many ways they were opposites. Lydia Lawrence came from a middle class family that had experienced financial strife. This decline in social status had humiliated Lydias father. His whole family felt this shame, and Lydia swore that her own childrens success would vindicate her father. She continually strove to better the familys social standing (Stewart, p. 96). She pushed her children to succeed in school and in life. She herself opened a shop which was something rarely done by women of that time. Lydia and Arthur Lawrence had a relationship much like that of Gertrude and Walter Morel. Though they married for love, soon after their differences led to constant unhappiness. The difference in their social class was obvious, and could be seen in their daily lives. A good example of this could be seen in the way they spoke. In the book, Gertrude speaks in proper English, as did Lydia Lawrence. When Walter speaks, however, it is usually in a crude local dialect common to the miners. Evidence of this is seen throughout the novel. Arthur Lawrence had the ability to speak properly, but chose not to most of the time. Lawrences Walter Morel has this same trait. In the novel, as in real life, the fathers drinking has a serious effect on the family. While Lydia/Gertrude understood her husbands need to unwind after a day in the mines, he unfortunately did not handle his liquor well. When Arthur/Walter drank he would come home very irritable. Often it was in this state that fights between the Lawrences/Morels would begin (Stewart, p.96). This could be seen many times throughout the book (Moynahan, p. 213-214). The heavy drinking of his father had a profound effect on Lawrence and his family which is clearly shown through its depiction in Sons and Lovers. Gertrude Morels love for her husband could not withstand the strain of his drinking, and she feels trapped. Lawrence states this eloquently in a single sentence: She despised h...
