Holly J. Mell
University of New Mexico, USA
The Light within the Darkness: A Reading of 'Pomegranate'"
In his poem, "Pomegranate," D. H. Lawrence uses symbolic imagery and mythological associations to explore the deeper fears in the human psyche. A familiar fruit grown throughout Italy evokes life, death, and the human heart. The foreboding image of the fissure, a reference to the female reproductive organs, suggests both the darkness of death and the light of possible rebirth. The association of the pomegranate with the ancient Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone evokes the motif of a journey through the underworld that parallels the cycle of the seasons. The speaker of the poem uses these symbols to lead the audience toward the concept of embracing fear in order to explore life and inspiration.
This paper was selected as the best short essay written by a high school student for a Taos Festival competition in 2006. To supplement her reading, the author will present pictures of Taos and the Lawrence Ranch, where the poet was living when he finished Birds, Beasts, and Flowers, the volume in which "Pomegranate" appeared. Ms. Mell is grateful to the International Conference and the Friends of D. H. Lawrence for making her visit to Eastwood possible.