Bedside Lamp English Learning Reader I: Son and Lover (Pure English Version)

Author: (English) D.H. Lawrence
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-05-01
Features: This book is a celebrated work written by Lawrence based on his own childhood and youth. The protagonist Paul's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Morel, fall in love at first sight at a ball and get married. However, Mr. Morel is a miner, while Mrs. Morel comes from the middle class. Their life philosophies are entirely different. Facing her husband's aimlessness, Mrs. Morel feels her hopes shattered. Her disappointment, dissatisfaction, and resentment towards her husband lead her to pour all her love and expectations into her son. She first hopes for her eldest son William, but he dies young. Then she turns her hopes to her second son Paul, hoping he will rise above his circumstances and achieve her ideals. She loves her son, encouraging him to become successful and enter high society; yet she also controls his spirit, preventing him from being devoted to any other woman. This makes Paul confused and lost in his future romantic relationships. His interactions with his girlfriend Millie lead the young Paul through a process of spiritual suffering. However, like her mother, Millie also tries to spiritually possess Paul, leaving him feeling suffocated. Eventually, they break up. Paul is also involved with a woman named Clara, who is separated from her husband. He finds physical fulfillment with her. But finally, Clara ends her relationship with Paul and returns to her husband. Later, Mrs. Morel passes away, and Paul and Millie fail to reconcile. He remains alone, drifting from place to place, continuing his spiritual struggle.