Romanticizing the Primitive Cultures and Anti-colonial Vision in D. H. Lawrence’s Post-war Fiction

Abstract

This paper aims to explore Lawrence’s preference for primitive cultures and his anti-colonial vision in his post-war fiction. His pre-war novels express his love for England. However, the onset of the First World War resulted in his disillusionment for European culture. In revulsion, he sought withdrawal from Europe and started idealizing the primitive modes of life. Thus, celebration of primitive societies is evident in his post-war novels. This discontent with deteriorating European civilization and glorification of foreign primitive cultures also led him to a decolonizing vision. Consequently, his post-War fiction presents a critique of colonialism and imperialism. This study has employed qualitative method, and textual analysis technique in order to trace celebration of Primitive Cultures and anti-colonial vision in Lawrence’s Post-war Fiction. Postcolonial theory has provided the basic framework for this study. They analysis proves that in Lawrence’s later novels his predilection for primitive societies is accompanied by his anti-colonial vision. Future researchers can attempt an in-depth analysis of Lawrence’s post-colonial and anarchist vision.