| Sigmund Freud was the most influential psychologist and philosopher of the twentiethcentury. The Freudian theory of psychoanalysis has had a farreaching impact on the westernideology, art, philosophy and literature. In the literary field, Lawrence is famous for hisinnovative yet controversial writing style which has earned him vast admiration as well ascriticism that survived his life. Though from different perspectives, both Freud and Lawrencewere highly innovative and personal in view of their researches into the various aspects ofhumanity such as the unconscious and sexuality.Ever since the publication of Lawrence’s first significant work, Sons and Lovers,generations’ of critics have interpreted it in light of Freudian theory. Most of his works havealso been interpreted as typical demonstrations of Freudian philosophies, while Lawrencehimself has never admitted such criticism. Though both of them are interested in themechanism of human mind and the issue of sex, great differences can be found between theirideas. Therefore it is necessary to conduct a comparative study of their philosophies to betterinterpret Lawrence’s works.The thesis comprises six parts. Part One gives a brief introduction of Freud’s andLawrence’s philosophies as well as a generalization of previous researches. The body consistsof four chapters: Chapter One discusses their different views of the unconscious; Chapter Twodeals with the difference in their theories on sexuality; Chapter Three focuses on the specificpoint of Oedipus complex. By interpreting Lawrence’s work, the paper intends to explore theirdifferent views on this matter. Based on the previous analysis, the last chapter delves into theinvestigation into the interaction between individuality and civilization. The last partsummarizes their similarities and differences and then gives the corresponding explanation fortheir limitations. After all, the thesis aims to help better interpret Lawrence’s works as the author intended to. |
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