rises and we are again in the light. (Words: 186)
4. The Writer as a Lover of Nature
Q. No. 4: The whistling of birds shows writer’s love for nature. Discuss. OR Discuss some of the images employed by Lawrence to suggest a contrast between spring and winter. (Whistling of Birds)
Answer: In this essay, the writer presents a contrast between spring and winter. He presents nature in both of its forms. He says nature is ugly as well as beautiful. Nature is ugly when there is winter and nature is beautiful when there is spring. The description of spring and winter with both of its forms and with the help of beautiful images shows writer’s love and deep attachment with nature.
He is of the opinion that winter brings with it silence, fear and anxiety. It affects all the objects of nature whether they are human beings, animals or anything else. The writer uses the following images to show the cruel impact of winter i.e. bloody cloaks of the birds, heavy silence of frost, black tide and torn carcasses of birds, etc. On the other hand, spring is the season of life. Everything wears a new outlook. The wind gets warm. The sun is seen shining. Wild birds begin to whistle. The winter has used following images to show the joy of spring i.e. gleams of sunshine, silvery sounds, threads of silver and the glimmering of new creation, etc. (Words: 188)