Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
Controversy which has surrounded David Herbert Lawrence arises out
of misunderstanding of what he was actually saying. Lawrence's depiction
of sexual scenes and particularly his vocabulary in presenting
these scenes have misled many critics into believing that he was a
feminist. Early criticism (1911-1940's) indicates that Lawrence portrays
the modern liberated woman favorably. From the beginning of the
1950's to the early 1970's, critics agreed that Lawrence respected and
understood women. Recent criticism (latter part of 1970's to date)
finds to some extent a tone of cynicism toward women. However, the
idea that Lawrence understands and respects women still prevails.
Analysis of Lawrence's novels suggests that his heroines are not consistently
modern or liberated. These women may be introduced as liberated
and intellectual, but in the end they submit to the power of man.
Lawrence's motif is the conflict between male and female, which results
in male dominance and female submission.
of misunderstanding of what he was actually saying. Lawrence's depiction
of sexual scenes and particularly his vocabulary in presenting
these scenes have misled many critics into believing that he was a
feminist. Early criticism (1911-1940's) indicates that Lawrence portrays
the modern liberated woman favorably. From the beginning of the
1950's to the early 1970's, critics agreed that Lawrence respected and
understood women. Recent criticism (latter part of 1970's to date)
finds to some extent a tone of cynicism toward women. However, the
idea that Lawrence understands and respects women still prevails.
Analysis of Lawrence's novels suggests that his heroines are not consistently
modern or liberated. These women may be introduced as liberated
and intellectual, but in the end they submit to the power of man.
Lawrence's motif is the conflict between male and female, which results
in male dominance and female submission.
Member of