D. H. Lawrence’s Feminine Consciousness in “The Horse Dealer’s Daughterâ€

Abstract

This essay is aimed at analyzing the subject matter of D. H. Laurence’s short story “The Horse Dealer’s Daughter†from three aspects, namely the discourse exchange, linguistic depiction of the characters, and Mabel’s unusual relationship with Dr. Fergusson. Based on the above analysis, the essay is intending to reveal the D. H. Laurence’s feminine consciousness and deep concern for women who were perceived as inferior to men in that special social period. Moreover, D. H. Laurence’s real purpose in constructing the seemingly simple and absurd love story which occurred all of a sudden between the country doctor and Mable is to be dug. As the forerunner of the Feminism, D. H. Laurence’s literary attention is paid closely to those who are considered to be subordinates—women and he goes to great length in protecting them by depicting various female roles and their contradiction with men so as to arouse societal awareness of women’s social status.