1.Introduction
In his foreword for Sons and Lovers, Lawrence compares the relationship between men and women with bees and hives. He introduces an idea at the end of that text that describes one of the most essential statements about the book and about what he has apparently learned.
He says that when a man is too different from a woman and does not respect her, the woman can deport the man “as a drone”1. If she does not find a better man now, they are both ruined:
“And she, either her surplus shall wear away her flesh, in sickness, or in lighting up and illuminating
old dead Words, or she shall spend it in fighting with her man to make him take her, or she shall turn
to her son, and say,
‘Be you my Go-between.‘
But the man who is the go-between from Woman to Production is the lover of that woman. And if
that Woman be his mother, then is he her lover in part only: he carries for her, but is never received
unto her for his confirmation and renewal, and so wastes himself away in the flesh. The old son-lover
was Œdipus. The name of the new one is legion. And if a son-lover takes a wife, then is she not his
wife, she is only his bed. And his life will be torn in twain, and his wife in her despair shall hope for
sons, that she may have her lover in her hour.”2
In my analysis I will describe how the main character of this book, Paul Morel, grows up to become such a son-lover of his mother’s and how this affects his love and life.
As one can see from this foreword, Lawrence knew about the story of Oedipus which describes a phenomenon Freud’s psychoanalytic approach about the relationship between mothers and sons referred to. He called this the “Oedipus complex”. Lawrence states that a man who is like Oedipus can not have a proper marriage. His wife cannot be a full part of his love, because the husband is not able to transfer the feeling of love from his mother to his wife. During his life, Paul experiences the difficulties in the contact with women he feels attracted to and whom he has relationships with.
1 Helen and Carl Baron, D. H. Lawrence, Sons and Lovers (Cambridge, 1994): 472. (im Weiteren als SL zitiert).
2 SL, 473.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The problematic complex
- 2.1. The perennial motherly love
- 2.2. Acquired lack of independence
- 3. Responsibility and shortcomings
- 3.1. The masculine factor
- 3.2. Finances and envy
- 4. Competitors
- 4.1. Number one: Miriam Leivers
- 4.2. Number two: Clara Dawes
- 5. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This analysis aims to explore the reasons behind Paul Morel's failure in establishing fulfilling relationships, as depicted in D.H. Lawrence's "Sons and Lovers." It examines how his complex relationship with his mother shapes his interactions with other women and impacts his overall life trajectory.
- The Oedipus complex and its manifestation in Paul's life.
- The role of maternal influence in shaping Paul's personality and relationships.
- The impact of societal expectations and gender roles on Paul's development.
- Paul's struggle for independence and self-discovery.
- The complexities of love, desire, and familial bonds.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis by referencing D.H. Lawrence's foreword to "Sons and Lovers," which draws a parallel between men and women's relationships and bees and hives. The chapter introduces the central concept of the "son-lover," a man who remains fixated on his mother, hindering his ability to form healthy relationships with other women. The analysis is framed around the Oedipus complex, and the chapter previews the exploration of Paul Morel's life as a prime example of this phenomenon. Lawrence's understanding of the Oedipus complex and its implications for marital success is highlighted, setting the theoretical foundation for the subsequent chapters.
2. The problematic complex: This chapter delves into the core of Paul Morel's difficulties, focusing on the two key aspects of his relationship with his mother. Section 2.1, "The perennial motherly love," explores the overwhelming influence of Gertrude Morel's love and how it prevents Paul from emotionally detaching and developing healthy relationships with other women. Examples from the novel illustrate the intensely possessive and emotionally consuming nature of this mother-son bond, hindering Paul's emotional maturation. Section 2.2, "Acquired lack of independence," details Paul's struggles with autonomy, highlighting his reluctance to leave his mother's protective embrace and venture into the world. His fear of independence and his preference for the security and comfort of his mother's home are presented as direct consequences of his upbringing and the intense, almost symbiotic, bond with his mother.
3. Responsibility and shortcomings: This chapter expands on the consequences of Paul's complex relationship with his mother, specifically analyzing the masculine factor and its relation to finances and envy. Section 3.1 examines how Paul's perception of masculinity, shaped by his mother and the surrounding environment, affects his self-esteem and his ability to take decisive action. His artistic pursuits are viewed as unmanly, a factor significantly influenced by his father's disapproval. Section 3.2 investigates Paul's financial dependence and the feelings of envy towards his more successful brother, William, revealing further facets of his emotional immaturity and inability to fully establish independence. This chapter connects these issues with the themes introduced in the previous sections, underscoring the interconnectedness of Paul's emotional and social development.
4. Competitors: This chapter explores Paul's relationships with Miriam Leivers and Clara Dawes, the two significant women in his life. Each relationship is analyzed as a representation of Paul's attempt to find a substitute for his mother's love, ultimately highlighting the limitations and frustrations stemming from his unresolved attachment to his mother. This chapter examines the parallels and differences in these relationships, revealing how they contribute to Paul’s persistent inability to form a healthy, fulfilling romantic partnership. The analysis goes beyond merely summarizing each relationship, instead exploring how each encounter reinforces the overall theme of the son-lover's struggle for emotional liberation and the devastating consequences of his arrested development.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Oedipus complex, mother-son relationship, maternal influence, masculinity, independence, romantic relationships, emotional development, D.H. Lawrence, Sons and Lovers, family dynamics, societal expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sons and Lovers Analysis
What is the main focus of this analysis of D.H. Lawrence's "Sons and Lovers"?
This analysis explores the reasons behind Paul Morel's inability to form fulfilling relationships, focusing on the impact of his complex relationship with his mother and the manifestation of the Oedipus complex.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
Key themes include the Oedipus complex, the role of maternal influence on Paul's personality and relationships, societal expectations and gender roles, Paul's struggle for independence and self-discovery, and the complexities of love, desire, and familial bonds.
What is the structure of the analysis?
The analysis is structured into five chapters: an introduction, a chapter detailing Paul's problematic relationship with his mother, a chapter examining responsibility and shortcomings in his development, a chapter analyzing his relationships with Miriam Leivers and Clara Dawes, and a concluding chapter. Each chapter is summarized within the provided HTML.
How does the analysis explain Paul Morel's difficulties in relationships?
The analysis attributes Paul's struggles to the overwhelming influence of his mother's love, preventing emotional detachment and healthy relationships. It also highlights his acquired lack of independence, his flawed perception of masculinity, and financial dependence, all stemming from his upbringing and intense mother-son bond.
What role does the Oedipus complex play in the analysis?
The Oedipus complex serves as a central framework for understanding Paul's attachment to his mother and its consequences on his relationships with other women. The analysis examines how this complex manifests in his life and shapes his emotional and relational development.
How are Paul's relationships with Miriam Leivers and Clara Dawes analyzed?
The analysis explores these relationships as attempts by Paul to find a substitute for his mother's love, ultimately revealing the limitations and frustrations resulting from his unresolved attachment. It highlights the parallels and differences in these relationships and their contribution to his inability to form a healthy partnership.
What are the overall conclusions drawn from the analysis?
The analysis concludes that Paul Morel's failure to establish fulfilling relationships is a direct consequence of his unresolved attachment to his mother, shaped by the Oedipus complex, societal expectations, and personal shortcomings. This hinders his emotional maturity and capacity for independent, healthy relationships.
What are some key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include Oedipus complex, mother-son relationship, maternal influence, masculinity, independence, romantic relationships, emotional development, D.H. Lawrence, Sons and Lovers, family dynamics, and societal expectations.
- Quote paper
- Julia Woltermann (Author), 2006, The failure of Paul Morel, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/200935
