Discuss how society is presented in Sons and Lovers by D. H. Lawrence.

Answer

Discuss how society is presented in Sons and Lovers by D. H. Lawrence.

H. Lawrence’s (1885–1930) Sons and Lovers, published in 1913, is one of his most famous novels. The novel is based on his own early life. The story is set in a small mining town in England. It shows how people live, love, and struggle in a poor industrial society. Lawrence presents society not just as a background but as a strong force that shapes the lives, dreams, and relationships of the characters.

The Working-class Life and Poverty: The novel clearly shows the hard life of the working class. Walter Morel, Paul’s father, is a coal miner. His life is full of hard work, dirt, and tiredness. The miners work long hours underground and get very little money. In one scene, when Paul tells the Doctor that his father is a coal miner, the Doctor assumes that they are poor. The Doctor says:

“Not very well off, I suppose?”

In that coal mining community, people live in small houses. Poverty rules their lives. Because of this hard life, Walter becomes rough and drinks too much. Lawrence uses this working-class setting to show how society can crush people’s happiness.

The Clash Between Classes and Education: Lawrence also shows the division between the working class and the educated middle class. Gertrude Morel, Paul’s mother, comes from a better family. She is more educated. Gertrude was initially attracted to Walter’s handsome appearance and lively personality. But soon after their marriage, she realises that they are not well-matched. She becomes unhappy when she discovers that Walter is not as financially stable. She feels trapped. The narrator says:

“There was a feeling of misery over all the house.”

She also wants her children to rise above this poor life through education. She dreams of refinement and culture. Lawrence shows that society creates painful conflicts when people cannot belong to one class fully.

Industrial Society and Loss of Natural Joy: The novel