David Herbert Lawrence (1885-1930) was an English novelist, poet, and essayist, renowned for his works exploring human sexuality, emotional health, and industrialization. His notable works include “Sons and Lovers” and “Lady Chatterley’s Lover”.
Biography
Full Name | David Herbert Lawrence |
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Born | 11 September 1885 |
Died | 2 March 1930 |
Nationality | English |
Professions | Novelist, Short Story Writer, Poet, Playwright, Literary Critic, Travel Writer, Essayist, Painter |
Key Themes | Modernity, Social Alienation, Industrialization, Sexuality, Vitality, Instinct |
Famous Works | The Rainbow, Women in Love, Lady Chatterley’s Lover |
Reputation | Controversial; endured persecution and public misrepresentation |
Exile | Spent much of his life in voluntary exile, described as a “savage enough pilgrimage” |
Contemporary Views | Scorned as tasteless, avant-garde, and a pornographer |
Posthumous Recognition | English novelist E. M. Forster described him as “the greatest imaginative novelist of our generation”. English literary critic F. R. Leavis championed his artistic integrity and moral seriousness. |
Early Life
David Herbert Lawrence, commonly known as D.H. Lawrence, was born on September 11, 1885, in the small mining town of Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, England. He was the fourth child of Arthur John Lawrence, a coal miner, and Lydia Lawrence, a former schoolteacher. Growing up in a working-class family, Lawrence’s early life was marked by the stark contrast between his father’s rough, manual labor background and his mother’s genteel, intellectual inclinations. This dichotomy had a profound impact on Lawrence’s later works. As a young boy, Lawrence was frail and often ill, but he excelled academically and developed a passion for reading and writing. In 1901, after his education at Beauvale Board School, he won a scholarship to Nottingham High School, and later attended Nottingham University College. The early influences of his upbringing in a coal-mining community, combined with his exposure to broader academic and intellectual circles, shaped the themes and characters that would populate his later literary works.
Family
Relation | Name | Information |
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Father | Arthur John Lawrence | Arthur was a coal miner in the small mining town of Eastwood, Nottinghamshire. His work and the harsh realities of the mining life greatly influenced Lawrence’s writings. |
Mother | Lydia Beardsall | Lydia was a former schoolteacher and had a strong influence on Lawrence’s education and intellectual development. She was well-read and encouraged her children’s academic pursuits. |
Sibling | William Ernest Lawrence | William was the eldest sibling, and he had a significant impact on David’s early life. Sadly, he died young, which deeply affected the family. |
Sibling | Emily Lawrence | Emily, often called Emily Louisa Lawrence, was one of David’s sisters. Information about her life is less documented compared to her famous brother. |
Sibling | George Lawrence | George was another of Lawrence’s siblings. Like Emily, there is limited detailed information about his life in the public domain. |
Sibling | Elsie Lawrence | Elsie was the youngest sibling. She remained close to her family and kept in touch with David throughout his life. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
Attribute | Measurement |
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Height | Not publicly available |
Weight | Not publicly available |
Chest | Not publicly available |
Waist | Not publicly available |
Hips | Not publicly available |
Eye Color | Not publicly available |
Hair Color | Not publicly available |
Note: The physical measurements and characteristics of David Herbert Lawrence are not widely documented or available in public records.
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
David Herbert Lawrence was married to Frieda Weekley (née von Richthofen). They married on July 13, 1914. Frieda was a German-born literary figure, and their relationship was known for its passionate and tumultuous nature. Frieda was previously married to Ernest Weekley, with whom she had three children, before she left him to be with Lawrence.
Name | Relationship Type | Details |
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Jessie Chambers | Girlfriend | Jessie Chambers was Lawrence’s close friend and early muse. Their relationship was significant during his early writing career. |
Louie Burrows | Fiancée | Louie Burrows was Lawrence’s former fiancée. They were engaged before Lawrence met Frieda, but he broke off the engagement. |
David Herbert Lawrence, often known as D.H. Lawrence, was an English writer and poet. His relationship with Frieda was central to his life and work, influencing much of his literature. Despite facing societal criticism and personal challenges, their bond remained strong until his death in 1930.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
David Herbert Lawrence, often known as D.H. Lawrence, became famous for his novels, poems, and essays that explored complex emotional and sexual dynamics within human relationships. His works often challenged the societal norms of his time, making him a controversial yet influential literary figure.
Lawrence’s career began with the publication of his first novel, The White Peacock, in 1911. However, it was his subsequent works that truly cemented his place in literary history.
- Sons and Lovers (1913) – A semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the life of a young man and his relationship with his mother.
- The Rainbow (1915) – This novel explores the lives of three generations of the Brangwen family and was banned for its explicit content.
- Women in Love (1920) – A sequel to The Rainbow, this novel examines the complexities of romantic relationships.
- Lady Chatterley’s Lover (1928) – Perhaps his most famous and controversial work, this novel was banned in several countries for its explicit sexual content.
While D.H. Lawrence did not receive any major literary awards during his lifetime, his influence on literature has been recognized posthumously. His works are now considered classics, and he is regarded as one of the most important English writers of the 20th century.
Faq
David Herbert Lawrence, commonly known as D.H. Lawrence, was an English novelist, poet, playwright, essayist, and literary critic. He was born on September 11, 1885, and died on March 2, 1930. Lawrence is best known for his novels, which include “Sons and Lovers,” “The Rainbow,” “Women in Love,” and “Lady Chatterley’s Lover.”
Some of D.H. Lawrence’s most famous works include:
- “Sons and Lovers” (1913)
- “The Rainbow” (1915)
- “Women in Love” (1920)