Female Agency in D. H. Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers
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Department of English
Abstract
The present thesis explores Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers from feminist perspective, where
author’s projection of female agency is contradictory. On the one hand Lawrence shows the
female characters quite active and decisive in controlling and regulating male members where as
on the other hand he is constantly projecting them with negative stereotypes such as being very
seductive, cocky, selfish, opportunist. Like Mrs. Morel keeps her sons within her control and
make them move around her commands and desires. Clara substitutes her husband and lover
time and again when she thinks in need. Moreover, female agency is shown only in the absence
of male agency that is either male can’t act actively or are irresponsible. Therefore, this
projection of female agency in the novel is used not only to continue the patriarchal ideology but
also to reinforce more powerfully the negative stereotypes of women.