"Sons and Lovers"

Book Review # 113979

English > Analysis
Literature > English

"Sons and Lovers"

An analysis of the relationship between the characters Paul, Miriam and Clara, in D.H. Lawrence's "Sons and Lovers".

1,109 words () | 4 sources | MLA | 2009 Canada

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how an important theme within D. H. Lawrence's 'Sons and Lovers' is that of relational opposites and how a particularly notable polarity exists in the rivalry between the characters, Miriam and Clara, in their respective sexual relationships with Paul Morel. The paper looks at how clues suggesting the nature of these relationships are imbedded in specific imagery throughout the novel. The paper also analyzes the image of the wren's nest passage in relation to Paul and Miriam, and the River Trent passage in relation to Paul and Clara, to help establish and clarify the tone of these specific relationships.

From the Paper:

"In the same way that the wren's nest passage reveals insights into the relationship between Paul and Miriam, so too the Trent River passage provides insights into the relationship between Paul and Clara. On one remarkable outing to the river Trent, Paul buys Clara "a bunch of scarlet, brick-red carnations" (Lawrence 350). The couple enter a dark and wet grove, the track of which is sticky with fallen leaves - Lawrence's imagery is clearly sexual. "Laughing, she looked down into his eyes. Then she leaped, her breast came against his, he held her and covered her face with kisses" (352). From the very beginning of this scene we see a marked difference in the relationship between Paul and Clara versus that of Paul and Miriam. While Paul buys Clara flowers, she does not seek to absorb them into her soul, and they are not part of a religious experience."

Sample of Sources Used:

Coates-Cleary, Jean. Engl424: Modern British Fiction.. Revised First Ed. Unit One. Burnaby, BC: Open Learning Agency, 2001.
Lawrence, D.H. Sons and Lovers. England: Penguin Classics, 2000.
Marsh, Nicholas. D.H. Lawrence: The Novels. United States: St. Martin's Press, 2000.
The International Inductive Study Bible. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 1993.