The Movement From Realism to Myth in Selected Short Stories of D. H. Lawrence

Abstract

<p>The major emphasis of this thesis will be to demonstrate that there is a development of thought in Lawrence's short fiction. Through an examination of six tales spanning the years 1915 to 1928 this study will attempt to prove that Lawrence's frustration with the civilization he was part of manifested itself in his short fiction in a gradual movement from realism to myth.</p> <p>In "The Thimble" Lawrence used the realistic mode to express his belief that individuals would awaken to the problems of the world, meet on a new plane of consciousness and work together toward a new relationship. However, in the years following 1915 Lawrence's faith in the individual lessened. He now believed a new element had to be introduced into the problematic world to change it in a positive manner. However, as we see in "The ladybird" and "The Last Laugh", Lawrence became disillusioned. The old world would not be changed. Consequently, Lawrence believed it had to be annihilated in order that a new world could supersede it. This idea is established in "The Border Line" and carried to its logical conclusion in "The woman Who Rode Away" in the sacrifice of a woman who is ostensibly a symbol of ego-conscious western civilization. However, we see that the woman is not a valid representative of ego-consciousness but is instead a victim of that consciousness. Although Lawrence used the fable mode in an attempt to present a new and mysterious blood-conscious world we see he has actually moved nowhere at all but has only 'dressed Up' the problematic ego-consciousness in his own idealistic garments.</p> <p>In "The Man Who Died" we see that Lawrence has encompassed the experience of "The Woman Who Rode Away". The theme of rebirth into a new consciousness, which in turn creates a new world, has returned. The insistence is absent. The mythic mode allows Lawrence to present his vision in a generalized fashion; he does not have to adhere to a particular set of circumstances. In this way he can 'touch' a wider group of readers.</p>