Compliance and Conformity in the Shadows of Love A Study of Social Influence in DH Lawrences Sons and Lovers

Abstract

This study explores the complex dynamics of compliance and conformity in intimate relationships within D. H. Lawrence’s novel, “Sons and Lovers.” It analyses how familial bonds and romantic entanglements influence individual identities and behaviors through the lens of protagonist Paul Morel's interactions. This research explores love and attachment as tools of social control and personal expression, while also examining resistance to conformity. By using a psychoanalytic and socio-cultural approach alongside qualitative research methods, it uncovers motivations behind compliance and resistance in Lawrence’s characters. This analysis reveals how Lawrence critiques early 20th-century societal norms and delves into the impact of emotional dependencies on life choices, providing insights into the ongoing struggle between personal desires and societal expectations reflected in literature.