Explaining each stanza of the poem "Bats" by David Herbert Lawrence. - SS2 Literature Lesson Note

Explanation for each stanza of the poem "Bats" by David Herbert Lawrence:

Stanza 1:
```
At evening, sitting on this terrace,
When the sun from the west, beyond Pisa, beyond the mountains of Carrara
Departs, and the world is taken by surprise ...
```

In this stanza, the speaker describes the setting—an evening on a terrace with the sun setting in the west beyond the Italian city of Pisa and the Carrara mountains. The departure of the sun signals the onset of darkness.

Stanza 2:
```
When the tired flower of Florence is in gloom beneath the glowing
Brown hills surrounding ...
```

The speaker mentions the "tired flower of Florence" referring to the city of Florence, Italy, which is now in darkness as night falls. The city is described as being in gloom beneath the glowing brown hills that encircle it.

Stanza 3:
```
When under the arches over the torrents and the mountains
Footfalls and footsteps fall like showers of rain ...
```

The stanza describes the sounds of footsteps echoing under arches, possibly referring to bridges over rivers or streams. The footfalls are compared to showers of rain, indicating their abundance and echoing nature.

Stanza 4:
```
The long files of downpour washing the walls of Florence ...
```

This line continues to describe the rain, as if it were washing the walls of Florence, making it seem as though the city is being cleansed or refreshed by the rain.

Stanza 5:
```
And the yellow lights of Florence winking at the sky ...
```

The stanza mentions the yellow lights of Florence, which are likely streetlights or illuminated windows. These lights appear to twinkle or wink as the night deepens.

Stanza 6:
```
And the gardens of Florence, with their trees in the darkness, ...
```

This line refers to the gardens in Florence, where trees are now shrouded in darkness as night envelops the city.

Stanza 7:
```
And the long roads of Florence, more mysterious with their lamps ...
```

The speaker describes the city's long roads, which become more mysterious as they are illuminated by street lamps. The lighting adds an air of mystery to the cityscape.

Stanza 8:
```
And the movement of the bats in the twilight,
And groups of people passing, soundless ...
```

In this stanza, the focus shifts to the movement of bats in the twilight, as they begin their nocturnal activity. The mention of people passing in groups silently suggests the quiet and serene evening atmosphere.

Stanza 9:
```
And the rivers of Florence, and the bridges,
And the street-cars, trams, and the long arcades ...
```

The stanza mentions the rivers, bridges, street-cars, and long arcades of Florence, portraying the various elements and infrastructure of the city at night.

Stanza 10:
```
And the lighted piazzas, and the closed windows ...
```

The speaker observes the lighted piazzas (public squares) and closed windows, which may suggest that many people have retired for the night, while some public spaces remain illuminated.

Stanza 11:
```
And the doors half open, and the warm smell of the interior ...
```

This line evokes the image of doors partially ajar, offering a glimpse of the warm and inviting interior spaces. It captures the sense of coziness and domesticity.

Stanza 12:
```
And rose-scented, starched, white shirts of chestnut sellers,
And the boys' voices ...
```

The stanza introduces the sensory detail of rose-scented, starched white shirts worn by chestnut sellers. It also mentions the voices of boys, possibly engaged in evening activities or conversations.

Stanza 13:
```
And the shuttered rooms of the shut houses,
And the footsteps in the dark lanes ...
```

This stanza describes the shuttered rooms of closed houses, suggesting that the city is gradually settling into nighttime. Footsteps are still heard in the dark lanes, hinting at continued activity in some areas.

Stanza 14:
```
And then the lighting of the lamps.
```

The final line of the poem signifies the transition from twilight to nighttime as the city's lamps are lit, bringing a soft glow to the surroundings.

In "Bats" by David Herbert Lawrence, the poet skillfully captures the atmosphere and sensory experiences of an evening in Florence, Italy, as the day turns into night. Each stanza contributes to the overall impression of the city's transformation and the emergence of nocturnal activities.