Discuss Walter Morel as a tragic character

Answer

Comment on the character of Walter Morel. [NU: 2018]

Or, Discuss Walter Morel as a tragic character. [NU: 2016]

Walter Morel is the father in “Sons and Lovers” (1913) by D. H. Lawrence (1885–1930). He is a coal miner in Bestwood. He is simple, strong, and cheerful at first. But soon, his faults appear. He drinks, quarrels, and wastes money. His wife, Gertrude, turns cold. His children move away from him. His character is mixed, both wild and tragic.

A Working Miner: Walter Morel is shown as a man of the pit. He works hard and sweats. Yet he is rough and stubborn. His fellow worker, Barker, tells him to stop because he is overworking. But Morel angrily refuses and answers with this line,

“Finish? Niver while the world stands!” growled Morel.”

This shows his hard temper. He is strong but impatient. His strength does not bring joy to his home. Instead, his tired body and quick anger create quarrels. 

Careless and Deceptive Husband: Gertrude marries him with hope. Soon, she feels cheated. Morel lies about money and property. His wife finds out that even the house is not truly his. This moment kills her love. She feels trapped. Misery fills the house. So, Lawrence says,

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

He also spends money on drinks instead of family needs. Quarrels become common. Thus, as a husband, Morel is careless and selfish. He loses his wife’s trust forever.

Love for Drink and Games: Morel prefers drink and games to family. He spends hours in the Nelson (a bar) or the Three Spots. He is skilled in pub (local bar) games. Lawrence says about him,

“He was a master of skittles and of dominoes.”

These nights of pleasure leave his wife alone and angry. The children suffer in poverty. He returns home drunk, and quarrels rise. His joy in the pub becomes pain for the family. This habit paints him as