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.
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
Objectives and Core Themes
This work examines the psychological development of Paul Morel in D. H. Lawrence’s "Sons and Lovers," specifically analyzing how the "Oedipus complex" and his mother's overbearing influence prevent him from establishing successful independent relationships. The study explores the tension between maternal fixation, filial duty, and the protagonist's failed attempts at finding romantic fulfillment.
- The impact of the Oedipus complex on male identity and maturity.
- The role of maternal control and emotional dependency in shaping a son's life.
- Contrast between the protagonist's repression and his brother's independence.
- Analysis of failed romantic attachments as a byproduct of fixation.
- The intersection of social class, education, and individual will-power.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1. The perennial motherly love
Sigmund Freud introduced his theories in the times when also Lawrence lived and worked. One of the psychoanalyst’ s main findings was an explanation for a behaviour now known as the Oedipus complex. It occurs when boys do not reach a level in their puberty in which they transfer their desire for the most important female person in their lives, the mother, to other women. It is not possible for them to let go of the mother’s love, so they are destined to feel love and affection only towards their mother.
This, of course, is a problem. The boy, Paul Morel in this specific example, should normally develop into a man during his adolescence who is able to be free in his choice of a girlfriend, lover etc. But Paul, being hold under his mother’s spell, has not the ability to do so. His desire concentrates on this woman who is strong and deeply religious in her customs and way of life, intellectual and strong-willed. He really cares for his mother like a lover, which shows even in an early stage of his life, when he brings his mothers flowers and she takes them as a gift of a lover: “Pretty!” she said, in a curious tone, of a woman accepting a love-token.” (SL 93). Thus his mother stays his first object of love for a unusual long period of time.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the central thesis regarding the Oedipus complex in D. H. Lawrence's work and outlines the focus on Paul Morel’s struggle for independence.
2. The problematic complex: Explores the psychological roots of Paul's fixation on his mother and his resulting lack of autonomy in early life.
3. Responsibility and shortcomings: Discusses how the burden of supporting his mother and his complicated feelings regarding his father hinder Paul's personal development.
4. Competitors: Analyzes Paul's failed attempts at romantic relationships with Miriam Leivers and Clara Dawes due to his underlying emotional ties to his mother.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes Paul’s status as a failed character who remains trapped by his upbringing, unable to achieve genuine fulfillment before his mother's death.
Keywords
Sons and Lovers, D. H. Lawrence, Paul Morel, Oedipus complex, Maternal love, Psychological fixation, Independence, Relationship conflict, Miriam Leivers, Clara Dawes, Masculinity, Emotional dependency, Literary analysis, Psychoanalytic criticism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this analysis?
The work analyzes the psychological failure of the protagonist Paul Morel in D. H. Lawrence’s novel "Sons and Lovers," specifically focusing on how his maternal attachment prevents his personal growth.
What are the central themes discussed?
The core themes include the Oedipus complex, the struggle for autonomy, the destructive nature of excessive maternal love, and the challenges of establishing healthy adult relationships.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to demonstrate how Paul Morel's education and childhood milieu, dominated by his mother, ultimately render him incapable of finding independence or fulfillment in love.
Which methodology is applied?
The analysis utilizes a psychoanalytic approach, specifically applying Freud’s theory of the Oedipus complex to interpret the characters' motivations and behaviors within the narrative.
What does the main body cover?
The body covers the psychological development of Paul, his internal conflicts regarding his father, his financial and emotional dependence on his mother, and his failed romantic pursuits.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Oedipus complex, maternal fixation, D. H. Lawrence, Paul Morel, emotional dependency, and failed romantic relationships.
How does William Morel differ from Paul?
Unlike Paul, William is depicted as more independent, successful in his own career, and capable of distancing himself from his mother's influence, which marks him as a contrast to Paul's perpetual childhood.
Why does Paul struggle with both Miriam and Clara?
Paul struggles with Miriam due to their mutual shyness and spiritual rigidity, and with Clara because his mother's psychological hold prevents him from achieving true intimacy, leaving him trapped between physical desire and soul-connection.
- Quote paper
- Julia Woltermann (Author), 2006, The failure of Paul Morel, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/200935
