D. H. Lawrence's dualistic impulses in his writings about Italy

Abstract

The purpose of the following study is to demonstrate Lawrence's belief that the whole of life is the manifestation of opposite wills always transcended by a third element which reconciles them in a dynamic state of equilibrium. His view of polarity is associated with precise spatial coordinates, Italy and England. The thesis consists of four chapters prefaced by an introduction to the background influences that dualism exerts on the artist, and ended by a conclusion on what Italy means to him. Attention is given to a varied range of Lawrence's works with an Italian element- philosophical writings, travel books, novels and poems- some of which have been given a more extensive analysis than others. His letters are used where appropriate to develop this study. The first chapter illustrates the development of Lawrence's dualism in his philosophical writings, particularly "philosophical" additions to essays in Twilight in Italy. Chapter Two examines his poetics of antinomies in the travel books. Chapter Three explores the evident dual nature rooted in three of Lawrence's novels as well as some of his short stories with an Italian connection. Chapter Four traces his conception of polarity permeating the poetry in an Italian context. The thesis concludes with observations highlighting the basic traits-d'union among all Laurentian works taken into consideration, that is, the central idea of unity in duality and the Italian connection.