A Study of D. H. Lawrence's Treatment of Women in the Short Story

Abstract

<p>This thesis examines, through a study of theme, characterization and plot, D. H. Lawrence's portrayal of women in his short stories. The study concentrates on a selection of stories that reflect particular patterns and trends of the female character.</p> <p>In general, there are three patterns that are easily identifiable. The first pattern depicts the trapped woman, who always remains trapped in an unhappy situation. The second pattern involves the woman who tries to escape an unhappy situation but is destroyed because of her attempt to abandon a dissatisfying life. The third pattern presents the seemingly "successful" couple, and yet, the only reason for their successful relationship is ,that the woman is subordinate to the power of the man.</p> <p>We find in these patterns evidence that indicates that Lawrence repeatedly uses the female to secure the authority of the male. The fact that the subordination of the female characters in Lawrence's short stories is neither explored nor explained within the fiction, ultimately detracts from the success of the works.</p>