Mrs Morel and Paul are the major characters in 'Sons and Lovers'. Yet Mrs Morel is even less likable than her son Paul.
Objectionable is the smothering of her sons, her sustained vendetta against Miriam, and her pretentious bias in alienating her husband from both his sons. She soon drives Morel to drink and dissipation. Clara's treatment of her husband is little better. Mrs Morel death is a blessing in more ways than one.
At the end of the book, we have as much sympathy for the drunkards, Baxter Dawes and Morel, as for anyone. But perhaps that's true to life.

