The White Peacock is a novel by D.H. Lawrence that was published in 1911. The book is set in the English countryside and tells the story of two cousins, George and Lucy, as they navigate their complicated feelings for each other and the people around them. The novel is known for its use of symbolism, particularly the white peacock, which is a recurring motif throughout the book.
In The White Peacock, Lawrence uses the white peacock as an allegory for beauty, grace, and purity. The white peacock is a rare and exotic bird that is often associated with royalty and nobility. Its pure white feathers and majestic appearance make it a symbol of elegance and refinement. Lawrence uses the white peacock to represent the elusive and enigmatic nature of beauty, which is a central theme in the novel.
Throughout the book, Lawrence weaves a complex web of symbolism and allegory, using the natural world to reflect the inner lives of his characters. The White Peacock is a fascinating study of human relationships and the power of beauty to inspire and transform. In this article, we will explore the allegorical significance of the white peacock in Lawrence’s masterpiece and examine the ways in which it illuminates the novel’s themes and motifs.
Biographical Context of D.H. Lawrence
D.H. Lawrence was an English novelist, poet, playwright, and literary critic, born on September 11, 1885, in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, England. He was the fourth of five children in a lower-middle-class family. Lawrence’s father was a coal miner, and his mother was a former schoolteacher.
Lawrence’s childhood was marked by poverty, illness, and family tensions. He left school at the age of 16 and worked as a clerk and a teacher before becoming a full-time writer. His experiences growing up in a working-class family and his struggles with his health and relationships would later influence his writing.
Lawrence’s literary career began in 1909 when he published his first poems in The English Review. He gained critical acclaim with his first novel, The White Peacock, in 1911. He went on to write several other novels, including Sons and Lovers, Women in Love, and Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
Lawrence’s works often dealt with themes such as sexuality, relationships, and the conflict between modernity and tradition. He was a controversial figure in his time, and his works were often censored or banned for their explicit content. Lawrence died on March 2, 1930, in Vence, France, at the age of 44, due to complications from tuberculosis.
Overview of ‘The White Peacock’
D.H. Lawrence’s first novel, ‘The White Peacock,’ published in 1911, is a story of love, loss, and self-discovery. The novel is set in the English countryside and follows the lives of two families, the Brangwens and the Lenskis. The story is told through the eyes of the protagonist, George, who is in love with the beautiful and enigmatic, Lettie Brangwen.
The novel explores the themes of love, beauty, and the human condition. Lawrence uses the white peacock as a symbol of beauty, grace, and purity, which is a recurring motif throughout the novel. The white peacock represents the elusive and enigmatic nature of beauty, and its appearance in the novel is often associated with moments of profound insight and self-discovery.
The novel is notable for Lawrence’s vivid descriptions of the English countryside, which are both beautiful and haunting. Lawrence’s writing style is poetic and lyrical, and he uses rich imagery to create a sense of place and atmosphere. ‘The White Peacock’ is a must-read for anyone interested in Lawrence’s work and the English literary tradition.
Allegorical Elements in ‘The White Peacock’
Symbolism of the Peacock
The white peacock in D.H. Lawrence’s novel represents beauty, grace, and purity. It is a rare and exotic bird that is often associated with royalty and nobility. The peacock’s pure white feathers and majestic appearance make it a symbol of elegance and sophistication. The bird’s elusive and enigmatic nature also represents the elusive nature of beauty itself. The peacock’s feathers are used as a symbol of beauty throughout the novel, and they are often associated with the character of Lettie, who is described as having “peacock feathers in her soul.”
Character Representations
The characters in ‘The White Peacock’ are allegorical representations of different aspects of society. George, for example, represents the intellectual and artistic elite, while Lettie represents the beauty and grace of nature. The character of Mr. Lindley represents the oppressive forces of society, while the character of Miss Mary represents the traditional values of the working-class. The character of Tom is a representation of the common man, who is caught between these opposing forces.
Nature vs. Society
The novel explores the conflict between nature and society, with the peacock representing the beauty and purity of nature, and the characters representing the various forces of society. The novel suggests that society is often oppressive and restrictive, and that it can stifle creativity and individuality. The character of George, who represents the intellectual and artistic elite, struggles to reconcile his love of nature with his obligations to society. Similarly, Lettie struggles to maintain her purity and grace in the face of society’s expectations. The novel ultimately suggests that the beauty and purity of nature are more valuable than the constraints of society.
Themes and Motifs
Search for Identity
The theme of self-discovery is prominent in “The White Peacock.” Lawrence explores how individuals search for their identity and purpose in life. George and Lettie, the main characters, struggle to find their place in the world and come to terms with their emotions. They search for meaning in their lives and try to understand their place in society.
Love and Relationships
Another significant theme in “The White Peacock” is love and relationships. Lawrence portrays the complexities of romantic relationships and how they impact individuals. George and Lettie’s relationship is complicated by their different social backgrounds, and they struggle to find a balance between their love for each other and their societal expectations. The novel also explores the idea of unrequited love and how it affects individuals.
Industrialization and Its Impact
Lawrence also touches on the theme of industrialization and its impact on society. The novel is set in the English countryside, which is undergoing significant changes due to industrialization. The characters are torn between their love for the natural world and their desire for progress. Lawrence highlights the negative effects of industrialization on the environment and the impact it has on society’s values and way of life.
Literary Analysis
Narrative Structure
The narrative structure of “The White Peacock” by D.H. Lawrence is complex and multi-layered. The story follows the lives of two cousins, George and Lucy, as they navigate their complicated feelings for each other and the people around them. The plot is driven by a series of events that unfold in a non-linear fashion, with flashbacks and flash-forwards used to create a sense of tension and suspense.
Stylistic Devices
D.H. Lawrence employs a variety of stylistic devices in “The White Peacock” to create a rich and evocative narrative. One of the most notable of these is his use of symbolism, particularly the white peacock itself. The bird is used as a metaphor for beauty, grace, and purity, and serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel.
Another key stylistic device used by Lawrence is his vivid and descriptive prose. He paints a vivid picture of the English countryside and its inhabitants, using rich and evocative language to create a sense of place and atmosphere.
Point of View
Lawrence uses a third-person omniscient point of view in “The White Peacock”, allowing the reader to see into the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters. This technique creates a sense of intimacy and empathy with the characters, and allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of their motivations and desires.
Critical Reception of “The White Peacock”
Critics have had mixed reactions to D.H. Lawrence’s debut novel, “The White Peacock.” Some have praised the novel’s lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of nature, while others have criticized its slow pace and lack of plot development. However, most agree that the novel is an important early work in Lawrence’s career and provides insight into his later, more mature writing.
One of the main criticisms of “The White Peacock” is its lack of a strong plot. Some critics have argued that the novel is too focused on description and character development, and that Lawrence fails to create a compelling narrative. Others have praised the novel’s introspective tone and its exploration of themes such as love, nature, and identity.
Despite these criticisms, many critics have praised Lawrence’s writing style in “The White Peacock.” The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of the English countryside and its lyrical prose. Lawrence’s use of symbolism and allegory has also been noted, particularly in his portrayal of the white peacock as a symbol of beauty and purity.
Comparisons to Other Lawrence Works
When compared to Lawrence’s other works, “The White Peacock” stands out as a unique piece of literature. While other novels like “Sons and Lovers” and “Women in Love” explore themes of sexuality and relationships, “The White Peacock” focuses more on the individual’s inner turmoil and self-discovery.
Unlike “Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” which was banned for its explicit sexual content, “The White Peacock” is a more subdued and introspective novel. However, both works share a common theme of exploring the individual’s relationship with nature.
In terms of style, “The White Peacock” is more poetic and lyrical than Lawrence’s later works. The novel’s vivid descriptions of the English countryside and the characters’ inner thoughts and emotions create a dreamlike atmosphere that is not present in his later, more realistic works.
Influence on Modern Literature
D.H. Lawrence’s The White Peacock has had a significant impact on modern literature. The novel’s allegorical nature has influenced many writers, including Salman Rushdie, Angela Carter, and Jeanette Winterson. Rushdie, in particular, has cited Lawrence’s use of symbolism as a major influence on his own work, including his novel Midnight’s Children.
The White Peacock’s exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the search for identity has also resonated with modern readers and writers. The novel’s examination of the complexities of human relationships has influenced contemporary writers such as Zadie Smith and Kazuo Ishiguro.
Lawrence’s use of regional dialect and his portrayal of the English countryside have also had a lasting impact on modern literature. The White Peacock’s vivid descriptions of nature and the landscape have influenced writers such as Ted Hughes and Seamus Heaney.
Reading ‘The White Peacock’ Today
The White Peacock, D.H. Lawrence’s debut novel, was published over a century ago, in 1911. Despite its age, the novel still holds relevance today, especially for those interested in the development of Lawrence’s literary style.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its use of allegory. Lawrence employs the white peacock as a symbol for the beauty and purity of the natural world, which is contrasted with the corruption and decay of human society. This allegory remains relevant today, as environmental concerns continue to be a pressing issue.
Another aspect of the novel that still resonates today is its exploration of the complexities of human relationships. The novel’s central characters struggle with issues of love, duty, and social class, which are still relevant themes in contemporary literature.
Finally, the novel’s setting in the English countryside offers a glimpse into a bygone era, and provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the rural working classes of the early 20th century. This glimpse into the past is a valuable reminder of the importance of preserving historical records and artifacts for future generations.