Women in the Short Story

ii This thesis examines, through a study of theme, characterization and plot, D. H. Lawrence's portrayal of women in his short stories. The study concentrates on a selection of stories that reflect particular patterns and trends of the female character. In general, there are three patterns that are easily identifiable. The first pattern depicts the trapped woman g who always remains trapped in an unhappy situation. The second pattern involves the woman who tries to escape an unhappy situation but is destroyed because of her attempt to abandon a dissatisfying life. The third pattern presents the seemingly "successful " couple, and yet, the only reason for their successful relationship is,that the woman is