Skip to main content

The Fox by D.H Lawrence



                  The Fox is a "novella" by D.H Lawrence which first appeared in "The Dial " in 1922. It is set in Berkshire England, during World War 1st . 

About author 

                  The writer David Herbert Lawrence was born in 1885 and died in 1930 , was an English writer and poet . His collected works represent, among other things an extended reflection upon  dehumanizing effects of modernity and industrialization.  Lawrence's writing explores issues such as sexuality, emotional health, vitality, spontaneity and instinct. His major works include " Sons and Lovers" , "The Rainbow" , "Women in Love" , and "Lady Chatterly's Lover". 

                   D.H Lawrence was the writer of Modernism.  It is both a philosophical movement and an art movement that arose from broad transformations in western society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  

Plot Summary 
                    
                    The Fox , like many of D.H Lawrence's other major works, deals with the psychological relationship of three protagonists in a triangle of love and hatred. Without the help of any male labours , Nellie March and Jill Banford struggle to maintain a marginal livelihood at the Bailey Farm. Both March and Banford live together and it does not look like they will marry.  Physically, Banford is thin and frail, in contrast to her companion who is much masculine.  

                 One day, a Fox has raged through the poultry although the women,  particularly the more masculine Nellie March tried to shoot but she can't hunt it and rather she becomes entranced by it . Shortly after this , Henry , a young man comes to stay with the women and a link is established between the Fox and Henry because Henry is compared to that Fox who raged through the poultry.  

                   Henry begins to love March and she also fell in love with him and both wanted to marry but Banford doesn't want , March to marry Henry and to leave her alone in the farm . Henry finds Banford as a hindrance to the path of their marriage and kills her to marry March . 

Critical appreciation 

                   This intriguing novella explores gender roles,  sexuality, femininity and the pity of war , as do two others Lawrence's novellas written at the same time , "The Ladybird" and "The Captain's Doll" .
                   Strong elements worthy of critical appreciation in the short story "The Fox" by D.H Lawrence must surely include the following.  An outstanding strength of this short story is the depiction of nature,  both in the symbolism of the Fox itself and in the poetic prose description of the landscape and sky . Symbolism is strong , pervasive and full of message in this short story , rather like the odour of the fox himself . Henry and the fox are compared several times. 

                    Human observation and character portrayal are deep and meaningful.  March is very fully described,  her breeches, the way she sits , her wisps of hair , her large brown eyes.  Banford also,  her strands of grey hair,  her mousy behavior and lack of physical agility in climbing stiles or heavy farm works . Henry is described minutely,  right down to his foxy - coloured downy hair as he is the fox itself.  

                     Psychological analysis is precisely observed too, the cunning and wily thoughts of Henry , the peevish possessiveness of Banford and the self control issues of March .
                   There are so many elements to include in such a stunning short story but these are outstanding.  
                 

                   

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Murder in the Cathedral by T.S Eliot

"Murder in the Cathedral" is a verse drama by "T.S Eliot". It was first performed in 1935, that portrays the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in the Canterbury Cathedral during the reign of Henry 2nd in 1170. The play is devided into two parts and in between the parts there is an interlude. About Author "Thomas Stearns Eliot" was born on 26 September, 1888 and died on 4 January, 1965. He was a poet, essayist, publisher, playwright, literary critic and editor. Considered one of the 20th century's major poets, he is a central figure in English language modernist poetry. He was educated from Harvard University. His best known poems in the English language, including "The Waste Land" (1922), "The Hollow Men" (1925), "Four Quarters" (1943). He was also known for his seven plays, particularly "Murder in the Cathedral" (1935) and "The Cocktail Party" (1949). He was awarded for t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe

             " Tha Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus ", commonly known as     " Doctor Faustus " is an Elizabethan tragedy by Christopher Marlowe, which is based on German stories about the tittle character " Faust ". It has been written sometimes between 1589 to 1592. About Author           Marlowe was an English playwright, poet and translator of the Elizabethan Era. He was known as Shakespeare's most important predecessor in English drama. He was baptized on 26 Feb, 1564 in England and died on 30 May, 1593 in London. He was educated from Cambridge University. He was first to use blank verse, which became the standard for the Era. Marlowe wrote many great tragedies like " Tamburlaine, the Great ", " Doctor Faustus ", " The Jew of Malta ", " Edward the Second ". His first play " Tamburlaine " was among the first English plays written in blank verse. Marlowe's play...
Post a Comment
Read more

Death Be Not Proud by John Donne

Death be not proud is written by John donne. it is a Sonnet. John donne was born by 22 January 1572 in London city and dead 31 March 1631. John Don was an English poet and cieric in the church of England. He is one of the greatest writer of English poem and prose. He received his education at Hertford college and Oxford University he secretly married Anne More, the 16 years old nice of lady egerton. Donne's father-in-law disappeared of the marriage. As punishment he did not provide a dowry for the couple and had Donne briefly imprisoned. Death be not proud is written by John donne. It is a Sonnet poem. In this Sonnet John Don say about death. death do not proud you although some people also call you mighty and deadfull. The people you talk with you they do not die. Again he says death you can't kill me here the speaker compare death with rest and sleep while sleep is better than you because it make us enjoy. So that we feel refreshed. Our yo...
Post a Comment
Read more