SUMMARY of the STORY:

The chapter begins by describing Paul, who seems to be bonding very closely with the females in the family, namely his tomboy sister Annie and mother Gertrude, while his brother William is away and his father is disconnected with him due to his drunkenness.

            One day Paul jumped off the sofa and landed on Annie’s favorite and broke it. Annie was obviously upset, but Paul was even more so. So, he decides to sacrifice the doll by burning and smashing it to pieces.

            QUOTE (61-62): this quote displays one of the major themes in this novel. It represents the theme of sacrifice. Lawrence also is vivid and descriptive which easily creates images in the reader’s mind. Furthermore, one realizes the nature of Paul’s character. Instead of fixing those things and people he hurts he would reject and destroy them.

            Another vibrant scene in this chapter is when Paul comes home to find his father abusing his mother. Lawrence intensely describes the children’s disgust and hatred towards their father; especially William.

            QUOTE (62): Lawrence utilizes very realistic diction in Walter’s speech. It lets the reader become more attached to the characters and more immersed into the novel. Furthermore, it allows the reader to easily identify with the children. The actions in the quote are so descriptive that it is as if you were viewing a movie.

.           The family moves from the Bottoms to a house on a hill, which the children loathe. At the house, the children are scared of the “anguish of the home discord” and “shrieking of the tree.

          QUOTE (63): Again Lawrence exploits his talent in using vivid diction to describe the scenery. He forms a metaphorical relationship with the shrieking of the trees with the abuse of his father.

            Much of the chapter is dedicated to the relationships and reactions of Paul towards the other members of his family. One realizes the father-children bond is disrupted due to the drunkenness. However there are times when Walter, the father, takes on his paternal responsibilities.

            QUOTE (68): In this quote, Lawrence succeeds in capturing the character of Walter. The reader is able to sympathize with the character once they learn that he is trying to build a relationship with his children. Lawrence, again, uses realistic speech, which the reader can identify with Walter.

            Unfortunately, Paul’s weak body contracts bronchitis, which ultimately results in a stronger bond with his mother. She never expected him to live when he was born so she tries anything to speed up his convalescence. In the following Gertrude is trying to soothe Paul.

            QUOTE (70-71): Another recurring theme in this novel has to do with the Oedipal complex. This quote shows the beginning of the development of this complex between Paul and Gertrude. Lawrence uses language so that all readers can relate to Paul even though they may not be in the same situation as Paul.

          While Paul is recuperating he notices the environment and everything around him, one being the snow.

QUOTE (71): This quote shows the use of BEAUTIFUL language and descriptiveness of Lawrence once again.

Paul has many responsibilities, one being collecting his father’s paycheck from the mine. Since he is a delicate and sensitive child, he is always thinking that the adults around him are ridiculing and patronizing him. On Friday nights, Paul stays home and bakes while his mother goes to the market. He likes to draw or read while the baking is being done. His mother gets home, shows her purchases to Paul, and they discuss the bargains she has gotten. Since they are poor, they appreciate the value of small trinkets; such as a dish decorated with cornflowers.

At this conclusion of this chapter, William, the eldest brother, comes home for his Christmas visit. Even though the family may seem to be falling apart at times; they realize the necessity for togetherness. This being said, William feels that no matter what his responsibilities may be, he will always be there on the holidays and times of need to be with his family.