Sons and Lovers · Chapter
III: The Casting Off of Morel—The Taking on of William explained
This chapter focuses on the growing tensions within the Morel household, particularly between Walter Morel and his wife Gertrude, as well as the shifting of Gertrude's affections from her husband to her sons, especially William.
What happens
This chapter focuses on the growing tensions within the Morel household, particularly between Walter Morel and his wife Gertrude, as well as the shifting of Gertrude's affections from her husband to her sons, especially William. It details William's childhood incidents, including a conflict with Alfred Anthony that leads to a violent confrontation between his parents. As William grows older, he becomes the object of his mother's pride and ambition, securing a job at the Co-op office and eventually leaving for London, symbolizing his escape from the mining life. The chapter also highlights Gertrude's involvement in the Women's Guild, which gives her a sense of independence and a platform to critique her domestic life.
Themes in this chapter
Marital Discord and Alienation
The violent argument between Walter and Gertrude over disciplining William underscores the deep rift in their marriage, with Gertrude openly defying her husband.
Class Conflict and Ambition
Gertrude's determination to keep William out of the pit and her pride in his office job highlight her ambition to rise above the working-class mining life.
Mother-Son Bond
Gertrude's fierce protection of William and her emotional investment in his future demonstrate the intense bond that replaces her failed marriage.
Characters to notice
- Gertrude Morel
Defends William against his father's wrath, joins the Women's Guild, and channels her ambitions into her son's future.
- Walter Morel
Angry and confrontational, he sides with a neighbor against his son and clashes violently with his wife over discipline.
- William Morel
A sensitive and clever boy who gets into a scuffle with Alfred Anthony, later becomes the focus of his mother's pride and leaves for London.
- Paul Morel
Observes the family dynamics and collects the decorative corners from William's discarded love letters.
- Alfy
Alfred Anthony, the boy whose collar is torn in a fight with William, leading to a neighborhood dispute.
Key passages
“she carried the child into the yard, plumped him into his little chair, and said: “Now cry there, Misery!””
She set the child outside in his chair and told him to cry there, calling him 'Misery.'
Illustrates Gertrude's harsh treatment of Paul during his crying fits, contrasting with her devotion to William.
““I’ll let ’im know when I get him,” said Morel, banging his pit-bottle on to the dresser.”
Morel threatened to punish William, slamming his bottle down in anger.
Shows Morel's volatile temper and his readiness to use physical discipline.
““Only dare!” she said in a loud, ringing voice. “Only dare, milord, to lay a finger on that child! You’ll regret it forever.””
She warned him defiantly not to touch the child, saying he would regret it.
Highlights Gertrude's fierce protectiveness and her dominance in the confrontation.
““What dost want ter ma’e a stool-harsed Jack on ’im for?” said Morel. “All he’ll do is to wear his britches behind out an’ earn nowt.””
Morel criticized the idea of making William a clerk, saying he would just wear out his trousers sitting down and earn nothing.
Reflects the class conflict between the mining life and Gertrude's ambitions for white-collar work.
“And William went to London, to start a new life.”
William left for London to begin a fresh chapter.
Marks a pivotal moment as William escapes the mining community, fulfilling his mother's aspirations.
