A Critical Analysis Of Sigmund Freud's Sons And Lovers

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Introduction
Sons and Lovers,(1913) originally titled “Paul Morel”is largely autobiographical and it is a psychological realistic representative work. It has a strong autobiographic air, so it is called the best representation of Sigmund Freud’s “Oedipus Complex” theory by critics. As modern literature theory progresses, researchers have realized that the substantial content of Sons andLovers cannot be summarized by “Oedipus Complex”. As a growth novel, the hero—Paul’s growth is indispensable from Mrs Morel—his mother; Miriam—his first lover; Clara—his second lover. These three women constitute a firm support from soul, spirit, and flesh, and support Paul to pursue his so-called perfect humanity, to become a real man. Even though Daniel wrote …show more content…

“Son and Lovers”, deals with her disillusionment in marriage; the gradual rejection of her husband Mr Morel, and largely depending on her sons. First she commanded William and then Paul. She loved them and also had disastrous effect of this unnatural; but unbreakable bond of their emotional life.
Lawrence has very vividly portrayed her initial frustration leading to her final decline and disintegration through great emotional strains. Unable to find any fulfilment in her relations with her husband, she gradually casts him off and turns to her sons for emotional satisfaction. The sons too were deeply attached to her. As long as William and Paul were young children, her relationship appeared to be healthy. Admittedly, it was she, who wanted them to rise in life and urged them to aspire for higher things. But as they grew into adulthood, their relationship with their mother assumed an unhealthy complexion and explicit sexual overtones could be clearly felt in it as Mrs Morel herself revealed, “You know Paul-I’ve never had a husband-not really.”(p-87). She took her sons as husband-substitutes. The moment they grew economically independent, they instinctively stepped into the role of their mother’s husband. But howsoever, satisfying this relationship might be to Mrs Morel, it caused great strains on their minds. When William sought fulfilment outside, Mrs Morel could not tolerate it. He was torn between passion and love for his mother and unable to overcome this conflict, he ultimately died of

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