The History of Literature 703 D.H. Lawrence (with David Ellis) | My Last Book with Dorian Lynskey
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May 19, 2025 
David Ellis, Emeritus Professor of English Literature and biographer of D.H. Lawrence, shares insights on the complexities surrounding this enigmatic novelist. He discusses Lawrence's tumultuous upbringing and the impact on his literary works. Dorian Lynskey, a literature expert on cataclysmic themes, contemplates which final book might resonate at life’s end. Together, they explore the contrasts in Lawrence’s character, his struggles with authenticity, and the personal connections that shaped his artistic vision.
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Jack Wilson's Lawrence Discovery
- Jack Wilson shares his first encounter with D.H. Lawrence's writing in Taiwan, discovering a passion for his passionate and venomous style.
- This experience transformed his perception, revealing Lawrence's fierce creativity and existential struggles.
Lawrence's Bilingual Upbringing
- Lawrence grew up bilingual, speaking both standard English and local dialect, reflecting his unique social position.
- His upward mobility via education and teaching shaped his literary perspective and background.
Lawrence's Evolving Father's View
- Lawrence's relationship with his father evolved from hatred to sympathy as he saw him as a noble, uncorrupted figure.
- This shift reflects Lawrence's critique of middle-class values and education's effect on authenticity.
