D.H. Lawrence's The Rainbow

602 Words2 Pages

D.H. Lawrence's The Rainbow

D.H. Lawrence uses varied ways to express Ursula's feelings and

experience through the passage. Each of the techniques he uses, create

a different impact on the reader, all expressing Ursula's thought and

feelings.

One of the most obvious things about the writing in this passage is

the overwhelming use of military language. Lawrence repeats the ideas

that he establishes at the beginning of the passage many times through

out the main body of the writing.

The first is describing the children filing into their desks. "Filling

the ranks of desks" Lawrence uses the imagery of the desks being in

ranks, to begin the repetition of military language.

The next and one of the most repeated ideas is of the children being

an enemy.

"Block of children"

Lawrence repeats this idea, to enforce the idea of the children being

the enemy, a wall and an impenetrable force. The term 'block' creates

very strong imagery of the children being a large faceless meaningless

mass, which she cannot and does not want to be part of. Ursula feels

threatened by the children and Lawrence calling them a block makes

them seem even more intimidating.

Lawrence also uses military language when talking about the first

appearance of

Mr. Brunt. "Rapid firing" Lawrence uses this to describe Mr. Brunt

asking questions as he approaches Ursula. This expression makes him

sound very intimidating, and gives the image of his questions being as

ruthless and harsh as gun fire.

Other words Lawrence uses to describe the children, their actions

towards Ursula and the way they make her feel are: "Hostile" "Torture"

"Blades" "Suffering" "Squadron" "Ghastly"

All these words enhance the feeling of despair, and pain, they are all

uncomfortable words, and create powerful images of pain. Some of these

words are also linked to military ideas, and again create the image of

the children being an enemy.

The majority of Lawrence's sentences within this passage are short and

abrupt. This increase the tension and therefore creates and sense of

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