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,
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Answer
Why was Gertrude Morel unhappy with her husband? [NU: 2018]
Gertrude Morel is the mother character in “Sons and Lovers” (1913) by D. H. Lawrence (1885–1930). She marries Walter Morel with hope. At first, she is drawn to his lively nature. But soon she feels cheated. Walter drinks, quarrels, and deceives her. Their marriage becomes bitter and joyless.
Walter’s Drinking and Quarrels: Walter Morel spends much of his time in pubs (a bar). He drinks heavily and wastes money. He plays games instead of caring for his home. The narrator says about him,
“He was a master of skittles and of dominoes.”
These nights of pleasure leave Gertrude alone and angry. When he comes home drunk, he quarrels with her. Poverty and shouting fill the house. This ruins Gertrude’s peace and respect for him.
Lies and Carelessness: Gertrude finds out that Walter has deceived her about money and property. Even their house is not fully his. Her proud soul turns hard. She feels cheated and trapped. After that, her love for him dies. She no longer trusts her husband. His careless attitude and dishonesty make her deeply unhappy.
Different in Nature: Gertrude is refined, thoughtful, and educated. Walter is rough, simple, and uneducated. At first, his passion attracts her. Later, the same qualities disgust her. The narrator says:
“Each forgot everything save the hatred of the other.”
This line shows their marriage breaks into hatred. They cannot understand each other. Gertrude withdraws her heart from her husband. She turns her love to her sons instead.
Gertrude Morel is unhappy because her husband is careless, drunken, and dishonest. Their natures do not match. What began with attraction ends in hatred. His drinking, quarrels, and lies destroy her trust. She finds no joy in marriage. Finally, she leaves her husband emotionally. She gives all her love to her sons.
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