Document Type
Thesis
Publication Date
1993
Disciplines
English Language and Literature
Advisor
Ozzie Mayers
Abstract
This thesis, as the title states, is a study of the gender polarities and balances in D. H. Lawrence's life and philosophy, especially as evident in Sons And Lovers and Lady Chatterly's Lover. It begins by examining and critiquing Kate Millett's criticism of Lawrence as written in her 1970 work Sexual Politics. It then moves to Elaine Showalter's use of Edwin and Shirley Ardener's "wild zone" theory, using this feminist theory as a means of more fully understanding the often polar relationship between man and woman, intellect and emotions, and mind and body. After this,the thesis applies this theory to Lawrence's own life, examining the existence of stereotypically male and female roles in his life. Finally, it turns to Lawrence's first major novel, Sons And Lovers and his final novel, Lady Chatterly's Lover , examining the polarities and balances of sex roles and behaviors in each. In addition, the thesis also examines the close parallels existing between the protagonists in each novel.
Copyright Statement
Available by permission of the author. Reproduction or retransmission of this material in any form is prohibited without expressed written permission of the author.
Recommended Citation
Holman, Erin, "Redefining Balance: An Exploration of D.H. Lawrence's Gender Roles and Polaritites and a Study of Sons and Lovers and Lady Chatterley's Lover" (1993). Honors Theses, 1963-2015. 347.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/honors_theses/347