Introduction
D. H. Lawrence, a controversial and influential figure in 20th-century English literature, penned “The Rainbow” in 1915. This novel stands as a pivotal work in Lawrence’s oeuvre, bridging his earlier, more conventional writings with his later, more experimental and psychologically probing novels. “The Rainbow” is a generational saga that follows the Brangwen family over three generations, set against the backdrop of England’s rapid industrialization.
The novel delves deep into themes of love, sexuality, and the quest for individual fulfillment, while also exploring the changing social landscape of rural England. Lawrence’s work is notable for its frank portrayal of human sexuality, its lyrical prose style, and its penetrating psychological insights. “The Rainbow” represents a significant milestone in modernist literature, pushing boundaries in both content and form, and cementing Lawrence’s reputation as a daring and visionary author.
Brief Summary
“The Rainbow” chronicles the lives of three generations of the Brangwen family in Nottinghamshire, England, from the 1840s to the early 20th century. The story begins with Tom Brangwen, a farmer who marries a Polish widow, Lydia. Their daughter Anna marries her cousin Will, and the narrative then shifts to focus on Will and Anna’s daughter, Ursula.
Through these characters, Lawrence explores the tensions between tradition and modernity, the complexities of male-female relationships, and the individual’s struggle for self-realization. The novel culminates with Ursula’s coming-of-age story, her sexual awakening, and her quest for independence and fulfillment beyond the confines of traditional rural life.
The Generational Saga: Continuity and Change
Lawrence structures “The Rainbow” as a generational saga, allowing him to explore themes of continuity and change across time. Each generation of Brangwens faces unique challenges as England transitions from an agrarian to an industrial society. Tom Brangwen represents the old, rural way of life, deeply connected to the land. His marriage to Lydia, a foreigner, introduces the first hints of change and the outside world encroaching on their insular community.
As the novel progresses to Anna and Will’s generation, we see a greater struggle between tradition and modernity. Will works as a draughtsman, symbolizing the shift towards industrialization. Their relationship is marked by intense passion but also conflict, as they navigate new roles and expectations.
Ursula’s story, which dominates the latter part of the novel, fully embraces the theme of change. She pursues education and a career, challenging traditional gender roles. Lawrence writes,
“She was the naked, clear kernel thrusting forth the clear, powerful shoot, and the world was a bygone winter, discarded, her mother and father and Anton, and college and all her friends, all cast off like a year that has gone by, whilst the kernel was free and naked and striving to take new root.”
Sexuality and the Human Psyche
One of the most striking aspects of “The Rainbow” is its frank and often poetic depiction of human sexuality. Lawrence portrays sexual desire as a powerful, almost mystical force that shapes his characters’ lives and relationships. He rejects the prudish Victorian attitudes towards sex, instead presenting it as a vital aspect of human experience and self-discovery.
The sexual relationships in the novel are described in vivid, often symbolic language. For instance, Lawrence writes of Tom and Lydia: “He felt himself burningly alive, and he was clothed in a new fire. She was the door to all the infinity of the unknown.”
However, Lawrence’s exploration of sexuality goes beyond the physical act itself. He delves into the psychological impact of sexual experiences, the power dynamics in relationships, and the way sexual fulfillment (or lack thereof) affects his characters’ sense of self and place in the world.
The Quest for Self-Realization
At its core, “The Rainbow” is about the individual’s quest for self-realization and fulfillment. Each generation of Brangwens strives to understand themselves and their place in the world, with varying degrees of success. This theme is most fully realized in Ursula’s story, as she struggles to define herself beyond the roles prescribed by her family and society.
Ursula’s journey takes her through a series of relationships and experiences, each contributing to her growth and self-understanding. Her affair with Anton Skrebensky, her experiences as a teacher, and her final, symbolic vision of the rainbow all represent stages in her quest for selfhood.
Lawrence writes, “She saw in the rainbow the earth’s new architecture, the old, brittle corruption of houses and factories swept away, the world built up in a living fabric of Truth, fitting to the over-arching heaven.” This powerful image encapsulates the novel’s central theme of personal transformation and the hope for a new, more authentic way of living.
Literary Techniques in “The Rainbow”
Lawrence employs a range of literary techniques to convey his themes and create a rich, immersive reading experience:
- Symbolic imagery: The rainbow itself is a recurring symbol, representing hope, renewal, and the promise of a better future. Other natural elements, such as the moon and water, are used symbolically throughout the novel.
- Poetic prose: Lawrence’s writing style is highly lyrical, often blurring the line between prose and poetry. His descriptions of nature and human emotions are particularly vivid and sensuous.
- Free indirect discourse: Lawrence frequently shifts between third-person narration and the inner thoughts of his characters, creating a sense of intimacy and psychological depth.
- Repetition and rhythm: The author uses repetitive phrases and rhythmic language to create a hypnotic effect, particularly in passages describing intense emotional or physical experiences.
These techniques contribute to the novel’s dreamlike quality and its exploration of the characters’ inner lives, setting “The Rainbow” apart as a pioneering work of modernist literature.
Critical Reception and Impact
Upon its release in 1915, “The Rainbow” was met with considerable controversy. The novel’s frank depiction of sexuality led to it being banned in Britain for over a decade on grounds of obscenity. Despite this initial suppression, the novel has since been recognized as a masterpiece of modernist literature.
Critics have praised Lawrence’s psychological insight, his poetic prose style, and his bold exploration of themes that were taboo in his time. The novel’s influence can be seen in later works that deal frankly with sexuality and the inner lives of characters.
However, “The Rainbow” has also faced criticism. Some readers have found Lawrence’s prose style overwrought, while others have taken issue with his portrayal of women, which can be seen as both empowering and problematic by modern standards.
Despite these debates, “The Rainbow” remains a significant work in the canon of English literature, celebrated for its artistic innovation and its profound exploration of human relationships and individual growth.
Conclusion
“The Rainbow” stands as a testament to D. H. Lawrence’s artistic vision and his ability to probe the depths of human experience. Through its generational structure, the novel offers a sweeping view of societal change while maintaining an intense focus on individual lives and relationships. Lawrence’s exploration of sexuality, self-realization, and the tension between tradition and modernity continues to resonate with readers today.
The novel’s enduring significance lies in its unflinching portrayal of human desire and its celebration of individual authenticity. As Ursula Brangwen gazes upon the rainbow at the novel’s conclusion, we are left with a powerful image of hope and renewal, both for the individual and for society as a whole. “The Rainbow” challenges us to look beyond conventional morality and social structures, encouraging a more honest and vital approach to life and relationships.
In doing so, it remains a powerful and relevant work of literature, inviting each new generation of readers to engage with its timeless themes and to find their own path to self-discovery and fulfillment.
