| Summary: | 碩士 === 中國文化大學 === 英國語文學研究所 === 92 === This thesis applies Simone de Beauvoir's concept of feminism to D. H. Lawrence's three novels─Sons and Lovers, Women in Love and Lady Chatterley's Lover. De Beauvoir's feminist theory can be understood in her work─The Second Sex, which mainly explores the history and situation of women. The works of Lawrence have focused on the sexual relationship and roles between men and women. This work discusses the position of women in those relations with men according to Simone de Beauvoir’s feminist theory.
The first chapter explains the change in woman's traditional position and introduces Lawrence's novels as seen by de Beauvoir's feminist position. The second chapter explores the ambivalent relationships between Mrs. Morel, Miriam and Clara as found in one of those novels─Sons and Lovers. Paul's excessive attachment to his mother results in his incapacity to establish good relations with Miriam and Clara. The relationship between him and Miriam lies in a spiritual level, while Clara's relationship with him rests on the physical one. Hence, these two women cannot achieve a balance of body and mind with Paul.
The third chapter analyzes love and exploration of life through the relationship between man and woman in Women in Love. Ursula's relationship with Birkin conveys the philosophy of Lawrence─equilibrium. Gudrun's alienation from others prevents the establishment of close intimacy with Gerald who attempts to fill up his dead and void soul by contact with her. The relationship between them is doomed to be a failure. Hermione is a third type of woman who always expresses her superiority over people but has a void mind.
The fourth chapter represents the mental freedom and the physical harmony between Connie and Mellors in Lady Chatterley’s Lover. The conclusion of this thesis compares the relationship between men and women and conveys Lawrence's philosophy of equilibrium for readers and judges it by Simone de Beauvoir’s theory.
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