Page 268 - DENG404_FICTION

Fiction

Notes Analysis

This chapter is Miriam’s last attempt finally to possess Paul, now that the obstacle of his
mother is out of the way. However, by the end she sees the futility of her efforts and realizes
that, even in death, Mrs. Morel still owns Paul and he can never be hers.
Paul says of his mother that, “She was the only thing that held him up, himself, amid all this.
And she was gone, intermingled herself. He wanted her to touch him, have him alongside
with her.” This completes the book’s treatment of the relationship between Paul and Mrs.
Morel and illustrates the way that his love for her has remained constant throughout.

Explanation of the novel’s title

Lawrence rewrote the work four times until he was happy with it. Although before publication
the work was usually called Paul Morel, Lawrence finally settled on Sons and Lovers. Just as
the new title makes the work less focused on a central character, many of the later additions
broadened the scope of the work, thereby making the work less autobiographical. While some
of the edits by Garnett were on the grounds of propriety or style, others would once more
narrow the emphasis back upon Paul.

22.2 Summary

• This first part of the novel focuses on Mrs. Morel and her unhappy marriage to a drinking
miner.
• Morel feels ashamed for bullying his wife. He also realizes her difficulties and begins to
be somewhat more helpful.
• Morel is injured at work when a piece of rock falls on his leg.
• Paul and Mrs. Morel travel to Nottingham one Tuesday morning to respond to the
invitation.
• Miriam and Paul get along well during another excursion to Wingfield Manor on Easter
Monday.
• Paul discusses love with his mother and says that perhaps something is the matter with
him and that he can’t love.

22.3 Keywords

Fiancee : a person to whom another is engaged to be married.
Intimacy : close familiarity or friendship.
Seashore : an area of sandy, stony or rocky land bordering and level with the sea.

Vicariously : acting or done for another person.

22.4 Review Questions

1. Why do you think Morel cuts offs William’s hair? And why is his wife so upset?
2. In what ways does Morel become an ‘outsider’ to his family? How does this make him
feel?

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