D.H. Lawrence’s "Sons and Lovers" Examined the Oedipus complex or Mother- Fixation Theory of Freud

"Sons and Lovers" is the masterpiece of D.H. Lawrence which may be said the priest of  psychoanalytical novel in English. It is in it that for the first time a novelist has practically examined the Oedipus complex or mother fixation theory of Freud. The most striking feature of Lawrence’s characters is the resemblance they bear to their creator. Thus, the protagonist Paul morel in Sons and loves is cruelly a projection of Lawrence himself.

The scene of the novel is set in the mining district. The story also centers on Paul Morel, a coal miner’s son whose mother has great ambitions for him. Walter Morel, the father of Paul morel is a gross and unrefined specimen of humanity. Contrastingly, Mrs. Morel is aglow with the effulgence between these two characters and the impact of this on the life and psychological plane of Paul Morel constitute the motif of the novel. The mother because of her unhappy and satisfactory conjugal life used to exert a very powerful influence upon the son and sought to posses her son fully. Though his other brothers escaped, Paul was throttled by this possessiveness of his mother. His mother wants him to move to London, England, and better himself by becoming an artist instead of a miner like his father. At the same time, she jealously prevents him from maintaining a relationship with a local girl and humiliates her husband, the family’s only breadwinner. After rejecting an offer to go to art school because of his attachment with his mother, Morel finds solace in the arms of a suffragette. 

The mother-image was so pronounced that Paul could not abdicate himself from all engulfing and powerful spell. Paul failed both in uniting with Miriam or Clara in long-lasting bond of love. Despite of sincere love Paul failed as the influence of Paul’s mother precluded the efflorescence of this sacrosanct feeling. The deep-rooted depression and melancholy turned Paul in to a restless being and a complete failure in life. 

Question-

(1) What is called Oedipus complex?

The Oedipus complex, first introduced by Sigmund Freud, is a psychoanalytic theory that suggests:

• During the phallic stage (ages 3-6), children develop sexual desires towards their opposite-sex parent and see their same-sex parent as a rival.
• Boys develop a desire for their mother and a jealousy of their father, while girls develop a desire for their father and a jealousy of their mother.
• If unresolved, this conflict can lead to various psychological issues, such as anxiety and difficulty forming adult relationships.

However, this theory has been heavily criticized for:

Being based on Freud's subjective observations rather than empirical evidence.

• Neglecting the role of social and cultural factors in child development.
• Being heteronormative and not accounting for non-binary or LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Being overly deterministic and not accounting for individual agency and free will.
• Overall, while the Oedipus complex may offer some insight into childhood development, it should be viewed critically and not taken as a definitive explanation for human behavior.

(2) What is mother fixation theory?

Mother fixation theory is a Freudian concept that suggests that a child's early experiences with their mother influence their adult relationships. However, this theory has faced criticism and skepticism in recent years. Here are some points to consider in an argumentative way:

• Supporters of mother fixation theory believe that the mother-child relationship shapes the child's personality and behavior in adulthood.
• Critics argue that this theory is overly simplistic and ignores other important factors such as genetics, environment, and individual experiences.
• The theory has also been accused of reinforcing gender stereotypes by placing too much emphasis on the role of the mother in child development.
• Furthermore, this theory may lead to blaming mothers for their children's problems and absolving fathers and other caregivers of any responsibility.
• Critics also point out that this theory is based on Freud's own biases and cultural context, which may not be applicable to modern society.
• Overall, while the mother-child relationship is undoubtedly important, it is crucial to consider a wide range of factors that contribute to an individual's development and relationships in adulthood.

(3) What is psychological novel?

A psychological novel is a literary genre that focuses on the internal experiences, emotions, and motivations of its characters.

• Unlike other forms of fiction that emphasize external events and actions, the psychological novel explores the complexity of human psychology and the workings of the human mind.
• This genre emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the Enlightenment's emphasis on rationality and empirical observation, and the increasing interest in the workings of the human mind.
• The psychological novel often employs techniques such as interior monologue, stream of consciousness, and multiple narrators to delve into the characters' inner lives.
• The psychological novel has been praised for its depth of characterization and exploration of complex psychological issues, such as mental illness, trauma, and social conditioning.
• Critics of the psychological novel argue that it can be overly introspective and self-indulgent, sacrificing plot and action for the sake of psychological depth.
• Despite its critics, the psychological novel remains a popular and influential genre, with notable examples including works by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Virginia Woolf, and James Joyce.

Ardhendu De

Ref:

 1.    Sons and lovers : Lawrence, D. H. (David Herbert), 1885-1930 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/sonslovelawr00lawr  

 2. Allen, W. (1970, February 1). English Novel.