D.H. Lawrence: Life and Influence

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Questions and Answers

What prompted Frieda and Lawrence to return to England in 1914?

Lawrence's literary career was beginning.

They were fleeing from the war.

It was Ada's wedding. (correct)

Frieda obtained her divorce.

What was the fate of Lawrence's novel 'The Rainbow' upon its publication in 1915?

It received no public response.

It became an instant bestseller.

It was praised by critics.

It was banned under the Obscene Publications Act. (correct)

Why did the local people in Zenna not take to the Lawrences?

Frida was of German nationality. (correct)

Lawrence’s writings offended them.

They were too reclusive.

They were jealous of their wealth.

What personal difficulty did Lawrence face after the marriage?

Financial instability due to the war. Signup and view all the answers

What illness did D.H. Lawrence struggle with before his death?

Tuberculosis Signup and view all the answers

What inspired D.H. Lawrence to write his novels?

The Nottinghamshire Countryside. Signup and view all the answers

What controversial topic did 'Lady Chatterley’s Lover' address?

Explicit sexual content. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Lawrences during their stay in Cornwall?

They were accused of espionage. Signup and view all the answers

What did Lawrence refer to as the 'Savage pilgrimage'?

His travels searching for a place to belong. Signup and view all the answers

Where can one find a statue memorializing D.H. Lawrence?

At Nottingham University. Signup and view all the answers

What was D.H. Lawrence's birth name?

David Herbert Richard Lawrence Signup and view all the answers

Which character from Lawrence's works was inspired by his relationship with Jessie Chambers?

Miriam Leivers Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for Lawrence's mother wanting him to receive an education?

To avoid following in his father's footsteps Signup and view all the answers

How did the stigma of being a scholarship boy affect Lawrence during his time at high school?

He was excluded by his classmates Signup and view all the answers

What tragic event greatly affected D.H. Lawrence and his mother Lydia?

The illness and subsequent death of his brother Ernest Signup and view all the answers

Why did Lawrence's book 'Sons and Lovers' face rejection from publishers initially?

It was considered too shocking Signup and view all the answers

What described Lawrence's first impressions of Nottingham University College?

It was a peaceful and remote magic land Signup and view all the answers

What role did Jesse Chambers play in Lawrence's literary career?

She promoted his poetry to publishers Signup and view all the answers

What illness did Lawrence suffer from that ended his teaching career?

Pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

What influenced Lawrence's decision to propose to Louie Burroughs?

His mother's illness Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes the connection between Lawrence and his mother Lydia?

Codependent and intense Signup and view all the answers

Where did D.H. Lawrence find inspiration for much of his early writing?

The countryside around Eastwood Signup and view all the answers

What form of literature did Lawrence first begin to explore while teaching in London?

Novels Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major themes in Lawrence's work 'Sons and Lovers'?

Family struggle and conflict Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

D.H. Lawrence's Life and Works

D.H. Lawrence was a British author, born in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire on September 11, 1885.
Lawrence's childhood was marked by a difficult relationship with his father, a coal miner, and a close bond with his mother.
Lawrence's family lived in a miners' terrace house, experiencing poverty and hardship.
He attended Bovale School, Greasley, and later won a scholarship to Nottingham High School.
Lawrence struggled to fit in at the High School due to his family's social standing and a family scandal involving his uncle.
He left the High School after a family scandal and worked in a factory to contribute to the family income.
Lawrence's brother, Ernest, became a successful office worker, but died young from illness.
Lawrence suffered from ill health and developed a close relationship with his mother.
He discovered the beauty of the Nottinghamshire countryside which deeply influenced his writings.
Lawrence befriended the Chambers family and developed a relationship with their daughter, Jessie.
He attended Nottingham University College, aiming to become a teacher.
Lawrence's university experience was not positive and he criticized the institution in his novel The Rainbow.
During his time at Nottingham University College, Lawrence started writing his first novel, The White Peacock.
He received support from Jesse Chambers for his writing.
After graduating, Lawrence found a teaching position in London, but struggled with his students and longed for Nottinghamshire.
He began to gain recognition for his writing through the support of Ford Maddox Ford, who published his poetry and helped him secure a publishing deal for The White Peacock.
Lawrence had a tumultuous relationship with Jesse Chambers and ended an affair with her after a few months.
His mother, Lydia Lawrence, was diagnosed with cancer and died in 1910.
Lawrence became engaged to Louis Burroughs, but ended the engagement after his mother's death.
He traveled to Germany to visit Ernest Weekly, where he met Frida Weekly, who later became his wife.
Lawrence and Frida embarked on a passionate affair, leading to Frida's divorce.
Lawrence and Frida traveled to Italy and their relationship faced opposition from Frida's family.
They married shortly before the outbreak of World War I.
Lawrence's writing was influenced by the war and his experiences with anti-German sentiment.
He wrote two major novels, The Rainbow and Women in Love, inspired by his experiences in Nottinghamshire and Cornwall.
Both novels were censored for their explicit sexual content.
Lawrence and Frida moved about the country, facing difficulties due to Frida's German heritage.
They were forced to leave Cornwall after being suspected of espionage.
After the war, Lawrence and Frida traveled extensively.
While living in Florence, Lawrence wrote his most famous novel, Lady Chatterley's Lover, which was also controversial.
Lawrence died of tuberculosis on March 2, 1930, at the age of 44.

Nottinghamshire's Influence on D.H. Lawrence

The Nottinghamshire countryside is frequently depicted in Lawrence's novels, particularly Sons and Lovers, The Rainbow, and Women in Love.
The region's landscape and rural life inspired Lawrence's themes of nature, sexuality, and social class.
Lawrence described Nottinghamshire as the "country of his heart."
His descriptions of the landscape, including fields, woods, and villages, contribute to the atmosphere and symbolism of his work.
The contrast between the industrialized areas of Eastwood and the surrounding countryside plays a significant role in his exploration of social and psychological themes.
Lawrence's novels offer a unique perspective on the rural experience in early 20th-century Britain.

Key Works

Sons and Lovers: Lawrence's autobiographical novel, reflecting his childhood and relationship with his mother.
The Rainbow: A multi-generational saga set in Nottinghamshire, exploring themes of family, love, and sexuality.
Women in Love: A complex novel, also set in Nottinghamshire, focusing on the relationships between two men and two women.
Lady Chatterley's Lover: Lawrence's most famous novel, considered scandalous for its explicit portrayal of sexuality and social taboos.

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Description

Explore the life and literary contributions of D.H. Lawrence, a prominent British author. This quiz delves into his childhood experiences, family dynamics, and the impact of Nottinghamshire on his works. Discover how Lawrence's struggles and relationships shaped his writing.