In what sense is “Sons and Lovers” a novel about class
Sons and Lovers is a notable literary work by D. H. Lawrence. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Sons and Lovers.
Answer
In what sense is “Sons and Lovers” a novel about class? [NU: 2022]
D. H. Lawrence’s (1885–1930) “Sons and Lovers” (1913) is a story of a miner’s family. It shows life, love, and struggle in a working-class home. The novel also contrasts the middle class and the working class. Class difference shapes characters’ lives.
Working-Class Life of Walter Morel: Walter Morel is a coal miner. He spends his days in the pit and nights in the pub (a bar). He loves drinking and games. The narrator says:
“He was a master of skittles and of dominoes.”
His simple habits show working-class culture. His rough manners create quarrels with Gertrude. Lawrence paints poverty, hard work, and lack of education as marks of working-class life.
Middle-Class Taste of Gertrude Morel: Gertrude comes from a middle-class home. She loves books, religion, and refinement. She feels cheated when she sees her husband’s rough habits. The narrator says:
“Each forgot everything save the hatred of the other.”
She turns her love to her sons. She wants them to rise above the pit life. She wants culture and dignity. This clash of taste creates class conflict inside the marriage.
Paul’s Class Struggle: Paul inherits his father’s working-class roots. He also inherits his mother’s middle-class desire. He works in a factory but also paints pictures. He loves Miriam for her spiritual side, but she is poor. He loves Clara for passion, but she is separated from her husband. His loves fail. He cannot fully cross class lines. He is torn between two worlds.
“Sons and Lovers” is deeply about class. Walter Morel stays in the working class. Gertrude dreams of middle-class life. Their children grow between the two. Paul’s struggle shows the pain of class division. Lawrence shows how class shapes love, marriage, and identity.