Within D.H. Lawrence’s ‘Sons and Lovers’, Paul has been quite an unusual character. In the beginning of the novel, the reader witnesses William’s and Annie’s relationships with their mother and although William and Mrs. Morel’s bond was odd, it could not compare to Paul’s relationship with his mother. Throughout the first few chapters of the novel, the reader notices, through Mrs. Morel’s narratives in chapters one and two that she did not want to give birth to Paul because of the financial burden he would ultimately have on the poor family and the failing relationship between Mr. Morel and her.
However, after her sudden revelation in the field, she and Paul’s relationship has been the strongest within the household after William’s departure, particularly because of the nature of their relationship; one which was based entirely on Eros love. This relationship was coined by Sigmund Freud as ‘Oedipus Complex’; this meant that the child had a sexual attraction towards his mother and indefinitely wanted to kill his father. Whilst, the want to kill his father may not have exactly been true, he did have a strong resentment and hatred towards his father. The Oedipus complex is also predicted to mould Paul’s relationships with other women in the future.
In later chapters, the reader meets Miriam Leiver, one of Paul’s love interests. Sparks fly instantly but both are too shy to admit their feelings to each other and themselves. Miriam and Paul share many intimate moments and become promising partners but his mother disapproves of their relationship claiming that she is ruining his “ease and naturalness”. Paul admits to his mother that he does not want to marry Miriam and later breaks it to Miriam as well saying that their relationship is merely ‘spiritual’.
The reader interprets Paul’s growing hatred towards