Eng426 20th century english literature

Anti-Tradition: An important feature of modernist writing is the break from traditional mode of representation or what is referred to as anti-tradition. This break is displayed in Lady Chatterley’s Lover in two fold. The first in the form of sexual liberation as we see characters involved in sexual exploits, which ordinarily are frowned upon by the society. Sexual scenes are described in great details, contrary to what we find in earlier English literature. Moreover, traditionally, Connie is expected to be the dutiful wife who stands by her husband in times of trials. She is not only repulsed at his impotence but she goes ahead to find a replacement from a social class lower than hers. This leads to the second way in which the novel and its characters break away from conventional ways of thinking. The society expects social boundaries to be maintained such that people of the upper class should go into relationships with people within their class, proletariats, that is the working class, are also socially confined to their class. But Connie, the wife of an aristocrat, finds solace in the arms of the half-educated Mellors.
Character Development: Like most modernists do, Lawrence properly developed the characters in Lady Chatterley’s Lover, especially, the major characters, Constance and Clifford. These characters appear so real to the people of the modern era. In Clifford Chatterley, the reader sees the inadequacy of the intellect to give true fulfilment and happiness. Clifford is an intelligent, fame-seeking husband, a replica of a young man of the modern era. He is a wealthy upper class man, highly educated, but emotionally and sexually impotent. Lawrence focuses on how the choice of career Clifford makes affects him and those around him. The life of Clifford also reveals the pains modern warfare causes people. In Constance Chatterley, the truth about the inner workings of human is revealed. Lawrence creates in Constance a woman who is unfulfilled despite the rich home she lives. More importantly, Constance plays the role of a dutiful house wife, yet her happiness lies deep in her until she begins to have sexual experience with Mellors, Clifford’s gamekeeper.

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