# Death in the Family explained — Sons and Lovers

> Chapter companion for Sons and Lovers by D. H. Lawrence.

## What happens

Arthur Morel grows up with a fiery temper and a difficult relationship with his father, while Mrs. Morel grows closer to Paul. William brings his fiancée, Lily, home, but his relationship with her is fraught with bitterness and doubt. William falls ill and dies suddenly, devastating the family. Paul continues his work at Jordan's and his bond with his mother deepens.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mother-Son Bond

Mrs. Morel clings to Paul as William becomes distant, and she shares her life with him. Her bond with William is strained by his engagement, but his death deepens her grief.

### Marital Discord and Alienation

The Morels' marriage continues to deteriorate, with Walter becoming a 'mean-looking elderly man' and his children loathing him, reflecting ongoing domestic strife.

### Death, Grief, and Loss

William's sudden illness and death are central to the chapter, causing profound grief for Mrs. Morel and the family.

### Love as Possession vs. Freedom

William's relationship with Lily is marked by bitterness and possessiveness; he questions her love and feels trapped, while Mrs. Morel views Lily as unworthy.

## Character check-ins

### Arthur Morel

Growing up, impulsive, hates study, has a fiery temper, detests his father, wins a scholarship to Grammar School in Nottingham.

### Gertrude Morel

Clings to Paul, unburdens herself to him, disapproves of William's fiancée, worries about William's health, devastated by his death.

### Paul Morel

Quiet, sticks to painting and his mother, shares lives with her, works at Jordan's, wages raised to ten shillings.

### William Morel

Engaged to Lily, bitter about the relationship, falls ill and dies suddenly.

### Walter Morel

Falls into slow ruin, becomes mean and despicable, children loathe him, persists in disgusting ways.

### Louisa Lily Denys Western

William's fiancée, shallow according to William, visits the Morels at Christmas and Easter, queens it over the family.

### Annie Morel

Junior teacher in Board-school, passes her examination, will earn fifteen shillings.

## Key lines

> Arthur Morel was growing up. He was a quick, careless, impulsive boy, a good deal like his father.

Arthur Morel matures into a quick, careless, and impulsive young man, resembling his father in temperament.

_Introduces Arthur's character and his similarity to Walter Morel._

> Mrs. Morel clung now to Paul. He was quiet and not brilliant. But still he stuck to his painting, and still he stuck to his mother.

Mrs. Morel becomes increasingly attached to Paul, who remains devoted to his art and to her.

_Highlights the deepening bond between Paul and his mother._

> On Tuesday morning came a telegram from London that he was ill. Mrs. Morel got off her knees from

On Tuesday morning, a telegram arrives from London announcing William's illness, prompting Mrs. Morel to rise from her knees.

_Marks the beginning of William's fatal illness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sons_and_lovers_se/chapters/part-i-vi-death-in-the-family
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sons_and_lovers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sons_and_lovers_se/chapters