Literatures in English Unit II
“Effective thematic exploration in prose fiction depends entirely on the writer’s characterization.” With reference to ONE British, American or Post-Colonial work of fiction, discuss the extent to which you agree with the statement.
In every literary work brilliant authors utilize characterization to effectively generate their masterpiece through thematic concerns. Thematic concerns refer to a central idea in a piece of writing or literary work. D.H Lawrence in one of his best sellers Sons & Lovers explores thematic concerns such as power, the oedipus complex, industrialization and family relationships. Well-rounded authors do not solely limit their work to the use of characterization but also take into consideration other devices. Lawrence makes use of not only characterization but also foreshadowing, diction and stream of consciousness to examine thematic concerns mentioned above. The presupposition that effective thematic exploration in prose fiction depends entirely on the writer’s characterization is fiction depends entirely on the writer’s characterization is faulty.
Characterization is the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character. Lawrence explores the theme of power through the use of characterization by using a character’s actions to depict their personality.The first example of this may be seen where Walter Morel quickly moves from an A grade husband to an A grade alcoholic who abuses his family and wife. In chapter one we see where Mrs.Morel discovers unpaid bills and that her husband actually lied to her about owning “their” house. Mr. Morels deception affords him Gertrude’s hand in marriage. In lying to impress Gertrude the reader is able to interpret that Lawrence uses characterization to explore power. Another example can be seen where Mr.Morel’s unpredictable short temper causes him to physically abuse Gertrude and locks her out of their home, this emphasizes his
Bibliography: Chowdry, Ishrat Fariha et al. Industrialization and the Disintegration of Family Relationship in David Herbert Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers.(2011) Kohe’t, Tsunyota. Meaning of Flowers.(1996-2014) Amel, Bachtarzi. Mens Relationships In D.H Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers.(2010) "Walter Morel of D.H. Lawrence 's Sons and Lovers." 123HelpMe.com. 26 Oct 2014 <http://www.123HelpMe.com/view.asp?id=161944>.