From Starting Point To Ending Point—An Ethical Literary Interpretation Of Lawrence’s The White Peacock And Lady Chatterley’s Lover

D. H. Lawrence is regarded as one of the greatest British writers in the early20th century. As most philosophers and literary giants whose minds or artistic styles transcend their times, Lawrence, a masterpieces genius, was not well accepted by the public when he was alive, even many years after his death. In spite of this, he never gave up his beliefs and pursuit on the rough roads of life, hoping to rebuild an ideal society in the ruins of reality. His works take the sex relationship and the damage caused by industrial civilization in modern society as the central topics. Until now, there have been few researches in China approaching to Lawrence’s works with ethical literary criticism. Therefore, this thesis attempts to analyze the ethical relationships in The White Peacock and Lady Chatterley’s Lover by applying the method of ethical literary criticism and illustrate Lawrence’s ethical ideas and the moral significance.This thesis consists of six chapters.Chapter one starts from a brief introduction of D. H. Lawrence and the main plots of his two novels The White Peacock and Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Then, it provides the general literary reviews on Lawrence and his works including both the overseas and the domestic researches. Besides, the author sums up the significance and purpose of this thesis.Chapter two puts forth the theoretical basis of this thesis. It introduces the main ideas of ethical literary criticism put forward by Professor Nie Zhenzhao. Then, the significance and development of this theory are represented. In addition, the author points out its differences from ethics and moral criticism. The last part of this chapter discusses the connection between ethical literary criticism and the two works.The main body of this thesis is found in Chapter three, four and five. Chapter three concentrates on the human-nature relationship. By exposing the destruction to nature by industrial civilization and nature’s positive effects on human beings, it lists Lawrence’s natural view and strategies. Chapter four makes analysis on the human-society relationship. It discusses the interaction between them through which we can see the darkness of society and the living conditions of the distorted men. Chapter five makes a study on the relationship between human and others. The relationship between men and women, workers and capitalists all show the cold interpersonal relationship in the capitalist society.Chapter six is the conclusion. Special emphasis is put on D. H. Lawrence’s ethical opinions. It stresses the prevision of Lawrence’s thoughts and his great contribution to the whole world and finally points out some limitations of this thesis.