Sons and Lovers

In D.H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers we find a myriad of social issues intertwined with in-depth psychology and beautiful imagery.

Perhaps one of the more striking aspects of this novel is the possibly incestuous relationship between Mrs. Morel and her sons, William and Paul. The reliance that this mother has on her children for social and personal fulfilment can still be seen in the tendency of many parents to project goals on their offspring today. While it is not prudent to attach a certain school of psychological theory to Lawrence, his discussion of humanity in this and other manners is certainly insightful.

The working class situation of the Morel's is very expertly addressed by Lawrence. Unlike Dickens or Burney, description of the toil that Morel undergoes to provide for his family is given. This ordinary and to an extent, universal discussion, coupled with an intricate depiction of urban England creates a strikingly innovative novel for the early twentieth century.

However, these new and interesting areas of discourse are, as with all aspects of the narrative, tainted with remorse, regret and pain. All instances of love are coupled with examples of extreme and sudden hatred. While Miriam and Paul obviously enjoy each other's company while on holiday, there is a constant undercurrent of resentment. Paul even considers himself incapable of love and consequently sabotages his relationships. We are not presented with a cloud containing a silver lining so much as an overcast sky!

D.H. Lawrence has written an undeniably brilliant book, but its inescapable pessimism means that it is not one I enjoy.

-The English Student