Lack of Emotional Intelligence Causing the Familial Disaster in D. H. Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers

Abstract

Love, responsibility, respect, and trust are generally considered the most important factors to make a marriage successful. But emotional intelligence is a factor also in making an individual successful not only in the workplace but in familial relationships as well. In D. H. Lawrence’s epoch-making novel, Sons and Lovers disastrous marital relationship between Walter Morel and Gertrude Morel is emphasised throughout the novel and the male partner has generally been held responsible for the said disaster.  However, a careful study of the text and the analysis of the characters, especially, Mrs Morel and Mr Morel will reveal that it is not Mr Morel only but Gertrude also who is responsible for the failure. As Walter fails to understand Gertrude, so does Gertrude.