“The Prussian Officer and Other Stories” is a collection of short stories by D.H. Lawrence, published in 1914. The stories explore themes such as power, sexuality, and relationships, and are set in various locations around Europe. In this comprehensive summary, we will take a closer look at each of the stories in the collection and analyze their themes, characters, and literary techniques.
Overview of “The Prussian Officer and Other Stories”
“The Prussian Officer and Other Stories” is a collection of short stories written by D.H. Lawrence, published in 1914. The collection consists of eight stories, each exploring different themes and characters. The stories are set in various locations, including England, Germany, and Italy, and cover a range of topics such as love, power, and morality. Lawrence’s writing style is known for its vivid descriptions and psychological depth, and this collection is no exception. The stories in “The Prussian Officer and Other Stories” are considered some of Lawrence’s best work and have been praised for their exploration of human nature and the complexities of relationships.
The Thorn in the Flesh
“The Thorn in the Flesh” is a short story by D.H. Lawrence that explores the theme of power dynamics in relationships. The story follows a young woman named Elizabeth, who is married to a man named Thomas. Thomas is a successful businessman who is used to getting his way, and he often treats Elizabeth with condescension and disrespect. Despite this, Elizabeth remains devoted to her husband and tries to please him in every way she can.
One day, Thomas brings home a young woman named Louisa, who he has hired to work as a maid in their household. Louisa is beautiful and charming, and Thomas is immediately drawn to her. Elizabeth, on the other hand, is jealous and resentful of Louisa’s presence in their home. She feels like she is being replaced and that her husband no longer values her.
As the story progresses, the power dynamics between the three characters shift and change. Thomas becomes increasingly infatuated with Louisa, and Elizabeth becomes more and more desperate to win back his affection. Meanwhile, Louisa begins to realize the true nature of Thomas’s character and becomes disillusioned with him.
In the end, the story takes a dark turn as Elizabeth’s jealousy and desperation lead her to commit a violent act. “The Thorn in the Flesh” is a powerful exploration of the ways in which power can corrupt relationships and drive people to extremes. Lawrence’s vivid prose and complex characters make this story a compelling read for anyone interested in the darker side of human nature.
Daughters of the Vicar
Daughters of the Vicar is a short story by D.H. Lawrence that explores the lives of two sisters, Mary and Lettie, who are the daughters of a vicar. The story is set in a small English village and follows the sisters as they navigate their way through life and love.
Mary is the elder sister and is described as being plain and unremarkable. Lettie, on the other hand, is beautiful and vivacious. Despite their differences, the sisters are close and share a deep bond.
The story begins with the arrival of a new curate, Mr. Lindley. Lettie is immediately taken with him and begins to flirt with him shamelessly. Mary, however, is more reserved and cautious.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Mr. Lindley is not the man he appears to be. He is manipulative and cruel, and he takes advantage of Lettie’s infatuation with him. Mary, who has always been protective of her sister, tries to intervene, but it is too late.
Daughters of the Vicar is a poignant and thought-provoking story that explores themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. Lawrence’s writing is masterful, and he creates a vivid and compelling portrait of life in a small English village.
A Fragment of Stained Glass
In “The Prussian Officer and Other Stories,” D.H. Lawrence presents a collection of tales that explore the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of power dynamics. One of the most striking images in the book is that of a fragment of stained glass, which appears in the story “The Shades of Spring.” This fragment, which depicts a woman’s face, serves as a metaphor for the fragmented nature of human experience and the difficulty of achieving true understanding and connection with others. As the characters in Lawrence’s stories struggle to navigate the complexities of their relationships, the image of the stained glass fragment serves as a haunting reminder of the fragility and beauty of human connection.
Second Best
In the short story “Second Best,” D.H. Lawrence explores the theme of unrequited love and the pain it can cause. The protagonist, a young man named Jack, is deeply in love with his cousin Alice. However, Alice is engaged to another man, and Jack is left to suffer in silence.
Throughout the story, Lawrence portrays Jack’s inner turmoil and his struggle to come to terms with his feelings. He is torn between his desire for Alice and his sense of duty to his family. In the end, Jack realizes that he can never have Alice and decides to move on with his life.
Lawrence’s portrayal of unrequited love in “Second Best” is both poignant and realistic. He captures the intense emotions that come with loving someone who cannot love you back, and he shows how difficult it can be to let go of that love. Overall, “Second Best” is a powerful exploration of the human heart and the complexities of love.
The Shadow in the Rose Garden
In “The Shadow in the Rose Garden,” Lawrence explores the theme of repressed desire and the consequences of denying one’s true nature. The story follows a young woman named Louise who is engaged to a man named George. However, Louise is secretly in love with George’s brother, Arthur. When Arthur returns home from abroad, Louise’s repressed desires begin to surface, and she finds herself drawn to him despite her engagement to George. As the tension between Louise and Arthur builds, a shadowy figure appears in the rose garden, symbolizing the dark, repressed desires that threaten to consume them both. Lawrence’s masterful use of symbolism and psychological insight make “The Shadow in the Rose Garden” a haunting and unforgettable tale of forbidden love and the dangers of denying one’s true self.
Goose Fair
Goose Fair is a short story by D.H. Lawrence that explores the themes of class, power, and desire. The story is set in Nottingham during the annual Goose Fair, a popular event that attracts people from all over the region. The protagonist, a young soldier named Jack, is on leave from the army and decides to attend the fair with his girlfriend, Edith. As they wander through the crowds, they come across a group of working-class men who are playing a game of strength and skill. Jack is immediately drawn to their rough masculinity and decides to join in the game. However, his participation in the game leads to a confrontation with a Prussian officer, who is also attending the fair. The officer is offended by Jack’s behavior and challenges him to a duel. The rest of the story follows the tense and violent confrontation between the two men, which ultimately leads to tragedy. Through the character of Jack, Lawrence explores the complex dynamics of power and desire, and the destructive consequences of unchecked masculinity.
The White Stocking
“The White Stocking” is a short story by D.H. Lawrence that explores the themes of class, power, and sexuality. The story follows the relationship between a wealthy young woman, Laura, and her working-class lover, Leslie. Despite their differences in social status, the two are deeply in love and plan to marry. However, their relationship is threatened when Laura’s father discovers their affair and forbids them from seeing each other.
The title of the story, “The White Stocking,” refers to a symbolic object that represents Laura’s sexuality and her desire for Leslie. Throughout the story, the white stocking is described in detail, highlighting its sensuality and eroticism. The stocking becomes a symbol of Laura’s rebellion against her father’s authority and her desire to break free from the constraints of her upper-class upbringing.
As the story progresses, the tension between Laura and her father escalates, and she becomes increasingly desperate to be with Leslie. In a moment of passion, she sneaks out of her house to meet him, wearing only the white stocking. However, their reunion is short-lived, as they are caught by Laura’s father and separated once again.
“The White Stocking” is a powerful exploration of the complexities of love and desire, and the ways in which social class can impact relationships. Lawrence’s vivid descriptions and use of symbolism make this story a compelling read, and it remains a classic example of his literary style.
A Sick Collier
In “A Sick Collier,” Lawrence tells the story of a coal miner who falls ill and is unable to work. The collier’s wife and children struggle to make ends meet, and the man becomes increasingly despondent as he watches his family suffer. Despite his illness, the collier is determined to return to work as soon as possible, but his health continues to deteriorate. Lawrence uses this story to highlight the harsh realities of working-class life in early 20th century England, where illness and poverty were all too common.
The Christening
“The Christening” is a short story by D.H. Lawrence that explores the themes of class, tradition, and the struggle for individuality. The story follows the christening of a baby boy, the son of a wealthy landowner and his wife. The christening is a grand affair, with all the local aristocracy in attendance. However, the event takes a dark turn when the baby’s father, a proud and arrogant man, insists on naming the child after himself, despite the objections of his wife and the local priest. This act of selfishness and disregard for tradition sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to tragedy. Through this story, Lawrence highlights the dangers of unchecked pride and the importance of respecting tradition and community values.
Odour of Chrysanthemums
“Odour of Chrysanthemums” is a short story by D.H. Lawrence that explores the themes of death, isolation, and communication. The story is set in a mining community in England and follows the protagonist, Elizabeth Bates, as she waits for her husband, Walter, to return home from work. However, when Walter fails to return, Elizabeth begins to worry and sets out to find him. Along the way, she encounters a group of miners who have found Walter’s body, and she is forced to confront the reality of his death. The story is a powerful exploration of grief and the ways in which people cope with loss. Lawrence’s vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters’ emotions make “Odour of Chrysanthemums” a haunting and unforgettable read.
The Ladybird
“The Ladybird” is a short story by D.H. Lawrence that explores the themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal. The story follows a young couple, Lydia and Tom, who are deeply in love. However, their relationship is threatened when Lydia becomes jealous of a ladybird that Tom has taken a liking to. Lydia’s jealousy soon turns into obsession, and she becomes determined to get rid of the ladybird at any cost. As the story unfolds, we see the destructive power of jealousy and how it can ultimately lead to the downfall of a relationship. Lawrence’s vivid descriptions and powerful imagery make “The Ladybird” a haunting and unforgettable read.
The Captain’s Doll
“The Captain’s Doll” is a short story by D.H. Lawrence that explores the complexities of love and relationships. The story follows the protagonist, a young Englishman named Captain Alexander Hepburn, who falls in love with a German woman named Hannele. Despite the cultural and political tensions between their countries, the two embark on a passionate affair. However, their relationship is complicated by the presence of Hannele’s former lover, a Prussian officer named Loerke. As the story unfolds, Hepburn becomes increasingly jealous and possessive, leading to a tragic and unexpected conclusion. Through the character of Hepburn, Lawrence explores themes of masculinity, nationalism, and the destructive power of love. “The Captain’s Doll” is a haunting and thought-provoking story that continues to resonate with readers today.
The Fox
“The Fox” is a story that explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of societal norms on individual freedom. The story revolves around two women, Nellie and Jill, who live together on a farm in rural England. Nellie is a practical and hardworking woman, while Jill is more free-spirited and unconventional. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when a fox enters their lives, and they become obsessed with capturing it. As they pursue the fox, their relationship becomes strained, and they are forced to confront their own desires and fears. The story is a powerful commentary on the limitations of societal expectations and the importance of individual autonomy. Lawrence’s vivid descriptions and nuanced characterizations make “The Fox” a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Sun
In “The Prussian Officer and Other Stories” by D.H. Lawrence, the sun plays a significant role in several of the stories. In “The Prussian Officer,” the sun is described as “a great, red, angry eye” that seems to be watching the brutal actions of the Prussian officer towards his servant. The sun’s intensity and heat seem to mirror the officer’s own violent and oppressive nature.
Similarly, in “The Shades of Spring,” the sun is described as “a great, golden disc” that shines down on the characters as they struggle with their own desires and emotions. The warmth of the sun seems to offer a sense of hope and renewal, but also a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and love.
Overall, the sun serves as a powerful symbol in Lawrence’s stories, representing both the beauty and brutality of the natural world, as well as the complex and often conflicting emotions of his characters.
The Woman who Rode Away
“The Woman who Rode Away” is a short story written by D.H. Lawrence that explores the theme of cultural clash. The story is set in Mexico, where a young woman named Gracie decides to leave her husband and ride away with a group of Native Americans. The story is a powerful commentary on the clash between Western and Native American cultures, and the consequences of such clashes. Lawrence’s writing is vivid and evocative, and he captures the beauty and brutality of the Mexican landscape with great skill. Overall, “The Woman who Rode Away” is a haunting and thought-provoking story that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it.
The Rocking-Horse Winner
“The Rocking-Horse Winner” is a haunting tale of a young boy named Paul who becomes obsessed with winning money for his family. His mother, who is consumed by her desire for wealth and status, constantly complains about their lack of money and the family’s inability to keep up with their wealthy neighbors. Paul, desperate to please his mother, discovers that he has a unique ability to predict the winners of horse races. He becomes fixated on using this skill to win money for his family, riding his rocking-horse furiously until he reaches a state of trance-like concentration. Despite his success in winning large sums of money, Paul’s mother remains unsatisfied and continues to demand more. The story ultimately ends in tragedy, as Paul’s obsession with winning ultimately leads to his demise. Lawrence’s use of symbolism and psychological depth make “The Rocking-Horse Winner” a powerful and thought-provoking read.
The Lovely Lady
In “The Prussian Officer and Other Stories” by D.H. Lawrence, the section titled “The Lovely Lady” explores the theme of societal expectations and the consequences of not conforming to them. The story follows a young woman named Constance who is expected to marry a wealthy man and live a comfortable life. However, Constance falls in love with a man who is not of her social class and is forced to choose between her heart and her duty to her family. The story highlights the struggles of women in a patriarchal society and the pressure to conform to societal norms. Lawrence’s vivid descriptions and character development make “The Lovely Lady” a compelling read that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.