THE RAINBOW. Review on Rainbow, The - D. H. Lawrence

THE RAINBOW as usual like most DH Lawrence novels deals with some so called controversial themes involving religion, pre marital sex, homosexuality etc. More than anything it explores a new style of writing which was never explored before. Lawrence in THE RAINBOW largely dispenses with plot as the major structural device. The novel does tell the story of 3 generations in a family and the various attempts by members of this Brangwen family to achieve selfhood. But instead of a narrator holding the story there is a central theme which ultimately brings in the unity.

THE STORY

''The Brangwens had lived for generations on the Marsh Farm, in the meadows where the Erewash twisted sluggishly through alder trees, separating Derbyshire from Nottinghamshire...'' Thus starts the story of the Brangwens with highlights on Tom and Lydia. Anna Tom’s step daughter grows up and marries Will Brangwen. Her daughter Ursula goes through a journey of self discovery in which she falls in and out of love with Anton Skrebensky, gets pregnant, loses her child, falls for her teacher Winifred Inger and struggles to educate herself and become economically independent.

CHARACTERS

The most important character is that of Ursula Brangwen who has in turn several characters revolving around her life. One of the unique features of THE RAINBOW is Lawrence’s treatment of characters. Sometimes it becomes impossible to determine which character is the true protagonist. Towards the beginning you feel that Tom Brangwen is important and soon after focus shifts to his step daughter Anna. In place of emphasis on characters, Lawrence traces a circuitous journey through three generations-alternating voices of three generations of Brangwen women. Each of these three women are given their space to find the path of their own rainbow. The word ''journey'' itself is repeated frequently enough, and the torch of change is constantly being passed along. The journey traces from the Polish widow, Lydia Lensky to her Brangwen husband, Tom, her daughter, Anna Lensky/ Brangwen to another Brangwen, Will, and eventually to the ''heiress'' of Brangwen memories-Ursula.

THE RAINBOW ELEMENT

Ursula finds her rainbow at the end though her journey continues in the next book WOMEN IN LOVE. Rainbow is the symbol of hope and rejuvenation. A bridge which joins aspirations and dreams to reality. Its seven colors, the different aspects of the mysteries of life. The striking scene in the book is the one involving horses when Ursula crosses to the other side and the illusory horses spare her.She survives to find her rainbow.

URSULA The most interesting generation of the Brangwen is the third one, focused on Ursula (she and her sister Gudrun will be the protagonists of WOMEN IN LOVE published in 1917). She was different from her mother and did not like sharing her fecundity with all the zeal Anna showed. Like Lydia she was also not satisfied finding the otherness of self in the opposite sex(Tom) Ursula like the modern woman wanted more. It was really interesting to see a female character in those times strive for a more independent life. Her struggle with her parents was more convincing and will seem to be justified to you. But there are many things which remain unanswered. Like her immature relationship with Anton. What really did she feel for him. Was there no other man than Anton? Was she confused about her sexuality? If she loved Anton then why was she attracted to Winifred ? The same sex relationship is left mid way unresolved. Winifred had a powerful influence on Ursula, it is possible that the independent element in Ursula came from her. Then how does she vanish from her life?

STRIKING SCENES

Anna Brangwen nee Lensky while pregnant undresses and slowly dances ritualistically in her room before the fire. · Ursula and Anton make love under the moon. · Winifred and Ursula go for a swim in the rain. · The horses scene with Ursula

SENSUALITY

Lawrence’s prose has a very fine element about it. It never seems vulgar to you until and unless you are very very puritanical. Enjoy the book and look for the review of the next part: ‘Women In Love’.

Also check out my review on 'Madame Bovary'