“The Man Who Died” is a novella written by D.H. Lawrence, published in 1930. The story is a reimagined telling of the life of Jesus Christ, had he survived being crucified. The novella has been the subject of much critical analysis and interpretation, with many scholars considering it to be an allegory for Lawrence’s own spiritual journey.
Lawrence’s story is divided into two parts. In the first part, Christ emerges from his tomb and finds lodging with a peasant and his wife. In the second part, Christ becomes enamored with a group of Christians and their leader, and ultimately sacrifices himself for their cause. The novella explores themes of spiritual awakening, sacrifice, and redemption, and has been praised for its vivid imagery and powerful storytelling.
Author Background
D.H. Lawrence’s Literary Significance
D.H. Lawrence was an English novelist, poet, playwright, and essayist. He is widely regarded as one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century. Lawrence’s works often explore the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of individuals to find their place in society. His writing style is characterized by its vivid imagery, sensual language, and psychological depth.
Lawrence’s literary significance is evident in his ability to capture the essence of the human condition. His works reflect his deep understanding of the human psyche and his ability to convey complex emotions through his writing. Lawrence’s novels often explore themes of love, sexuality, and the search for meaning in life.
Historical Context of the Work
“The Man Who Died” was written by D.H. Lawrence in 1929, during a period of political and social upheaval in Europe. The aftermath of World War I had left Europe in a state of economic and political instability, which had a profound impact on the cultural and artistic landscape of the time.
Lawrence’s novel reflects the anxieties of the era, as it explores the themes of death, resurrection, and the search for spiritual meaning in a world that seems to have lost its way. The novel is also notable for its use of Christian allegory, which was a common literary device during the time. Lawrence’s use of allegory reflects his interest in exploring the deeper meaning of human existence and the search for spiritual enlightenment.
Overview of “The Man Who Died”
“The Man Who Died” is a novella by D.H. Lawrence, published in 1931. The story is an allegory that explores the themes of life, death, and resurrection. The protagonist of the story is a man named Pahom, who is a wealthy merchant living in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus Christ.
The story begins with Pahom falling ill and dying. However, he is miraculously resurrected by a group of Christians who believe him to be the second coming of Christ. Pahom is initially skeptical of their beliefs, but he begins to question his own materialistic lifestyle and becomes enamored with the group’s leader, a woman named Mary.
As Pahom becomes more involved with the Christian community, he begins to have visions of Jesus Christ and experiences a spiritual transformation. He ultimately sacrifices his own life to save Mary from being crucified, and the story ends with his body being taken away by the Christians.
Allegorical Elements
Christ Figure and Resurrection
In D.H. Lawrence’s “The Man Who Died,” the character of Jesus Christ is reimagined as a phallic symbol and is portrayed as a sexual being who experiences a physical resurrection. This allegory is used to explore the themes of rebirth, sexuality, and the search for meaning in life. The resurrection of Christ in the story is symbolic of the cyclical nature of life and death, and the importance of embracing change and growth.
Themes of Rebirth and Sexuality
The themes of rebirth and sexuality are central to the allegory in “The Man Who Died.” The story explores the idea that sexual energy is a powerful force that can be harnessed to achieve spiritual growth and enlightenment. The character of Christ is portrayed as a sexual being who experiences a physical resurrection, which is symbolic of the transformative power of sexual energy.
Symbolism of the Phoenix
The phoenix is a powerful symbol of rebirth and transformation, and it is used throughout “The Man Who Died” to represent the cyclical nature of life and death. The phoenix is also used to symbolize the transformative power of sexual energy, and the importance of embracing change and growth. The phoenix is a powerful symbol of hope and renewal, and it is used to convey the message that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of rebirth and transformation.
Character Analysis
The Man
The Man, also known as Jesus Christ, is the protagonist of D.H. Lawrence’s The Man Who Died. After being crucified and buried, he miraculously comes back to life and begins his journey to understand the true meaning of life. Throughout the novella, The Man is portrayed as a humble and compassionate individual who seeks to help those around him. He is also shown to be a deep thinker, questioning the values and beliefs of the society he lives in.
Madeleine
Madeleine is a young woman who The Man meets during his journey. She is portrayed as a symbol of purity and innocence, and The Man is immediately drawn to her. Madeleine is also shown to be a caring and compassionate person, and she helps The Man in his quest for knowledge and understanding. Her character serves as a contrast to the corrupt and materialistic society that The Man encounters.
The Priest
The Priest is a minor character in the novella, but he plays an important role in The Man’s journey. He is portrayed as a symbol of the corrupt and hypocritical religious establishment of the time. The Priest is shown to be more concerned with maintaining his power and influence than with helping those in need. He is also shown to be fearful of The Man’s teachings, as they threaten his authority.
Literary Devices Used
Imagery and Metaphor
D.H. Lawrence’s “The Man Who Died” is a novella that makes use of vivid imagery and metaphor to convey its themes and message. Throughout the story, Lawrence uses a variety of sensory details to create a rich and immersive world for the reader. For example, he describes the landscape surrounding Pahom’s home in great detail, using words like “lush,” “verdant,” and “bountiful” to evoke a sense of natural abundance.
Metaphor is also used extensively throughout the novella. One of the most striking examples is the comparison between Pahom and Christ. Lawrence draws parallels between the two characters, portraying Pahom as a kind of everyman who must struggle to find meaning and purpose in his life, much like Christ did. This comparison is further reinforced by the fact that Pahom is ultimately crucified, just as Christ was.
Language and Tone
The language and tone of “The Man Who Died” are also key literary devices used by Lawrence to convey his message. Throughout the novella, Lawrence uses a simple and straightforward style of writing that is easy to understand and follow. This simplicity is intentional, as it allows the reader to focus on the themes and ideas being presented, rather than getting bogged down in complex language or convoluted plotlines.
The tone of the novella is also noteworthy. Lawrence writes with a sense of urgency and intensity, using language that is emotive and at times even poetic. This tone helps to create a sense of immediacy and importance, drawing the reader in and encouraging them to engage with the story on a deeper level.
Critical Reception
The Man Who Died by D.H. Lawrence has received mixed critical reception over the years. While some critics have praised the novella for its allegorical depth and exploration of the human condition, others have criticized it for its lack of originality and heavy-handed symbolism.
One of the main criticisms of The Man Who Died is that it is too overtly allegorical, with some critics feeling that Lawrence’s use of symbolism is heavy-handed and lacking in subtlety. However, others have argued that the novella’s allegorical nature is precisely what makes it so powerful, allowing Lawrence to explore complex themes and ideas in a way that is accessible to readers.
Relevance to Modern Readers
The allegorical nature of “The Man Who Died” makes it a timeless piece of literature that is still relevant to modern readers. The story’s exploration of the human condition and the search for meaning in life is something that people can relate to regardless of the time period.
One of the most significant themes of the story is the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of wealth. This theme is particularly relevant in today’s society, where the accumulation of wealth and possessions is often seen as the ultimate goal of life. The story serves as a cautionary tale, warning readers about the emptiness of a life focused solely on material gain.
Another theme that is relevant to modern readers is the search for spirituality and the meaning of life. The protagonist’s journey towards enlightenment is something that many people can relate to, as they too search for answers to life’s big questions.