Interpretation On The Nietzsche’s Life Philosophy Of Lawrence’s Novels

D. H. Lawrence, a distinguished British modern novelist, is profoundly influenced, both philosophically and intellectually, by Friedrich Nietzsche, one of the most controversial German philosophers. The two great minds, with different nationality and professional background, share a great deal not only in terms of the forms of their art creations, but also in their common objectives, namely, their concentration on the life philosophy in their philosophical and literary productions. The life philosophy, represented by Nietzsche, shapes the ideological basis of D. H. Lawrence’s writing. In brief, the process of Lawrence’s literary creating means that of an all-embracing interpretation of Nietzsche’s life philosophy. Lawrence’s rebellion against industrial civilization, Christianity, rationality and morality, and the pursuit of eternal value of life resembles Nietzsche’s life philosophy. Lawrence regards sex impulse as the origin of creative forces and the source of life. Moreover, Lawrence’s heritage from Nietzsche’s life philosophy takes on some distinctive characteristics and penetrates his own insights into the formation and development of perfect individual characters. In a sense, Lawrence’s exploration of human’s psychology is, therefore, more subtle and comprehensive than that of Nietzsche.This thesis comprises four parts: Part One deals with the literary review of Lawrence’s works both at home and abroad, particularly the research on the relationship between Lawrence’s novels and Nietzsche’s life philosophy. Then it outlines the origin and connotation of the Western life philosophy, with the emphasis on Nietzsche’s life philosophy. And the researching approaches and innovations of this thesis are also mentioned.Part Two elaborates on the evolution of Nietzsche’s life philosophy interpreted in Lawrence’s novels, including the relationship between Lawrence’s works and Nietzsche’s life philosophy. The four periods of Lawrence’s writing characterizes the evolution of Nietzsche’s life philosophy in various dimensions accordingly. In the first period, i.e., the exploration stage, Lawrence’s novels, exemplified by The White Peacock, show a state of bewilderment and struggles in soul and flesh. In the second period, that is, a development stage, Lawrence’s "blood contact theory" and the philosophical thought of "interstellar equilibrium" are introduced. The representative productions in this period include Rainbow and Women in Love, which serves as a landmark of Lawrence’s life philosophy. The third one is a transition stage, in which Lawrence seeks for a primitive religion and sense of power as his subjects of literary creations, which are conclusive of Aaron’s Rod, Kangaroo, and The Plumed Serpent. The subject of the last stage is a return to the Garden of Eden human beings has lost. Lawrence expresses his ideal from a higher level. especially in his Lady Chatterley’s Lover which marks the peak of his literary career and pushes a step forwards his exploration of the life philosophy.Part Three focuses on how Lawrence’s novels interpret Nietzsche’s life philosophy thoughts, from various perspectives of tragedy consciousness, sex consciousness, anti-religious consciousness and the sense of power. In his later creations, such as The White Peacock, Sons and Lovers, The Rainbow, Women in Love, Kangaroo, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, his tragedy consciousness takes life-affirming as precondition; his sex consciousness is reflected in the relationship between man and man, man and nature, man and society, from aspects of instinct, intuition and vigor; his anti-religious consciousness is manifested by marital life, the love between man and woman, et al.; and the sense of power is aroused by the Spirit of Wine God.Part Four is devoted to the innovation of Lawrence’s novels’ interpreting the Nietzsche’s life philosophy, from various perspectives of tragedy consciousness, sex consciousness, anti-religious consciousness and the sense of power.