Unregistered
05-24-2005, 06:07 PM
Lady Chatterley's lover is about so much more than sex. It is about our fear of living. It acknowledges the fact thats sex is about more than the simple physical act - our sexuality informs much of our life and is informed by the way we choose to be in life. Many critics have remarked that what it has to say about sexual relations is irrelevant in our present culture. I disagree: This book comments on sexual shame. Connie feels purged of shame after a particularly passionate night with Mellors. 'Rather than feeling shame, shame left her'. It also places sexual desire in a context of bravery in the face of true love - does Mellors run away when Connie becomes pregnant?. <br>I question the idea that it doesn't have soemthing profound to say to us now: Does pornography, lap dancers and the rest of the 'sex industry' mean that we are more comfortable with our sexuality? I would say not. However, I do feel that we are being encouraged to talk openly about sex, we are also encouraged to feel comfortable (especially as women) with the idea of expressing our sexuality. Yet I see constant reminders in the media, of the idea of external sexuality being favoured over inner sexuality. The attraction between Mellors and Connie is as much to do wih their sense of bonding because they feel alienated by an unfeeling society, as it is to do with physical attraction.<br>There is a parallel drawn throughout the novel between the deadening effects of class and capitalism and the deadening effect of sex when it does not involve all of a human being.<br>D.H. Lawrence wrote a small poem about thought - the last line of which is:<br>'Thought is a man in his wholeness, wholly attending'<br><br>Both Connie and Mellors bring honesty, sexuality, humour, intellect, forgiveness and courage to their relationship together. One of the original titles Lawrence thought of for the novel was 'Tenderness'.<br>For me this novel has always been one of the best examples of love that exists. I would wish for everyone to find their Connie or Mellors - whatever their race or sexual orientation! This book brings me joy and hope each time I read it.