Short Story Review D H Lawrence THE Shades of Spring
by A story about separation and a man’s reluctance to let go of the past.
SHORT STORY REVIEW – D. H. LAWRENCE – THE SHADES OF SPRING 1914 – Various collections.
Syson, deep in nostalgic romantic yearning, used to live in a sedate, pastoral village, where he had an affair with a woman called Hilda. They separated, but maintained some correspondence. Syson sent her books and gifts, which has given her husband, Arthur, some cause for jealousy.
Now Syson revisits the village taking it for granted that he can treat a private country track as if it was a public right of way as he had been allowed to do when he had lived there. His action gets him mistaken for a trespasser or poacher by Arthur, who is even more angered on earning that Syson is his wife’s former lover, and still in contact with her despite both of them, Syson and Hilda, having now married.
Despite their tense discomfort in one another’s presence, Syson is allowed to go on his way and meets up with Hilda. Though there are hints of their temptation to indulge in an affair or get passionate, they merely talk, with Hilda telling Syson why their relationship failed. He was too possessive, and eager to control her. He tried to educate her his way by sharing books with her only to then resent the new independent knowledge he gave her. She has him accept that they have drawn apart, and they seem happy to stay in touch until Arthur discovers their meeting, and talks her into the two ceasing to talk to one another any more. He is in many ways as possessive as Syson had been.
Syson watches the pair secretly from a distance, until he satisfies himself that they truly love one another and then he leaves the village, taking a final look at the natural springs and marshes he loved when he lived there.
A simple, sad, sometimes tense story, indicating tensions and violence that never surfaces. The story is quite moving and flows along very effectively in short bursts of dialogue between the three characters.
Arthur Chappell (not the Arthur from the story).
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