Counterproductive Effect of Modernity in D. H. Lawrence’s The White Peacock

Abstract

This research work examines the counterproductive effect of modernity focusing on changing socio-economic spirit of time in terms of urbanization and industrialization and its negative impact on human life in D. H. Lawrence’s The White Peacock .Characters like Lettie, George, Leslie and Meg go through transformation of society from rural to urban and agrarian to industrial. This transformation makes them to adapt in new trends of living. Priorities of their life alter which causes them to face emotional breakdown and familial disintegrity as they turn more individualistic, money minded and indifferent towards others. At the center of this crisis there lies industrialization and urbanization which reinforces the issues of individualism and materialism. This research work investigates sordid realities of modern world where people are highly motivated towards prosperity in terms of money and other materials. This research is done under the theoretical light of George Simmel’s idea of money economy and blaze attitude. Modernist thinkers Anthony Giddens and Marshall Berman’s views regarding the impact if modernity are used as additional theoretical insights while dealing with this research work. In short, it depicts an extended reflection upon the dehumanizing effects of modernity and industrialization in peoples’ life and relationship. Keywords: Modernity, Materialism, Individualism, Indifference, Alienation, Familial Disintegrity,